The El Al security checkers abroad are apparently trained to treat anyone who doesn’t come under the category of Jewish (or Christian Zionist) tourist with extreme suspicion. This is the conclusion to be drawn from the treatment meted out to 32-year-old Rebecca and her partner Rafiq, 34, who flew from New York to Tel Aviv on December 23.
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The way ElAl checks people that don't fit the classical category is stupid and mad. The questioning is the worst. The undressing --- is it really the only way to make sure that the person is not a suicide bomber? For long I thought it had to be like this. Now I think it is part of the national concensus and rings of paranoia of Otherness.
but they will fail ... hehehe
9/11 would NOT have happened if the planes had emanated from an Israeli airport......ENOUGH SAID..........well done Israel !!!
Im still amazed that people still believe that 2 planes that hit NYC destroyed THREE Buildings!!! Now come the hell on! You have got to be the dumbest person on the planet. Oh wait you trust the media and news stations like harretz. 9/11 was an inside job done by the Global elites, aka their agenda NWO.
on leaving Israel after our first and last visit my afro carabean wife and her anglo saxon husband(ME) were made to wait until every other passenger was given a boarding card before we were allowed to check in, the result was she was at the rear of the aircraft I was at the front, Security concerns were given as the reason plus we had Australian passports,rank racism
My family, Jewish ashkenazim, decided many years ago not to fly el al. The arrogance and rudeness of the ground and air crew more than cancel out any safety factor. Price is also important. British Air, Air Canada, or other western airline, even with stop-overs and transfers mid way, is acceptable.
Jews and non-Jews must understand that security is Israel's first concern whether you are a Jew or not. Depending on what you are coming to Israel for security may tighten and complaining will not soften our so needed stance.
that is the root cause of antisemitism and antizionism.
No, the cause is because we don't believe in Jesus.
Everywhere in trhe wold there is checking for securitty even in the usa somethjimes even röntgen the pasanger if is suspected of carriing explosive and I think it is right to do so..beter be sure that not hapen any act of violence
surprised that so many israelis are coming to ciprus to get maried there thausends is it cheaper?? could not understand it why
distortions and propaganda.
and no terror on El Al is wonderful!
Israel is safe because they do not have the constrictions of "civil rights". Obviously, this American woman was giving off bizarre vibes which security picked up on. She may very well have been an advanced checker of airline security to check out various responses to subtle body gestures. Terrorists could then send someone through using the same mannerisms which were not challenged.
When I asked them how this related to security they told me to do it or I would not be allowed to board the plane. I felt humiliated, and I felt like they were humiliating my family and my friends - it;s none of their business which one is a Jew or not!
They do it because they can! Too much testosterone ...
Yes, and Jews too. Depends on the mishigas in the security person's head, how much sleep he got the night before and the flack in his personal life!
One always has a choice. So if you don't like them, fly with other airlines.
Welcome to the everyday world of the everyday Palestinian!!! Learn from it and tell others.
Officers did good job. I thank GOD for them.
People should know that El Al is a jewish g-d´s chosen airline.
In fact, it is Gods choosen so, you better stay away from it Achmed!
This is NOT the way to treat people!! Have common sense and honesty both been forgotten?
This is israeli way of demcracy!
I am a white male and my father fought in the 1948 War of Independance. I remember during my 2nd visit to Israel in 1971 before boarding a plane to fly back to NY, they had separate lines for males and females. I was 16 and I went in to a security room and I had to pretty strip down. The security guy even checked the insides of my shoes. I remember that he freaked out when he saw that I had 2 cans of hot peppers that I wanted to take back home. The guy was going apes$@## over it. I was supposed to get the cans x-rayed before boarding the flight. During the process, Security wound up keeping my wallet with all my cash and I had to fly home with 10 cents, I guess they forgot to give me back my wallet. As a kid, I was freaked out by the entire procedure, so I didn't notice my wallet was gone until I boarded my flight. I didn't even have money for headphones to watch the movie on the flight back home. Fast forward to today. They now do full body scans electronically and you can't hide anything but they still love hassling people. I need to recite half of what I learned in cheyder in order to board a flight. They once grabbed my tablet at LAX, they said that it did not pass the chemical test. It arrived by courier the following day. El Al seem to still be taking a 1970's approach to security. They don't trust any of the new technology. At least I'm not the only one that feels offended.
