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Posted By Annie Lowrey
Thursday, January 7, 2010 - 11:43 AM
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A few years ago, the summer of the Lebanon War, I traveled to Israel. I flew back through Ben Gurion, as pristine, clean, empty, and beautiful an airport as I've ever been in. There were no lines anywhere and sightlines everywhere, giving it a bit of a Bentham's Panopticon milieu. Indeed, before you step into the airport, you've already been scrutinized by Israeli security agents monitoring all approaching automobiles and entry doors.
Once inside, a team of pleasant airport employees approached me and asked if we could speak for a few minutes. We moved to a table in a gated section. This was the famed Israeli airport security screening. The guards, all neatly dressed and young -- most, apparently, are just out of the IDF -- spoke perfect English. They questioned me for about 20 minutes, politely and intensely -- why I was there, what I had seen, where had I been, who had I met with, where I had stayed. They repeated questions. They took notes. They switched off. One member went through my bag item by item, swabbing and testing for residue. Finally, she led me through a set of doors, and wished me a good flight.
No shoe removal. No lines. No cramped corners. No underpaid, overworked security guards snapping gum. The screening happened with several professional, calm, and unrushed guards standing on the other side of a table from one passenger. Here in the States, it is an angry line of passengers wending before one security agent, often with eyes glued to the bag-screening monitor or a driver's license. The former feels like scrutiny, the latter feels like a hassle.
By every available metric, Israel's system works better at preventing violent attacks. The country, under constant terrorist threat, hasn't faced a hijacking incident since 1969. A plane leaving Ben Gurion, the airport through which I traveled, never has. The latest deadly security incidents have involved attacks within airports, rather than from planes.
And it works, Israelis say, because it relies on the so-called "human factor." Israel attempts to stop dangerous people before they come anywhere close to an airliner, profiling to assess each individual's risk, whether due to conflicting answers to her questions or the color of his skin. They're taught to stare people straight in the eyes. Additionally, I should note, Israel places armed, plainclothes guards on every flight.
The U.S. guards attempt to find and confiscate dangerous things. Thus, the country spends much less time per person than Israel does, focusing instead on substances and stuff -- hand luggage, bottles of formula, and, idiotically, shoes. (Damn you, Richard Reid.)
Israel values its security, and pays for it. According to an analysis by Bloomberg News, Israel spends around 10 times more per passenger than the United States does. "[An analyst] estimated El Al's security bill at $100 million a year, which amounts to $76.92 per trip by its 1.3 million passengers. Half is paid by the Israeli government," Peter Robison wrote. The United States, in comparison, spent in 2008 $5.74 billion to monitor and protect 735,297,000 enplanements, or around $7.80 a passenger.
To be fair, this compares per-passenger costs for El Al, Israel's national carrier, to the costs for the TSA, the U.S. agency responsible for air safety. Ideally, we'd want to compare the airport security costs for Shin Bet, a Israeli security agency. (I couldn't find Shin Bet's budget -- if anyone has the relevant data, throw it in comments and we'll compare apples with apples.) Still, multiple reports confirm Israel spends far more than the United States does.
In the wake of the Pants Bomber incident, the TSA and Department of Homeland Security have promised to review and beef up security measures. What would it be like if they held themselves to Israel's standards?
Well, for one, the United States would need a whole lot more security guards -- at least according to my back-of-the-envelope math. Say each passenger flying through a U.S. airport received on average 10 minutes of questioning from one guard. That would work out to 7.35 billion minutes, or 123 million hours, of work annually. We'd need 3 million full-time guards to perform it. That's 200,000 more people than the total number of active and reserve military personnel, and twice the number of U.S. Wal-Mart employees. It would cost somewhere north of $150 billion a year. Sheesh.
Working the math out another way, let's say that the U.S. decided to spend as much per passenger as Israel does, according to the Bloomberg analysis. We'd then pour around $62.2 billion a year into airport security -- more than 10 times what we currently spend on airport security, and about as much as we spent fighting the war in Afghanistan last year.
