Thursday, March 28th | 18 Adar II 5784

Subscribe
January 12, 2016 10:29 am
0

TSA Honors Rabbi for Improving Airport Screening for Observant Jews

× [contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]

avatar by JNS.org

Airport travelers passing through a metal detector. TSA honored a rabbi for improving airport screening for haredi Jews. Photo: Ralf Roletschek.

Airport travelers passing through a metal detector. TSA honored a rabbi for improving airport screening for haredi Jews. Photo: Ralf Roletschek.

JNS.org – The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) honored Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel of America’s Washington director, for improving airport screening for haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews.

The TSA, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, said Cohen provided advice to personnel about Jewish beliefs and practices in order to “avoid mishaps and misunderstanding involving Jewish travelers.”

TSA hopes to avoid explicit x-ray imaging and unnecessary pat-downs of passengers, in addition to providing private rooms for searches and announcing special notices during Jewish holiday travel.

“Years ago, we would regularly receive calls from members of the community who were distraught over unfortunate incidents,” Cohen said. “The result of greater education has been greater sensitivity on both sides and a dramatic drop in airport mishaps — ultimately resulting in an appreciative TSA and observant Jewish community.”

An educational webinar on Judaism created by Cohen will be shown to TSA security personnel nationwide several times a year.

Share this Story: Share On Facebook Share On Twitter

Let your voice be heard!

Join the Algemeiner

Algemeiner.com

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.