No problem asking if you speak Hebrew, I do and they only speak to me in English and I am in the citizen's line. Profiling works:)
This type of secuirty check is humiliating, inexcusable and disgraceful given all the sophisticated technology available. i once underwent an experience like this when I was 16 during a visit to Israel and still remember the deep sense of humiliation.I am now 58. Taking the laptop and I pad and not returning them is unnacceptable by any standard. Security cannot be an excuse for gross incompetence.
its the polish jewish way...remember white is right
Sometimes, innocent people have to pay a price to keep others safe. I am sorry this couple suffered as they did, I hope they can find it in their hearts to forgive and understand the consequences of living under "siege ". I hope they return to Israel and don't hold their anger towards Jews and Israel. We can be a very burnt out tribe.
This is hardly an isolated incident. We blindly allow the abuse of legitimate "security needs to " to justify excessive and unnecessary practices. In the process, we are not only dehumanizing the victims, but ourselves. Don't believe me? Ask the "security personnel" who delight in reviewing the videos of such strip searches --for security-training purposes only, of course.. ..
You seem to know your stuff...Personal experience, may be?
is no problem in Israel , and is a problem only if it happens to you or your loved ones .
this is what should be called the khazar democracy :)
Have you bothered to look at the photo?
And your point is...?
Exactly. Those who don't like El Al's security procedures are free to fly on another airline. Those who think El Al engages in "profiling"? Of course they do. Again, those who don't like it can fly elsewhere. Personally, I would rather I arrive at my destination safely and that terrorists NOT be allowed to get on the same plane with me. There will NEVER be a "9/11" type incident, or any other, involving an El Al aircraft and their security procedures and "profiling" techniques are the reasons why.
Allof them failed due to rigorous security screenings. And how does your example of Luftwaffe fit into the picture ? Must be an attempt at humor but it is not relevant and not funny.
This is s terrible story that should serve as a warning. NEVER fly El Al unless you can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that no one in your family as far back as you can remember isn't Jewish. If you can prove that be sure that you know every Jewish holiday in detail. Don't forget anything. Better yet don't go to Israel.
As though Israeli security personnel did not know the full details of this couple's activities. The whole lesson of this episode was to punish them for working for peace not in accord with Israel's misguided interests. Other Jewish peace activists, prominent Jewish scholars such as Norman Finkelstein and Noam Chomsky have bee banned from Israel because of their views. Following "Cast Lead," Erdogan told Peres that Israel knows how to kill. Israel proved Erdogan's allegation by wantonly killing Turkish and an American peace activists on the Mavi Marmara. Israel may fail to acknowledge its crimes but the effects of those crimes are factors in turning world opinion against Israel. Israel never misses an opportunity to shoot herself in the foot.
You really have no clue, do you? It is obvious that you cannot think for yourself and get all of your new and information from Al Jazeerah.
That is why Israel shall survive whilst the nations of Europe will fall by the wayside. t
I am a proud Israeli but I can't figure out why do Security checks performed at Ben-Gurion airport and El Al flights must be so demeaning. We have the technology and together with proper interrogating guidelines we should be able to avoid all this nonsense. Friends of mine(not Israelis) have complained about a similar treatment. This is a stain on Israel's reputation, as if we needed more haters in the world. We can fix this.
After exiting the country at Ben Gurion , the passport control lady was so unfriendly. I made the mistake and asked her to smole. Her answer was " I do not have to smile". I answered " It is claer that nobody cares to train you". Someone needs to teach this lady proper human relations and etiquette.
I had my hard drive confiscated at BG a number of years ago probably because I did some work for Greenpeace. Someone at the airport told me that they copy the entire hard drive and use the information for intelligence gathering. I am a film and TV producer so they did not get anything useful I presume.
