Israel. Or lack thereof.

Dear Israel,

Due to our recent altercation with your incompetent border guards, I fear that any attempt of a relationship will be deemed null and void. Your blatant disrespect has further dishonored your country and has left us with a complete disinterest in furthering your economy. Good luck in the future, because this generation is extremely frustrated.

Love,
The country that you depend on





     This weekend, Akrum, Claire, Rebecca and I attempted to visit Israel, with all of its rich historical significance. Being completely dependent on US aid, you would think that Israel would be more than pleased to admit four American students. Unfortunately, this was not the case. After taking a taxi to the Jordanian border, another taxi to the Jordanian border exit, and a bus to the Israeli border entrance, Akrum was rudely separated from us girls and intensely questioned. Akrum happens to be an American born Jordanian. After questioning our motives for entering Israel "so late" (after class), we were refused entry. The reason they gave was that we came too late and that they did not have enough time to do background checks before allowing us into their country.  I may have believed them if they a.) didn't separate Akrum for intense questioning and repetitively asking where his other (non-existent) passport was b.) repeatedly asking me if "anyone" (while furtively looking at Akrum) gave me anything to bring into Israel or c.) telling us to come back in the morning and we "might" be allowed in. They told us that our first time in Israel required a three to four hour security check. To further disprove their lie, other American students had traveled the weekend before with less than an hour security check, with it being their first times in Israel as well. When asked why the security check would take that long, the iron clad reply we received was "that's confidential, we can't share that with you." Riiiiight. Perhaps Akrum looking too "Arab" had a little bit to do with it. Either way, we were not getting in.

     The Jordanian border guards proved to be correct. As they cheerily took us from security checkpoint to security checkpoint, they bantered with Akrum in his perfect Arabic. They laughed and told him that we would easily get in but he would not. إن شاء الله, he would. (God willing.) Apparently, Israelis do not want the revenue of Americans, nor this generation's support. As we politely left the border center, we were in a state of disbelief at the blatant racism shown to Akrum, an American citizen and student.

     The Jordanian border guards were the sweetest men ever, laughing and joking as they welcomed us back into their country. We went back to the Jordanian border and took a taxi back to the hotel, fuming. Keep treating people with blatant disregard and paranoia, Israel, and you'll be more alone than ever. Good luck, Israel, you'll need it.