Now, of course, I presume that the government wouldn't be footing the whole bill. It costs more to fly into Israel than it does into other places, as airlines shift the price of security onto passengers. Let's say the United States wanted to spend a moderate $25 more on security per passenger per year, transferring the cost into the ticket price with a tax. (There's precedent -- the United States did just this after 9/11.) That would raise $18 billion a year -- and, presuming the same number of enplanements, it would be enough to pay for about 71 seconds of analysis of each passenger by a TSA guard.
Would I pay an additional $25 for 71 seconds of personal analysis? Maybe. But then again, maybe I'd rather go through one of these -- which seems to be where the TSA is spending its dollars.
Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images
Comparing the itsy bitsy country of Israel with fewer than 8 million residents and just one international airport and no qualms about racism or bigotry, with the United States is RIDICULOUS and really scary. Especially for activists (and any dark skinned people out there) who might be considered "of interest." Annie thinks Ben Gurion was "pleasant" because her motives were apparently not suspect and she was not subject to extensive interrogation or humiliating strip searches or infuriating detention with no explanation. Israeli-style profiling is not the way to go for a country that believes in personal freedoms and civil liberties.
Agreed. Why don't we also build a wall, Israel-style. Let's also introduce U.S. citizen-only highways, Israeli-style.
Israel has worked hard to make as many enemies in the world as is possibly can. Instead of looking at the root cause of why people are willing to blow themselves (and others) up in an airplane we focus on combating the symptoms. This is an arms race we will all lose. Long live American paranoia!
The only racism I see is from Chim
The only racism I see is from Chim, and his hateful comments. Chim's racist attitude toward Israel is obviously exceeded by extreme ignorance of Israel. I suppose one can be forgiven for thinking Israel only has 1 international airport being the small country that it is.
If Israel was to make dark skin suspect then most of Israel would be scrutinising themselves. It is idiots like Chim who know nothing about Israel that believe the Jews in Israel are 'white' and the Arabs 'dark'. Both communities can be found in all shades.
On a personal note I would also point out that having travelled frequently on Arab carriers they also routinely resort to profiling, focusing on young single men with Middle Eastern features no matter if they are Arab, Armenian, Jewish, Iranian, Greek, Turkish etc. since even they understand the threat and can't discern the differences so readily.
Israel is not racist in the sense of "skin color" but rather in its marriage laws and in the sense that the country has to remain at all costs a "Jewish" state, meaning not a state for non-Jews, meaning not for all it's inhabitants. It is a democracy for Jews only. That is the Zionist vision. It came about due to "anti-Semitism" but only succeeds making anti-Semitism inevitable and indeed, a moral imperative. To consider Zionism to be a cure to anti-Semitsm is like beleiving that alcohol is a cure for alcoholism. Israelis should give up Zionism and treat all its inhabitants equally. Is there a chance of this happening? It is indeed horrible to see people "blowing themselves up". But what Israelis should ask is why are people driven to such despair.
Public security overrides of personal liberty .
In the to gentlamns complain of, "Israeli-style profiling", is much misplaced. These profiling of certain groups (read, Arabs) are there due to previous evidence, and much deeper reason of teaching.
One can argue or question Israel's methods in Ben Gurion airport. Results nonetheless, as Mis Lowrey writes, they speak for themselves.
Unfortunately it is the same type of individuals who commit suicide bombing of civilians. They are the ones who are targeted for search. They not only target busses, schools, shopping centers. They also include (in the suicide bombers mind), airplanes full of civilians.
No other group resorts to such heinous and destructive method of sending teen agers loaded with explosives around his body to kill other teenagers of his own age - except those who have been subjected to teaching on the Quran. None.
In Israel everyone understands that those interrogations and occasional searches are intended for public safety, and willingly cooperates with the authorities.
