How would you react if you were questioned at an airport security check point almost to a point of harassment? This was my harrowing experience in 1987 but I handled it in such a manner that at the end of it the interrogators felt utterly embarrassed.

As a prelude to the establishment of a joint research program between the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and my group at Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, I was invited to visit Israel for a discussion. I traveled to Tel Aviv through Frankfurt and my flight schedule was Colombo-Frankfurt on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Frankfurt to Tel Aviv on El Al Israel Airlines. As Israel was the target of attacks from a number of neighboring Arab countries there was very strict security precautions during this journey. When I landed in Frankfurt and went to a transfer desk to change to the El Al flight I was personally escorted to the boarding gate which was not displayed on any of the departure flight screens. 

Having successfully completed my assignment by reaching agreement to commence a joint program I arrived at the Tel Aviv airport for my departure. While waiting on the embarkation line to check in I was picked up by two young girls in uniform, possibly college students doing national service. Perhaps it was a random selection or I was the only colored person on line. I was asked to step aside and taken to a kiosk close by. Having taken my tickets and passport they asked me why I came to Israel, how long and where did I stay, who were my hosts,  whom did I meet, whether I have been to any private houses, who packed my bags, did anyone give me anything to be taken, did I have my bags all the time with me under my personal observation etc, etc. I answered all these questions without any difficulty and then they went off. Within minutes two other young female soldiers came and continued to ask me almost the same questions. Perhaps they wanted to see whether I will contradict any of my earlier answers. Now I have been grilled for nearly 30 minutes and suddenly one of them asked me “Do you know why we are  questioning you like this?”   

Calm and composed I smiled and said “Yes, you want to make my journey safe. Having spent a wonderful week in Israel I’m going home to see my wife and two little sons who are waiting for me. You are doing all this to ensure that I reach my home safe and sound. I admire you for doing your duty so well”. Both of them blushed pink with embarrassment and said “Sir, please go through”. Jovially I said “Why don’t you examine my luggage”. No need they said and they themselves took my luggage to a check in counter.