People say stuff like that, but DHS has thwarted a large number of attacks that they've publicized over the years. It's certainly hard to prove a negative, but the fact that it has been 9 years since 9/11 and there has yet to be a successfully executed non-domestic originated terrorist attack in the US says something.
That said, I'm always cautious about giving them more information. The thing is, what the Israeli's do isn't even racial profiling, but because it isn't random, privacy nuts will call it that. A good friend of mine is a white Jewish guy and he got flagged in Tel Aviv when a few things about his reason for his trip seemed suspicous.
Well, I got stopped leaving once ...
They probably thought I was trying to escape going to the army. Thankfully, I'm not Israeli and so don't have to join
BN, do you have a reference on what Israel does do. I found a mention of "pyscho graphing" in a blog, but nothing more clear, so far.
Methodology is mostly the same everytime.
Where are you from ? Why are you going to Israel ? Did you pack your own bags ? Did someone give you something to carry with you ?
That's mostly it usually.
If for some reason you looked nervous then they would add a few more.
My mom was stopped traveling with us because her background and passport is totally different. The security officer had never heard of her birthplace and thought it shoddy.
I traveled with different people with different backgrounds and it's usually nothing special. Since I've gone quite often though I sometimes trip up on the questions.
Security: Did someone give you something to carry ?
Me : No.
Sec : Do you have anything that may be considered a weapon?
Me: No.
Sec :This may be a knife, scissors,... ?
Me: No.
Sec: Did you pack your own bag ?
Me: No. Uhhhh.... Yes. Yes, sorry, I meant yes. (embarassed)
So, yeah, what blatantninja said...