“Quite a Welcome”: Israeli Tourists Encounter UK Border Police Hostility

Israeli tourists encounter UK Border Police hostility, experiencing dismissive and authoritarian behavior, exacerbating their delicate mental health conditions upon arrival at Manchester Airport.

Two Israeli tourists with PTSD experienced an unsettling encounter with the UK Border Police upon their arrival at Manchester Airport. Instead of receiving the expected hospitality, they were met with dismissive and authoritarian behavior, exacerbating their already delicate mental health conditions.

Upon arrival, the Israeli tourists were greeted not with warmth but with curt commands to “keep quiet” and a declaration of dominance: “we’re the bosses, not you.” This unwelcoming treatment from the supposed hospitality team at the airport undoubtedly heightened their anxiety and triggered memories of past traumatic experiences.

For individuals already coping with PTSD, such hostile encounters can have severe repercussions on their mental well-being. The insensitivity and lack of empathy displayed by the border police only serve to deepen the distress of those in vulnerable states.

This incident underscores the importance of training border security personnel in handling individuals with mental health issues with care and compassion. Moreover, it highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of PTSD and its impact on individuals, particularly in high-stress environments such as border crossings.

In a world striving for inclusivity and empathy, instances like this remind us of the work yet to be done in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or mental health status, are treated with dignity and respect, especially in moments of vulnerability like international travel.

Quite a welcome to two Israelis with PTSD, straight from the UK Border Police “hospitality team” at Manchester Airport: “keep quiet”, “we’re the bosses, not you”.pic.twitter.com/11Ef6E66Gw https://t.co/fndNbBI8VU

— (((MarcoCSermoneta)))🇮🇱 (@MarcoCSermoneta) March 25, 2024