Questioned And Thus Intimidated

Jen and I went to San Francisco today to the Israeli Consulate to apply for our student visas. We were met at the door by a stern-looking Israeli guard who was momentarily surprised by our English but then proceeded to efficiently and effectively interrogate us to confirm our purpose for being there. We were asked for our passports, asked about the type of work we did, how we'd heard about the Yeshiva (i.e. "From our rabbi." "Which rabbi?" etc.) I was very nervous during the questioning. My sister told of her experience getting on El Al - you're answering honestly but their questions make you nervous and so you start sweating and you get even more nervous. After his questions, our bags were thoroughly inspected and we each walked through a metal detector. I was glad we'd passed but I felt very safe inside, protected by Israel's finest.