Visiting Israel - Keep me out of jail....

[Stuart P.]

Hey Folks,

Gonna accompany my mom while she gives a lecture in Tel Aviv. I always bring my rig wherever I travel, and would love to get some Israeli ambiances. With security being what it is these days, anybody have some advice that will keep me from finding myself in an interrogation booth? Mossad repellent?

Seriously, I'm kinda worried that my rig will appear to be espionage equipment, and I wanna stay out of the clink. I wrote a question to the embassy on their website, so hopefully they can be of some help, but I thought I'd seek the wisdom from the great collective here. I know there are several DUC members in Israel, and many others have probably traveled there. Any words of advice?

I have two setups -

1) SD 722, MKH-50, 30 MS rig with the blimp and merken

2) Microtrack and DPA 4060's with the battery box (the Coresound one that looks way too much like a "Hello Allah" switch to security people)

Hmmmmm... The stealth rig might get me in trouble here, but gives me the opportunity to be discrete.

Whaddya think?

Thanks in advance,
S.

[Carl Kolchak]

It's been a few years since I went over there, and I happened to leave a day or two before the troubles flared up again, but I don't think you'd have too much trouble getting into Israel with that equipment.

I flew with ElAl who for a very long time have been super security conscious and have armed air marshals on the flights - so any problems with your equipment would be taken care of before you even got on the flight.

The only problem I had entering Israel was suffering the indignity of having a bunch of foxy teenage girls armed with M16's laughing their *****es off at my terribly out of date teenage passport photo.

It's when you leave Israel that the thumb screws come out - the foxy teenage girls are replaced by a hard as nails Sergeant who will turn you into a gibbering paranoid wreck with a security interview that will really make you wonder if you did indeed pack your own bag, and what is in that bag. So that may be a good time to point out that your equipment is harmless and that they can have a closer inspection.

The only thing I would bear in mind is to think about your surroundings when you are waving a mic around, that to a heavily armed teenager on national service may look a lot like a pistol (there have been some fatalities of free-lance camera men in similar situations, and from the other angle there is the Alan Johnston situation ).

Not trying to put the frighteners on you, just things to bear in mind depending on where abouts your going to be.

I'm sure you'll have a great time, It's a truly beautiful part of the world.

[Tom Smith]

Well, it's been over ten years since I was there (spent about a month in Jerusalem) but Carl is right: getting out of the country was more intense than getting in. On arrival, the customs agent simply waved me through at Ben Gurion Airport (after getting my passport stamped at a different station).

When departing however, I was questioned for probably 20-30 minutes. I had some unusual (at least to the security people) equipment that I had to explain. I was working in software development in those days and had half a dozen SCSI tape drives in my main bag. Probably very strange looking to security: small, heavy for their size, metal boxes with odd electrical fittings and little LEDs & such.

One thing that helped immensely was that the company that I was working with in Jerusalem had written a letter of reference for me explaining why I had come to the country, what I was doing while there, etc. At least that's what I was told it said... It was written in Hebrew of course, which I don't read. Anyway, maybe wherever your mom is lecturing would be willing to do the same. It makes a great souvenir of the trip.

If you're staying in Tel Aviv, I don't know if you'll run into very many, but we drove around Israel quite a bit while there (including all the way down to Eilat on the Red Sea for some Scuba diving - Awesome!) and had to pass through quite a few Israeli checkpoints. I was pretty nervous at first but we were never stopped once. I was a bit surprised at this and my friend and co-worker (who had been there for several months) explained it very simply if a bit (at least now) politically incorrect; "...they aren't worried about white guys, they're worried about Arabs..."

Also, Carl is right again: there are a lot of hotties with M-16s. What is it about a hot looking babe, wearing a pair of short shorts, with a machine guns slung over her shoulder? I don't know, but I guess no really means no! Anyway, I'm sure you'll have a great time as I did. I'd still love to go for a return visit sometime (with my field recording rig of course).

[Stuart P.]

The only problem I had entering Israel was suffering the indignity of having a bunch of foxy teenage girls armed with M16's.

Suffer? Indignity? I've paid good money for experiences like that!

Seriously, thanks very much for your excellent response.

S.

[Stifa]

Stuart ,

I live in Jerusalem, and I often record things like you've mentioned . If you have a really discrete equipment , you can use it practically everywhere , but I would be carefull about it in "sensitive" places such as millitary bases , police stations , airports , and wherever you see a person with a sports jacket , sunglasses and a small earpiece looking at you for more the 0.5 seconds .
Be aware that there are security guards EVERYWHERE , that look into everybody's baggage and use metal detectors in entry points to malls , bus stations , restaurants and practically every place that can be called "public" . In some places they will pass the baggage (including small backpacks) thru x-ray machines . If you don't want to be questioned about your equipment (including the "Allah hu aqbar" box) , leave it at home/hotel room , but again , if you have a piece that looks like an ipod or something like that it's not a problem . If a security guard will ask you what are you doing , DO NOT SAY THAT YOU ARE RECORDING !
You can use the "bigger" equipment in places like city streets , beaches , parks or any place that can be described as "public property" without any problem , but check if you are not close to one of the "sensitive places" I mentioned above .
After I scared you , I must say that Israel is a crazy but beautiful place , with so many things to see and enjoy , that you'll probably want to visit here again .
If you plan to visit Jerusalem (and you must!) give me a shout , and we'll have a beer together !

Noam .

[mgoorevich]

Hi,
I am agree with previous thread by Noam about the situation here. However there is a good chance that you can record some atmoses even in public places like malls, shops, supermarkets e.t.c.
You just must apply for such permissions prior your visit of those places. Than if you got it, you can do it. People in general are friendly. But you'll be asked (mainly by kids) what are you filming for? Or can you film me?
If you have a pres card it can help as well. Be awared that Israel is extremely loud country. Crazy traffics. Regular conversation is equal to the volume of traffic. Active conversation is equal to traffic plus 2 normal conversations... Lots of hums everywhere (airconditioning). There is almost no places where you would not hear any distant traffic. But those places still exist though.
I don't know how busy I will be at the moment of your visit, but if you'll be here and especially in Tel Aviv, I ll be happy to go with you and show some great places all over Israel.
I am also the owner of professional Pro Tools HD equiped studio in the heart of Tel Aviv.
So we can drink a beer even there....
Drop me an email, and I'll give you my phone number.
Cheers,
Michael

[Stifa]

Hi Michael !

Nice to see you here...
How's it goin' it TA ? Keep in touch !

Noam .

[mgoorevich]

Hi Noam,
Check your e-mail man!
Michael

[Stuart P.]

I just wanted to thank Carl, Tom, Stifa, and Michael. Your responses are very thoughtful, and I hope you don't mind if I email you nice folks if I have a couple more questions.

Thanks so much!

Stuart

[Stifa]

Stuart ,

You are welcome to email me as much as you want ! I'll be happy to see you here in Israel , and also learn from your experience with the Microtrack and the other mobile equipment you're using , since I plan to get myself something like that .

Noam .