Practical campaigning for Palestine - tips for when in Palestine

It is best NOT to have incriminating evidence of your visit to Palestinian areas. Taking precautions may make the difference between being allowed in and being deported.

Cameras

Try and upload your photos via an internet cafe to some webspace you have. Wipe the simm card. Make sure you have a cable to link to a computer or practice acknowledging before you go. Some cameras allow USB keys to connect.

Mobile Phones

Clear any evidence of phone calls to or from Palestinians from your mobile phone. Mask any details that indicate your contacts are Palestinian (names, international codes).

They do check phones at the airport.

Computers

Having your own computer makes keeping a diary and working on your photos much easier. However, it is advisable to remove all files relating to your solidarity work, including photographs before going. Many ISP's give free space. We suggest you upload any information you may need to that space before going, backup your information, and then delete it from your computer.

Before you return home, save all "incriminating evidence" to a CD or DVD, and post it, or upload it to your webspace.

Remember to check your address books or diaries as well.

Books, posters, leaflets, notes and diaries

Post any books, leaflets, letters or notes you have of your trip. It will take about four weeks to arrive, but that's better than being caught with them.

Suitcases

We strongly suggest you re pack your bags. It is easy to forget a card, a letter, some notes, or something which shows you have been visiting an Arab area.

U.K. Consulate in Jerusalem

British Consulate-General, 19 Nashashibi Street. Sheikh Jarrah Quarter. P O Box 19690. East Jerusalem 97200. Telephone: (00) 972 (02) 541 4100 - 24 hour switchboard. E-mail; britain.jerusalem at fco.gov.uk. www.britishconsulate.org.

U.K. Embassy in Tel Aviv

The British Embassy in Tel Aviv