Wow, I knew that security would be tight here but it still takes you aback when you see so much of it. To people here, it’s obviously a way of life. But I was stopped by security right after getting off the plane and asked a bunch of questions, then grilled by the passport control agent. But when I entered the prime shopping mall, the Dizenghoff Center, each entrance had a guard going through people’s bags and waving a wand on everyone. He asked me if I had a weapon on me. It’s amazing the freedoms we take for granted in the USA and so easy to criticize others who live with uncertainty every day.
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That is so true, Michael!
I was “warned” by my family about the security I might have to go through when arriving in Tel Aviv. But what is impressive about their security is that they are paying more attn. to your eyes and body language than the words you're saying. I get the impression that they'll know something is fishy if something is wrong. As opposed to the US's Homeland Security… No offense to them, but when I see them hanging around texting or laughing it up with their co-workers, I do not feel any safer with them around.
You're so right. I got asked questions that I couldn't answer, like what the name of the street I'm staying on in Jerusalem. He could tell by the way I answered that he didn't have to grill me more on it. We need to take lessons from them. I read an article about how Israeli security laughs at us spending all those millions on those airport body scanners that will mean nothing, except more inconvenience and rights being violated. Not to mention the TSA will get their kicks looking at us virtually strip searched. All in the name of political correctness.
On a different subject, great photos Michael. Really like the Hong Kong ones. Can we get one of you in a kippah?!
Failing a kippah photo, can you Fedex me a sheep and fridge?
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20101115/video/vod-israeli-tv-shop-gives-away-free-shee-dfc7e2c.html
I'll pay for all costs. Including the mint sauce. Thanks.
Owen, I'll do my best. If not, I can always dig up an old bar mitzvah photo for you! That's hysterical about the sheep. I'm going to Tiberias on Wednesday so I'll see what I can work out. Know anyone who can knit a wool sweater for Isabel?
Wow – that's intense!