Meet Justice

DAY 40 - Israel

As westerners in a post-911 world, we all familiar, these days, with security. Long lines at the airport, metal detectors in buildings, code orange alerts, Homeland defense, and endless news reports are no longer unusual to us. But thankfully, security in the US is still an option. Most months and even years pass by without incident. Most of our security is precautionary- the preparation for another potential dark day.

In Israel, security is another matter altogether. It is a necessity. And although the reality is that most Israeli’s (and visitors like us) live in relative safety (contrary to the way it looks on CNN, most instability is contained to the small block of the Gaza strip), that safety comes because of an amazing security system that has been set in place. Some incredibly talented people work in large numbers to provide superior intelligence and screening across the country. Without much debate, the intensity and thoroughness of Israeli security is second to none in the world.

And if this sounds at all like hype, I can now write from personal experience that it’s not. Saturday morning, after our failed attempt to cross into Jordan via land (see the previous blog) we arrived at the airport 3 hours ahead of our scheduled flight- just to make certain there would be no issues with making the trip this time. We rolled up to the screening line and immediately were converged on by several security agents. The questions started piling on- rapid fire- but we had nothing to hide, and it was somewhat humorous all the different angles they can try to find something to talk about. Finally we made it to x-ray screening.

It’s not unusual to have our bags searched. Dan and I travel with all kinds of cables, electronic gear and batteries that look slightly suspicious in shades of green and red of a computer x-ray. What IS unusual, however, is what happened next.

While Dan made it through in about 20 minutes and was sipping strawberry smoothies in the departure lounge, my camera and I got the grilling. Although, they were very professional about it, before I knew it my camera was nowhere to be seen. It was taken to a “backroom” to undergo “farther screening.” That’s ok. I can be a patient guy. And in this circumstance, there seemed no other choice but to roll with it.

Well, after the hour and a half, I was becoming a much less patient guy. Boarding time for our flight was approaching, and the supervisor of security finally approached me with some news; “Sir, we are unable to release your camera to fly with you…” Excuse me? You’re unable to release my camera? “Yes sir, we are unable at this time to do the tests necessary to verify your camera is secure to fly. We will have to send it on a later flight.”

Wow, well, that presents a problem. I have two connecting flights ahead and 12 hours of traveling all night to get to a little island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Oh, yeah and all those connecting flights- well, they’re based out of Arab countries. And that, we find out, is a problem when you’re flying out of Israel. Quite simply, there are no direct flights.

Let the debate begin. I put up my best fight, but really, I should have saved my breath. Argue as I might (the head director of security operations and I got to know each other pretty well) they would not budge. Apparently my Sony high-definition camera could be a bomb. And that, in Israel, leaves no room for negotiation.

So with 5 minutes left before my flight leaves, I cash out and head for the gate- special security escort and all -just in case I try to set off the bomb mind you. Our friend Russ inherits the task of trying to ship the camera via FedEx to our next destination. Unfortunately, we later learn that will become impossible because it is Jewish Sabbath and no shipping centers are open. So the “bomb” now gets passed off to Delta for shipment back to Atlanta.

Six days later we sit in Madagascar with no video camera. It’s not been a very pleasant time for me. It’s hard to be a painter with no brushes or paint. The camera has finally made it’s way to Atlanta via Delta and is now in process of making an expensive express flight over to South Africa.

Needless to say, we’ve been a bit more scattered then usual this past week. Forgive us for not being as timely in our updates as normal. With the adjustments in travel plans and corresponding financial hurdles the camera scenario has presented, we’re also working on raising some additional funds to help cover the extra expenses (we’ve currently had to lay out about $1100 for tickets, shipping, and replacement camera rental). Thanks for your patience and support as we move forward into mainland Africa.

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