In advance of Sukkos, the Transportation and Security
Administration reminded its airport screeners and the travelling public that
Jewish travelers may carry the Arba Minim through security checkpoints and
onboard planes.
The announcement appears to forestall incidents that tend to
happen each year, especially at international gateways. During the holiday
season, many of the travelers who carry the Four Species with them are
Chabad-Lubavitch rabbinical students en route to Jewish communities not
traditionally served by full-time rabbis, where they assist in providing
holiday services.
The following is the complete message released by the TSA:
The Jewish Holiday of Sukkot will commence on the evening of
Wednesday, September, 18, 2013 to the evening of Wednesday, September 25, 2013.
The travel season will begin approximately one week before, on Wednesday,
September 11, 2013 and will continue to approximately one week, Wednesday,
October 4, 2013, past the end of Sukkot.
TSA’s screening procedures do not prohibit the carrying of
the four plants used during Sukkot – a palm branch, myrtle twigs, willow twigs,
and a citron – in airports, through or security checkpoints, or on airplanes.
These plants or agricultural items are not on TSA’s Prohibited Items List.
However, all persons and property will undergo security screening at the
checkpoint.
Travelers requiring special accommodations or concerned
about checkpoint screening may ask a checkpoint officer or supervisor for a
Passenger Support Specialist who will provide on-the-spot assistance. Travelers
may also request a Passenger Support specialist ahead of time by calling the
TSA Cares hotline at 1-855-787-2227.
To inquire about screening procedures or provide feedback,
call or email the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 and
TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov.
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