I thought that I would be conspicuous since I wouldn't be wearing the black clothing, kippa and payot.
Maybe they would think you were a BT
Are you talking about the Mir specifically? If so, I wouldn't know
since I didn't go in. I went to a women's yeshiva several years
ago, and there was absolutely no security what so ever.
In regards to security in general, you are usually required to open your purse and go through a metal detector when entering malls, and most restaurants and grocery stores have security on the outside that checks you before you go in. Although there have been
several times I have just been waved in, so I guess it
depends on how you look..they are very good
at profiling. I take the buses when I have to, but would
rather walk or take a cab (they are cheap). The airport
security is strict, as expected.
It's interesting the
difference in security at El AL between when you travel
alone and when you travel with someone else. You
get a much more detailed "grilling" when you travel
by yourself. Although they tend to ask really basic questions
that I would think a terrorist trying to "pass" would know
with a little studying.
A couple of times ago I was there someone found a suitcase
on the side walk near Geulah, and the police sent in a robot
thing to blow it up.
Two years ago we went to Israel with a Chabad group, and one
of the events was a huge BBQ at a paratrooper base. There
was music and singing and lots of dancing, and the soldiers
were never allowed to put their weapons down. The were
wildly dancing, with their rifles slung over their backs.
It's not uncommon in Jerusalem to see people
walking around with rifles and handguns. I think they are
most likely people that have come in from the so called
"territories".
When I've been to Beit El, Hebron and Gaza, we've always
gone in buses with bullet proof windows, and the guides
and drivers are armed.
Over the green line of security is much much stricter, with
good reason. And I avoid going into the arab part of
Jerusalem as it is not safe. I don't even go into the shuk;
besides which I don't want to spend my money with the
arabs anyway.
and one ordinance for you and for the alien who sojourns with you. [Numbers 15:16]
Israelis have to work so hard to protect themselves from people who claim to want peace.