In U.S. if the Feds do resort to the type of friendly questioning of selected passengers, you will have every schmuck jump out of skin and invoke his "constitutional right" against unreasonable search.
We in US certainly could enjoy the same level of Airpport security as in Israel, if the Feds would also spend the time explaining to the public that, these are for public goods, and they come ahead of momentary violation personal freedom.
Ever heard of the Lavon affair? The people that ultimately brought down the Israeli govt were Egyptian Jews, not Muslims, that plotted the false flag operation to persuade American policy in the middle east. so your quote:
"No other group resorts to such heinous and destructive method of sending teen agers loaded with explosives around his body to kill other teenagers of his own age - except those who have been subjected to teaching on the Quran. None."
- is factually incorrect (not sure what the "teenager" category has anything).
Am I wrong, or an Ideology is wrong?
Well, Lavon Affair which took place in 1954, it was an incident of attempted Israel's Intelligent Services sabotage in Egypt, to which It went bad. For those who are curious to learn more about it. Here is the link.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavon_Affair
While you are talking about ONE unfortunate incident, I am talking about core ideology of Islamic teachings. I would not argue against the claim that, "the Old and New Testaments also speak of intolerance, as in Quran". Indeed, they do. I read these passages in their original Hebrew texts. many times it turns my stomach upside down.
The main difference however is, any Jew or Christian is allowed to publicly question the merits and pertinence of these ugly passages in this day and age. You know it and I know it that, in Islam, no rational Muslim is allowed to do so - Quran contains "the words of Allah". Any question could result with death.
I am talking about how each soecity handles crises, and prepares its young generations to meet challenges of today. Hunger, deceases, war and peace, life and death.
When a given society is held in constant fear and intimidation of cultural and religious dogma. Glorify death, over life, with little regards to human life, coupled with ugly slogans like "Jews love life, we (Muslims) love death", the result is easy to predict. Young and well meaning Muslims find outlay to their frustrations by a) Blame others (Jews being the most convenient targets), for their own failures. b) willingness to kill their own christian neighbors (In Bus and Train bombings in London, Madrid, etc), all in the name of Allah.
"I am talking about core ideology of Islamic teachings."
No you're not. You are talking about how only someone exposed to the Quran could strap on a suicide vest. I proved you wrong plain and simple so please don't bother me with your lectures. I can see your agenda, and I'm just not interested.
I will continue to correct you when you are posting propaganda and falsehoods.
The Lavon affair is a blinding example of false flag terrorism. Jews have their own history with terrorism, of which I am sure you are fully educated right?
cartilage writes:
Sababa, wrong again
"I am talking about core ideology of Islamic teachings."
"No you're not. You are talking about how only someone exposed to the Quran could strap on a suicide vest. I proved you wrong plain and simple so please don't bother me with your lectures. I can see your agenda, and I'm just not interested."
REPLY: I am an Israeli (and American). Every day my family and loved ones in Israel face the ominous prospect of being blown up to pieces by Palestinian homicide bombers, while walking to work, ride buses, or shop in the market. The suicide bomber all chant passages from the Quran before pulling the trigger. I am not going to sit back and watch it happen.
No religion, or cultural, other then Islamic one allow such sick mind set and destructive ideology of targeting innocent woman and children. No other religion teaches its innocent children to hate other people, as much as Islamist do, just becasue they (Non-Muslims) don't share their religious values.
My only agenda here is to expose the core reasons why we have so much deadly conflict with Muslims around the world - not only with Jews, but pratically every other religious group.
QUOTE: "I will continue to correct you when you are posting propaganda and falsehoods".
REPLY: PLEASE DO SO. Just make sure that your claims are based on facts pertinent to these days and age.
QUOTE: "The Lavon affair is a blinding example of false flag terrorism. Jews have their own history with terrorism, of which I am sure you are fully educated right?"
REPLY: During 1954 Egypt & Israel were mortal enemies, engaged with mortal war against each other. It is expected that one side will use every means available to prevail.
