A delegation from the Colombian Jewish community have been treated to a display
of the capabilities of Israel's Border Police, viewing skills and methods for
riot control, undercover fighting, camouflage techniques, and
counter-terrorism.
"We usually host delegations from all over the world,
taking an active role in anything to do with the image of Israel overseas. We
see great importance in it," said Meni Levi, A Border Police training officer.
"Jewish delegations come here from around the globe, and we show them all the
activities of the Border police and the Israel police when it comes to
disorderly conduct, fighting and camouflage, and fighting terror."
At the
training base in the West Bank settlement of Beit Horon, the Colombian visitors
were exposed to some of the tools used during riots in the West Bank, such as
"Skunk", a strong foul smelling liquid sprayed by a truck to disperse crowds, a
smell that sticks to the body for weeks.
Another tool is the siren, a deafening
tool that slows down activity. "We're quite impressed by the professionalism and
by the accent they put on human rights in their activities.
They have that
concern for people before anything else," said the General Director of Colombian
Jewish Federation, Marcos Peckel. "I know that Colombia has a long history of
collaboration with Israel in military and police matters. I'm sure that many of
the things that are used in Israel can be used in Colombia and vice versa." I
n
addition to Jewish communities from abroad, delegations of military and defense
officials from the US and Europe also visit the Border Police bases to share
techniques and increase cooperation.