Chad Mills Contributing Writer

Explosions, dead bodies and paramedics rushing to save hundreds of lives ÷ these are sights few Americans ever see. In Israel, however, these sights are far too common.

Last month in Israel, there were at least five terrorist attacks. According to The New York Times, a bus bombing on Aug. 20 resulted in at least 18 deaths and more than 100 injuries. Of course, "injuries" don't just refer to scratched-up arms or banged-up knees. In a blast so large that it can kill 15 people, many of those injured get mutilated, badly burned, paralyzed or ÷ for the lucky ones ÷ only a broken bone or two.

Israel is a hotbed for terrorist activities, with Hamas and several other terrorist organizations all centrally located, sneaking people into Israel with the sole purpose of killing random civilians. Security in Israel is tight ÷ as it must be in order to prevent as many of these attacks as possible.

If something or someone looks suspicious, it is best to deal with the situation as if it is a serious threat ...

Two weeks ago, a former UA student, Paul Snodgrass, was sent back to England after he attempted to enter Israel to attend Bir Zeit University (near Jerusalem).

Snodgrass was also a former member of the UA's Alliance for Peace and Justice in the Middle East, an organization whose Web site advocates the creation of a Palestinian state.

As people who confront terrorism every day, Israelis know the type of person it takes to be a terrorist better than almost anyone. Hamas and other terror organizations in the region fight in the name of a Palestinian state. This does not mean everyone in favor of a Palestinian state is a terrorist ÷ but it is one of many clues used by trained professionals to determine whether a person is a risk to the country or not.

Snodgrass's pro-Palestinian activism is evident in his choice to join at least one club in order to advocate those ideals. Activism is another trait of terrorists. Worse yet, it's a trait of those behind the scenes, who support the terrorist movements with their ideas and motivation. Again, that does not mean Mr. Snodgrass was a terrorist or planned to be a supporter, but they are important traits that help screen those going through the security process.

Israel, as a sovereign state, has a right ÷ and a duty ÷ to protect its citizens. It does not have a duty to educate foreigners or even to allow them into the country. As a nation, Israel has a right to protect its citizens by deporting any immigrants who, by Israel's own standards, are a threat to national security.

If something or someone looks suspicious, it is best to deal with the situation as if it is a serious threat, which helps deter future terrorist attacks. It is no surprise ÷ or injustice ÷ that Mr. Snodgrass was denied entry into Israel. As reported in the Wildcat, the chairman of a U.S.-based group that supports Bir Zeit University was quoted as saying, "Many other Americans have been denied access, especially those who have been active in support of Palestinian causes." Not only was that deportation sensible, it was also standard practice.

A nation confronted by turmoil and hardships, Israel has a lot of problems that most other countries don't have to deal with. The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs keeps a running list of terrorist attacks since 2000 ÷ a list that totals 33 pages and includes nearly 6,000 casualties. The Israeli population is experienced in dealing with terrorism, and the way it defends its borders is justifiably tight. With the amount of terrorism that currently occurs in Israel, the Palestinians are lucky it's not worse.

If you were worried that someone armed with a gun was standing on your doorstep, would you open the door? Of course not, as any sane person would reply; that would be suicide. By the same token, Israelis do not let people into their country who are armed with the ideas and motivation that support their brutal enemies.

Even those opposed to the Israeli cause must understand that, when confronted by enemies that sneak through borders and murder innocent civilians, strict national security is a requirement for the livelihood of the Israelis. If that means that someone is not allowed to go to school at a university near the center of the Middle East problem, the problem lies with the terrorists that force security to be so tight, not the government that is upholding its citizens' rights.

-Chad Mills is an electrical engineering and computer science sophomore. He can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.