Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv is very well known for a high level of security. One security technique widely and openly used is racial profiling. Little did I realize one race that would be profiled would be a 6′ white American with a bunch of stamps in his passport wearing khakis and a wrinkled sport coat… ME! I was definitely surprised with the amount of scrutiny I received, trying to leave Israel. Maybe I am just naive about these things.
What I have since been told by friends and colleagues is that, in certain instances, Americans, it may be assumed, are travelling in Israel to support Palestinian causes. I mean, yes, I considered spending my time in Israel getting involved in some shady, underground activities in order to insert myself into the middle of a 1000+ year old conflict, but I opted for some light sightseeing and good meals instead.
Before I could check in for my flight, my passport was inspected by 2 security guards, who asked me a series of questions with regard to my luggage, my current travel plans and essentially all previous trips I have ever taken, only a portion of which I can recall clearly. The 2 guards then asked me to stay put. They went and found their superior who came over asked me several specific questions about my travels to Dubai. Finally, I was allowed to pass only to the face the real security.
My luggage was tagged with a stickers that each had a series of numbers on them. The first number in the series (mine was 5) indicated which security screening line to the enter. After the normal removal of pocket contents and passing through a metal detector, I was asked, for what would be the first of several times: “What time does your flight depart”
Several different security guards and their supervisors, proceed to unpack and test the entire contents of my luggage with explosive detecting devices and other insturments I had never seen before. Even my dirty clothes were inspected. After that my entire camera bag and laptop went through the same routine. It was then requested that I turn on my laptop and start a program. I opened an Excel document and that was met with blank stares after which the guards conferred with each other.
Security took their sweet ass time through out this process. Again, asking me several times when my flight left, almost to be sure to use each available minute to intimidate me. Finally I was cleared to pass, but first had to re-pack my bags, as my belongings were strewn across a long metal table.
Boarding was under way when I reached the gate.
This was my first trip to Tel Aviv and I am assuming nobody gets the benefit of the doubt when it comes to security. Nor do I think I deserved it, but my patience wore thin during this ordeal. Mainly because I missed the opportunity to stroll around the airport and visit a lounge or 2.
Feel free to share your experiences & opinions in the comments