We travel to Israel every year B'H ..The security in the States is more unreasonable that that in Israel!!! Other tines it is nonexistant! I'm proud of Israel keeping it's people safe, even if it is an inconvenience to some! Would the complainers prefer that they left murderers sneak in? -- I have been stopped because my name sounds Arab. That's fine! Their logic is understandable!!!!
Yes, "Leila" IS of Arab origin. My mother has a friend who also is a "Leila" and who is very Jewish. They've been to Israel a number of times and NEVER had a problem. I agree with you. Personally, I'd rather arrive at my destination (and return, as well) safely and without incident. I would NOT want terrorists or others out to harm me or my people onto the same plane as me. El Al's security procedures are precisely why there has never been a successful hijacking or terrorist incident involving an El Al aircraft.
I never fly EL AL i did join the EL AL club at one time after going thru the horrid encounter with them in the airport departing and arriving,never again.The service is bad the staff are rude,like the Israeli gov out of touch with the real world
You lie.
Shown at Kivi TV documentary "Border Control" . With ever present threat of terrorism EL Al's conduct is above reproach
There is absolutely nothing good about ELAL. Their people, planes, sub standard entertainment on their planes and their attitudes. Have been flying US Air to and from the US every month for the last 3 years and never been happier! Incidentally, I am originally from Canada, went to a Jewish school for my whole education, made Aliyah, have an israeli passport yet I was also put through the ringer by ELAL security...
I think that if you re-read your comments you may realize how silly they are. Don't like a particular airline? don't use them - what is the point of your comment in relation to this piece?
Read the comment Harel, read it properly....ELAL security, was the case in point....What part of that don't you understand...?
Why does Israel insist on making a bad name for itself? This treatment of passengers had no justification and went beyond what was necessary to determine whether they were security risks.
They wanted to do something illegal (as confirmed by the UN), so why should they even think of compensation. In my opinion they should pay everything connected with this stupid flotillia. If you want to help the people of Gaza send the goods thru El-Arish (Egypt)! But I doubt the passengers had any intent of helping Gaza, they only want to create havoc - and thats what they got !
In fact, the IDF DID steal the aid. What was the point of the IDF stealing credit cards and computers? Were the passengers going to hit the troops with their hard drives?
So the IDF steal? And the arabs are good, sweet, fair people who share ... That's why hamas hamulot eat while the others starve, and go without. Why most of the aid is divided by hamas under its auspices. GROW UP!
I am an Australian Jew and have had an interesting time going through customs and thank Israel every time that they are so thorough. Despite the hassle I feel safe and Amria Hass is such an anti-semite I am surprised she is writing for an Israel newspaper.
it seems you have nottead the articel properly or do not undersand it
They are going to get their iPad and computer replaced. Everything else they experienced was necessary and proper. Bunch of crybabies.
Being strip searched is incredibly humiliating. Then to have your belongings taken without permission... If (God forbid) it happens to you I am sure you will feel pretty low.
At Ben Gurion immigration people ask you smart questions and are friendly. These people are good at profiling. When leaving Israel there is no profiling, just endless harassment of foreigners. These foreigners will take some kind of impression home about the country. One may not care about the image of Israel abroad -such as the prime minister who alienates his closest friends in the world- but as a small country in particular one does rely on others in this world. Israel does deserve (moral-) support of the west, so please stop behaving like the special kid in the class who needs all attention. Yes, a JEWISH kid, congratulations with having a religion like >80% of the world.
I commend Haaretz for bringing this up, but I question that they only consider this a worthy news story when it's Jews that are held under suspicion. This type of thing occurs ALL THE TIME!! I am not Jewish, and have been traveling to Israel every few years since I was in my teens. I have been stripped searched and questioned extensively and sometimes quite rudely every time I've gone through Ben Gurion. Funny how in Israel, even with a left-leaning publication like Haaretz, systemic racism and discrimination is not recognized until it happens to Jews.
This "humanitarian" belongs to a quasi-political organization. Both of them were clumsy in their answers at security. That's the way it goes. Try getting on a plane in the U.S. in the same situation. Enough with the bleeding hearts who are more interested in avoiding "humiliation" of foreigners. If yo have not noticed, there is a war against Israel.
