Profiling Kippot

Yaron London correctly mentions in the new Yidioth english online edition that Israeli security forces have been using profiling for a long time. Naturally, those fitting the profile who are subequently singled out for further security procedures feel humiliated. It's a tough call - it would be costly and inconvenient to impartially subject everybody to the same security procedures ; yet its unfair to cast suspicion on a sub-group, whether because of ethnicity, religion or nationality. Happily the availability of affordable technology can render some of these dilemnas moot - fast and sensitive scanning for explosives and inspection of all luggage is superior to detailed questioning of 'suspicious' passengers in airports.

Naturally the 'safe' majority tends to support profiling. So its particularly interesting to see what happens when the shoe is on the other foot:

Observant residents in Eilat complained last week they were unfairly singled out by Ariel Sharon’s bodyguards while the prime minister was speaking.

At the same time, the streets of Eilat were burning with an orange-shirted anti-Sharon demonstration, but not all of those turned away from the Sharon speech were wearing orange.

The reason for the slight is clear: the kippa is no longer an innocent head covering, but a warning sign, presumably because it identifies the wearer as a potential danger.

I assume that this is exactly how Israeli Arabs feel every time they are subjected to extra-careful security checks at malls, restaurants and airports around Israel. The accent, skin color, and mustache present a picture that security forces have learned to identify as dangerous.

So, too, it is for the religious: the kippa, the flying tzitzit and sandals readily identify the fanatic settler and his followers.
Ynetnews - Flashing Kippot