Day 5

May 2015 Mission.

One of the most memorable days I have ever experienced visiting Sderot. It was a little intimidating being so close to Gaza and realize that this small town has suffered from nearly 15,000 rocket attacks since the Gaza Strip was returned to Palestinian Control and the Israeli army evacuated was unbelievable. A whole generation of Israeli children suffer from PTSD, and don’t know how to ride a bike because they were never able to be outside that long. But we felt very safe, were escorted by Israeli Police everywhere, and briefed by the Head of Security who had been Arik Sharon’s driver when he was Prime Minister. It was just the most interesting day, after listening to Avi Melamed, an Arab Affairs expert, I truly better understand how complex the Radical Islamists are and can better fathom why US policy is not based on what is happening in the region and why it is causing chaos.

It was the greatest day, SSI has unbelievable pull with everyone here in Israel. We get into everything and go anywhere

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Highlights of SSI’s Advanced Homeland Security Training in Israel

Day 6

May 2015 Mission.

Protecting Universities against attacks like Virginia Tech, Columbine, and horrors like Beslan, is one of the most important issues in Security. The Participants had much to learn from Gal Nir of Scopus who has conducted drills for entire municipalities in the USA, Ukraine, Australia and more. An entire day was devoted to this including a visit to one of the best examples of tight Israeli security – The Weitzman Institute, one of the world’s most famous science universities with multiple Nobel Prize winners. As the Head of Security told the participants:” we are not relying on anyone to save us but for terror, fire, medical emergency – we handle everything right here. Amazing equipment and wonderful day.

Yaron, head of security, gives out unit patches and badges

Weitzman emblem

Participants learn how the Security staff can cope with any event without outside assistance

Participants are treated to a close up of the Weitzmman Security and Safety Headquarters

Participants are blown away by the Weitzman Science hall exhibits

Gal Nir was our host for the day looking at the issue of school and university safety

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Highlights of SSI’s Advanced Homeland Security Training in Israel

Day 7

May 2015 Mission.

Participants traveled to Jerusalem. Start at Gilo, under attack during second intifada; drive to the checkpoint into Bethlehem; see how Israel has protected one its holiest sites, Rachel's Tomb: Visit the new Jewish neighborhood of Har Homa; drive through the Arab neighborhood of Sur Baher to east Talpiot; pass UN Headquarters--Armon Hanatziv; Goldman promenade view over the Temple Mount; view over the Temple Mount from the 7 Arches Hotel on top of the Mt of Olives; head to Mt Scopus for a view over E-1 area; drive north to Tel Ful, King Hussein's unfinished summer palace to look over the northern city borders with Ramallah. Pass along the security barrier to understand the proximity of Pisgat Zev and Beit Hanina, return via Mandelbaum Gate area. Visit Israel's Red Cross Headquarters and learn about their vast experience with attacks.