I suddenly remembered an experience in Feb 2012 that was worth sharing.
After Jerusalem, i took a bus down to the lowest tip of Israel where it borders Jordan. The place is called Eilat. I reached about 2 pm and the weather was perfect. And we are talking about the bluest sky and the greenest grass. I was directed by the hostel to head straight for the beach and i did.
Along the way, i walked past their airport. A small one where only propellor planes sitting approximately 40 - 60 people. I was a perfect picture with the sky and the planes landing. The fence around the airport was low. No security guards of any kind.
So, i took out my tripod, set it to shoulder height, took out Panasonic GX-1, mount it and started filming. Next, i sat on the grass peacefully enjoying the planes landing and taking off. 1 minute passed without any trouble, and so i relaxed myself. I went back to the camera every now and then to check if it was recording right.
The next instance where i was about to sit down, 1 black GMC pick up with yellow swirling lights (no alarm) drove to the edge of the fence close to where i was. Much like those you see in Hollywood movies. In my mind was "Oh ****", but maybe it wasnt here for me. Maybe i should just turn, grab my gear and run! The next second, the second one came from the opposite direction.
Both had their doors swung open with a single driver with a SWAT attire jumping out. They steadied themselves between the door and roof of the pick up and took aim. I could see clearly that it was a M4 Carbine. They cocked it and aimed at me. The distance was about 20 - 30 meters or so. Their fingers at the trigger.
I immediately raised my hands aboved my shoulders (Surrender sign). I walked towards the edge of the fence and shouted, "Its a mistake".
The two guys didnt move but continue to take aim at me. Then the first guy signalled me to walk closer. The second one still aiming at me.
I walked closer until it was the edge. Then i spotted a small gate between me and them. Still with my hands up, i walked towards the gate, SLOWLY. There, the first guy walked with his carbine aimed at me and shouted in jewish. Most israelites speak little or poor English. I kept on saying, "It was a mistake, I am a tourist." I took out my passport from my chest pocket SLOWLY and passed it to him.
*WARNING FOR ALL SINGAPOREANS on Malaysia Immigrant stamp when entering Israel*
I have been caught in this situation in Israel more than once because of these stamps on my Passport. It had the stamps of MALAYSIA inside. And MALAYSIA is a Muslim country while Israel is a Jewish/ Christian State.
- Story continues -
A few moments later, a third black GMC pick up with flashing lights came. Another guy stepped out. He took my passport and examined it. Radioed to the HQ through and forth.
I said, "Hey, I could delete the pictures/ videos if you want."
He replied, "NO DELETION!"
I tried the second and third time, saying that i could delete the pictures and they could let me go. And he said the same thing.
A few moments, he said to me, "You can GO!".
That was when i stopped peeing in my pants. I took my camera down from the tripod, waved to them and headed to the beach nervously. I looked a few times to see if i was followed. Later, as i thought back, maybe the third guy was trying to tell me " Dont have to delete", rather than "No Deletion".
Anyway, i learnt not to mess with these people. They could have fired and asked questions later.
For your consideration should you want to be filming abroad. Haha... Btw, i still have the videos of the planes flying off and landing... haha
