“even when there is a war, I feel safe and secure”

August 27, 2006 - 8:04 PM by

When an American moves to Israel, even for a little while (say, a few months to a year), one of the interesting things that often happens is that, when he or she returns to the States, all of a sudden he/she is incredibly aware about all the security that is missing in America.

What do you mean, you can go into a mall or a restaurant without having someone search you and your bags first for bombs?

I can waltz into the bus terminal without going through a metal detector? Are you crazy?

And then, you start walking around Port Authority or any crowded space convinced that any minute a suicide bomber will blow the place to smithereens, because, having lived in a country that, by necessity, knows security, you suddenly realize that Americans have absolutely no idea. Israel may be in a war zone, but at least when you shop in the malls in Jerusalem you can be reasonably certain that, having gotten inside, no one else around is (probably) carrying any explosives.

The author of Sustainable Apple Pie on this phenomenon:

Okay, so now I’d like to talk a bit about the complete and utter lack of security on Amtrak, the main train service in the US . . . .

I took two bags with me for the ride. My purse and a backpack with toiletries and a change of clothes (I was only spending a night in Seattle). I got my ticket from the automatic check-in machine and then stood in line to get my seat assignment. I had my ID out because I assumed I would need it when I showed them my ticket, so they knew I was legit. They didn’t ask for it. I thought maybe they’d select people at random (at least) and search their bags. Nada. Then I thought, well maybe the conductor will ask for ID after we board the train. Nada. Sneaking onto the train and bummin’ a free ride could be the easiest thing in the world. Not sneaking onto the train but bringing along an explosive could also be one of the easiest things in the world.
amtrak

I spent a lot of the train ride wondering if I was being paranoid, thinking maybe I’d watched a bit too much Fox news lately or something. But these new air restrictions have been on my mind a lot, mostly because they are a huge pain in my ass – taking toothpaste with me on the plane is a huge part of my being able to survive the twenty-plus hour flight from Portland. I was honestly surprised that no one else seemed concerned with the lack of security on the train. Is this part of my heightened awareness from living in Israel? Do I now have that sixth sense? I doubt it. I’ve definitely held on to my American naivety pretty well. But I deboarded that train with relief and excitement that soon I would be in Israel again, where even when there is a war going on, I feel safe and secure.

Tags: • Category: A New Reality, Immigrant Moments, Travel 

Comments

One Comment on “even when there is a war, I feel safe and secure”

  1. TMA on Tue, Aug 29th 2006 2:42 AM

    2. somewhat related: a partial substitute for toothpaste are Oral-B “brush ups”, they’re “textured teeth wipes”, sort of a disposable mini-toothbrush that slips over your finger.

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