I got through Israeli security without too much difficulty - three security checks courtesy of Heathrow's very own Israeli checkpoint and a two hour questioning at Tel Aviv - at least they were polite!

I had it easy really, I found out later many of the Americans who were heading for the same destination as me, (Holy Land Trust in Bethlehem) were kept for nine hours with threat of deportation.

One person was actually deported as she had connections with I.S.M. (International Solidarity Movement - The Israeli security don't like this group as they stand in the way of their house demolition and are also probably embarrassed about 'accidentally' killing two of them).

I was previously told to deny I was to visit the West Bank, so luckily I got an address in a Kibbutz near Tel Aviv, who the Israeli security contacted to see if my alibi was correct.

I finally reached Old Jerusalem at 2am where I found the Hippyish 'Hostel Tabasco' where I felt greatly relieved to admit to another person of my sin "I am going to Bethlehem to work with children"

Paul Gent