Since then, Israel had admitted its mistake. It has been properly addressed between the 2 countries. End of story.
Why don't you write about the close cooperation between Israel & Egypt to fight Hamas, Iran and Al Qaeda which are threatening the stability of both countries.
'a team of pleasant airport employees approached me'
Apparently things have improved out of all recognition! When I flew into Israel to meet my brother who lived in Ranaana, some years ago, we were met by two obnoxious university students who proceeded to interrogate us with an arrogance that ensured we would never again visit that small country, under any circumstances. It has always amazed me that visitors to the Holy Land would voluntarily subject themselves to such humiliation.
I am delighted that procedures have finally changed and Israelis have learned the value of respect.
It's just a fact of life, nobody, anywhere is ever completely safe no matter how draconian and tight security is. Also considering the minuscule percentage of air travelers that have been killed by terrorists, it still remains one of the safest ways to travel.
I would prefer to live in a United States that isn't paranoid and hasn't made enemies all over the globe that require it to screen each and every person that walks into an airport. I would much rather die than not be free. Israel may fear death more than love freedom, but here in the US I'd like to think that we are different.
"I would prefer to live in a United States that isn't paranoid and hasn't made enemies all over the globe that require it to screen each and every person that walks into an airport"
A perceptive comment, if I may say so. But Israel has a different mindset from all other democratic nations. It has no concern for the opinion of other nations and believes, in error, that world opinion can be treated with contempt and is of no consequence.
Israel prefers instead to gain political influence wherever possible by the sale of military and security services around the world in an attempt - often successful - to make those users of Israeli made arms and security systems, dependent on bilateral trade.
This methodology can be vividly seen in the reluctance of the US and the UK, amongst others, to insist on a war crimes investigation of the IDF's action in Gaza. It can be seen in the ability of Israel to have the official UN report carried out by independent investigator, Justice Goldstone, rubbished and discredited by Israeli pressure, in order that no Israeli is brought before the International Court to face charges.
The purchase and use of Israeli weapons systems including unmanned drones for weapon delivery etc is an insidious and dangerous international arrangement that gives Israel immunity against any action of the UN. That is why it is the only secret nuclear power in the world that is allowed by the US to be uninspected by the IAEA. Neither is it a signatory to the NPT. This extraordinary scenario gives Israel an unmatched ability to act in contravention of internationally agreed conventions on human rights, arms control, nuclear non-proliferation and civilian rights.
It is the question of double stanbdard.
Well, Your anti-Israeli comments is quite loaded I might say.
It is not the case of "Israel's Disregard of world opinion". Rather, disregards of those opinions which apply double standards - One for Israel, and another one to the rest.
The reason Goldstone's report was rejected by Israel, because, except a mild slap on the wrist, it failed to hold Hamas just as responsible for which, it deliberately and intentionally was (and still does) target civilians, while accuses Israel with War crimes, for trying to defend it citizens.
An example of that double standard:
Back in 1947, Pakistan was created on the same pricipals of religious sovereignty, and freedom of its Muslim populations to live their lives according to their own traditions and religious doctrine, as Israel was created a year later. The day Pakistan had gained its independence, it threw more then 8 Million Hindus out of its borders and dumped them onto India. Subsequently, all were absorbed, and settled in India with open arms.
Now compare that to Arab-Israeli war of 1948. 62 years later, Pals are still held in refugee camps by the same people (Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia) who profess to be fighting for Pals right to better life.
No one seem to question the legitimacy of Pakistan as a sovereign state. Nor do we see Refugee camps along India-Pakistani border (I am aware of the Kashmir issue) filled with Hindus. Or Hindu suicide bombers in karachi yelling Jihad.
BUT, 57 Islamic states do question the legitimacy of Israel as homeland for Jews, who had escaped hundred of years of senseless persecutions. THAT IS THE VERY REASON WHY WE THE ISRAELIS IGNORE MANY OF THE ISLAMISTS LEAD RESOLUTIONS AGAINST OUR COUNTRY.