Israels problems are all self generated stemming from continued occupation of someone elses land and illegal settlement of same. Israel has a choice whether it is at war or not. It chooses to be. Don't whine or look for sympathy.
You say you know but, quite obviously, you don't know. Israel is occupying the land that the Jews have been in for over 3,000 years. It is the land of Israel. You are either ignorant of the land's history or you are an anti-semite. It's your choice.
this notion about the land belongs to the Jews.....what about the Palestinians and Christians? what about that history? you're either ignorant or a racist. get with the times.
I have been flying in the US for many years and have never been subjected to anything like this couple experienced. I have yet to see anyone in line, even those with head coverings, pulled out for a "special interrogation." What happened to this couple shows Israel's true colors and they aren't blue and white. They are black.
If there was no war before the occupation, how did it happen? If Israel was welcome and accepted, why were they attacked? If Gaza was left on its own, why are they sending rockets? What is it you are thinking?
Do you represent the same profile in the US as these two represented for Israel? How can you make such a leap? Are you saying the no one is being pulled for special interviews before flying in the US? do you read papers?
why hundredthausands of palestinians where deported from their homes prior to 1948 . And than you are asking iof welkcome anbd accept?
Yes. If he would have just answered the questions, as "humiliating" or "offensive" as he considered them to be, there would have been no issue. Those questions are asked for good reason, NOT just to intimidate, harass or to derive any thrill from. Don't like it, people are free to fly with another airline.
No, you DON'T. WHAT "occupation"?
was first codified because I and Christian, and I (claim) I had ancesntors who once lived there?
"Antisemite" is an insult that is just about worn out...
And what of the Jews deported from arab lands? Those who were lucky were deported, without their possessions. Many were jailed, tortured, murdered because they were Jews. And in the 1930's Jews in palestine were massacared, Jewish settlements and buses were attacked., You lost, get over it and build your life elsewhere. That's what millions have done after wars.
This is Israel
If I saw a title like that I would be suspicious too. We all know what kind of tolerance Koran inspires.
I stopped flying El Al a long time ago...
Good. Who needs you? Have fun flying with terrorists. Me, I'd rather not have that worry. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to complain about.
Israel doesn't need Hasbara it needs common sense. Treat people like terrorists because they don't fit the story in the el al playbook and you will have created hatred for the Jewish state. Shame on you
Do you realize how bigoted your statement is? If a Honduran citizen misbehaves in a bar, should we eliminate Honduras from the face of the earth? and if French policemen use excessive force, should France be nuked? Ever read Mein Kampf? that was the madman's logic - he had been swindled by a Jew. Rings a bell?
keeping Israel safe is the most important thing, if you do not know the basics about being Jewish you can not be in Israel, that is the truth! good for El Al
So, you want all the Christian tourists to stop going to Israel? That'll help the economy.
Why isn't Melissa focused on 60,000 dead Syrians. Eerily silent about that, Melissa. Where's your democracy for ALL ??
I was brought up in a secular home by parents whose Jewish background goes back for generations. Yet I do not know most of the holidays and for what they stand. Is it now a requirement to get through El Al screening that all Jews know every last detail about the large number of Jewish holidays? I guess so and that is why I would never, ever fly El Al nor go again to Israel.
We're all better off without your visit. Continue to show your humanism - how?
Now, Is Syria claiming to be a first-world democracy? Is she a 4th Geneva Convention signatory? BTW-- My husband and I were zionist activists BEFORE we visited Israel. The backwards racism is JUST like Alabama in the '30s.
That shows you how useful TAHT test is!
Many Western leaders have even asked Assad to step down. Nobody has asked Netanyahu to step down, while extreme right politics of Israeli governments are being ctitizised. Occupation and settlements are considered a breach of international law.
This is such a tired angle - trying to show how awful Israel is to non stereo typical Jews. What happened to equality - as in, you shouldn't humiliate anyone. This just proves HaaretZ is as Jew obsessed as right wing papers.
This is so disgusting. I wonder if they will be compensated for the theft by the El Al security. When will something be done about this sort of behavior
Went through similar - though lighter check - when I was doing Alyah...
didn't stand up in the first place
That means so many things, and most of them aren't very good.
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