Just Back from my first trip to Israel - comparison 1

[garthranzz]

I spent the past 10 days going to, touring and coming back from Israel for the first time. I won't even try to describe the experience, but I'll just say it made a deep impression on me.

For now, I would like to make just one observation: Israel's airport security is designed to provide security. America's airport security is designed to intimidate and inconvenience. At Israeli security, I did meet one semi-rude, or quarter-rude, inspector, out of the many I had to deal with. Even so, to a woman, and a man, they were polite and efficient. When my wife and I approached the first 'inspector,' she asked us a few questions and passed us and our luggage on to the next stage. But I suspect she already knew quite a lot about us before we got to her, and the questions themselves were only part of the 'game' - body language was the rest. When one of my bags raised an alarm (some jewelry was under too many layers), the exam for it was earnest, but perfunctory - they already knew who we were.

Yes, there was profiling. Another couple in our group were 'grilled,' politely they said, but it was clear they set off signals. (I won't go into why here.)

We didn't have to take off our shoes (hats and jackets of course).

Coming back to America, the process seemed inefficient and, again, meant to intimidate or inconvenience. The workers were polite. Although, as we had to go through security for our domestic flight (after getting through customs), one person did cut in front of me and rush through security. Hmmmm. And an old woman, probably a Holocaust survivor, became nearly hysterical when they wouldn't let her take her medicated shampoo with her - though she was allowed to bring it out of Israel.

America as a whole takes security seriously, and the TSA folk are generally polite and trying to do their job. But the subtle things, and the not-so-subtle like profiling, gave me more confidence in the Israelis. They just didn't use security issues as a political weapon or P.R. tool.

[MissWaverly]

1. how many went to jail over the shampoo plot

I don't remember any convictions, why are we still doing this? Poor old lady having her shampoo tossed out.

[Yael]

2. I go back every year

I have been saying for many years now that the Israeli's make Thousands Standing Around look like the Keystone Kops.

Interesting that you noted that you felt calmer and safer. I have also been saying that but I don't think people understand. The impression most people have is that being profiled by the Ben Gurion security teams would be nerve wracking and scary, but it is anything but. They give you a real sense of security in that they are calm, not over the deep end with stupidity like shampoo and toothpaste.

I just spent May over there. Thanks for your trip and supporting the economies of the Israelis and Palestinians!!!

:hi:

[Poll_Blind]

3. "...didn't use security issues as a political weapon or P.R. tool."

Israeli Police at Check point. (one of hundreds)

  Let me guess...you're not an arab right?

PB

[Disturbed]

4. When you can spare the time could you post more about

Israel & put up some photos. I have never been there although I have seen some movies from Israel.

[garthranzz]

5. Sometimes....

I was making a comparison between Israeli airport security and American airport security. I wasn't talking about security checkpoints.

On topic 1, AIRPORT SECURITY - profiling (which includes questions, body language analysis and I'm sure computer background checks), as well as scanning, etc. is more effective and imho and experience, less humiliating.

(I don't want this to turn into the usual nyah-nyah. But, since you're posting links, try this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETrjbPWxyS8&mode=related&search=
or this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv3dvYhFk_Y&NR=1
etc

(And Yael, I'm not supporting the Palestinian economy.)

[YellowRubberDuckie]

6. Israel has the most secure airports and flights in the world...

We could learn a few things from them. Yes, they profile, but when was the last time you heard about them getting hijacked or flown into something?
Duckie