My comments were not about Pakistan ...
My comments were in regard to Israel's unique international strategy that gives it extraordinary political influence and preferential economic advantage within NAFTA and the EU - the two most powerful trading blocks in the world.
I am well aware of the bi-directional move. Since my focus was on the similarity between the creation of Pakistan which was carved out of India, and Israel which was carved out of the Ottoman Empire.
In fact your mentioning the Muslim refugees from India, re-enforces the argument, why Muslims from India were absorbed with open arms by their Pakistani brethren, and those refugees from Israel were not treated the same by their Muslim brethern throughout the Arab & Islamic states.? - read double standard.
Both states were carved out a larger piece. Both resulted with refugees. The only difference between them - religious. One Muslim and the other Jewish. and the issue of refugees
speaking of "extraordinary influence".
Sorry, to be bold with you. Do you really wish to know why Israel enjoys extraordinary influences. There are two factors.
1. No one does a better job as Hamas to justify Israel's uncompromising stand and reasons to defend its existence.
I suggest you and others read Hamas's own charter, where they spell out that, killing Jews or subjugating them to Islam is a religious obligations."liberating land" is just an excuse and convenient cover for their real intention .
Source: http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp
2. Here is another reason, to which people around the world want to see..
GDP per CAPITA (2008 est).
ISLAMIC STATES:
1.Afghanistan----$800
2.Bangladesh---$1,400
3.Egypt:---------$5,400
4.Jordan:--------$4,700
5.Mauritania---$1,800
6.Nigeria:-------$2,200
7.Pakistan:------$2,600
8.Syria:---------$4,500
9. Sudan:--- ----$2,500
10.Yemen-------$2,400
TOTAL:-------$28,300
ISRAEL----------$28,800
One Israeli worker produces more goods and services, then 10 of his counterparts in Arab & Muslim Countries COMBINED.
Source: http://www.photius.com/rankings/economy/gdp_per_capita_2008_1.html
Oil rich States.
Saudi Arabia:--$20,700
Libya:------------$13,100
Iran:-------------$12,800
Sababa, people around the world don't care about these stats
That's great, Jews are much more productive than Arabs. Congratulations. Now we can all rest easy knowing that the filthy stinky dumb arabs have no place in this world, because they don't produce squat, so the IDF can get back to work and kill some more
the core issue - contribution to mankind.
Caralige,
You may come here and pontiff about your brand of justice all day long. I never denigrated the Arabs. Heck I spent few years of my life with them. and speak one of their languages as well. I am well aware of the good bad and the ugly of Islam.
The bottom line is, fundamentally we human species are no different then any other species. Each organization (political, national or religious) has its own set of daily problems of Hunger, education, safety, security, to provide better quality of life to member of their respective organizations.
Atrocities and injustice against one group or another have been happening for thousands and years. Despite effort through international cooperation to minimize these atrocities - as you see, they still occur, and will continue to occur. This is just a fact of life.
Therefore, people's primary concern is, what can you do for me to improve the quality of my life?. That what we call CONTRIBUTION to mankind. You contribute to your fellow human to solve his / her her needs, he will respect. You continue to demand of others to attend to your needs w/o contributions of your own - lead to outright apathy.
This is exactly what happening today with the Palestinians in particular, and Arabs in the ME in general. When the world looks at Israel, then at the Pals. Israelis through their massive adavance knowledge in sceince and commerce, they solve other people's problems, in areas of Medicine, Agricultural, security, and commerce.
On the other hand. With their continued demand, and extortion of people emotions, Palestinian Like Hamas (along with other Islamists) create problem for others.
Mister / lady. wake up. We are living in a knowledge based societies. Knowledge is power. Israel has it. Pals like Hamas who is bent on destruction of Israel does not have it.
Until, Pals and their backers learn to contribute their share to mankind, the world will shun them.
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