Israeli Travelers Detained in Vietnam Over Torah Scroll On Flight
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Twenty Israeli insurance agents faced a nearly two-hour delay in Hanoi, Vietnam, when airline staff refused to let a Torah scroll board their flight. The issue was resolved when a Menora Mivtachim executive purchased an extra ticket for the scroll. The group later found the seats next to the scroll's carrier empty, and the scroll was used for prayer services upon arrival at their destination.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli travelers were delayed in Vietnam for nearly two hours over a Torah scroll.
- Airline staff initially refused to allow the Torah scroll on the plane.
- A Menora Mivtachim executive purchased an additional $300 ticket for the scroll.
- The group later found the seats next to the scroll's carrier empty.
- The Torah scroll was used for prayer services at their destination.
A group of 20 Israeli insurance agents and their spouses en route from Hanoi to northern Vietnam experienced a nearly two-hour delay at Noi Bai International Airport after airline staff refused to allow a Torah scroll to be brought aboard the plane. The local airline personnel, unfamiliar with the religious artifact, initially denied boarding for the scroll, which was being carried by Amit Kedmi, a senior vice president at an insurance agency. The group insisted they would not fly without the scroll, leading to a standoff.
Kedmi explained that the Torah scroll was brought from Israel for the group, which included observant Jews, to hold prayer services and read from it during their trip. He emphasized that the scroll was carefully wrapped and that he offered to hold it on his lap throughout the flight, assuring staff it would not take up extra space or cause disruption. Despite his explanations and attempts to inquire about purchasing an additional seat, airline officials remained firm.
The situation was resolved when Shai Avissar, Deputy CEO of Menora Mivtachim, who was accompanying the trip, intervened. Without hesitation, Avissar purchased an additional plane ticket for approximately $300, allowing the Torah scroll to be officially boarded. Coincidentally, upon boarding the flight, the group discovered that the two seats next to Kedmi were empty, as two passengers who were supposed to occupy them did not show up for the flight.
The group eventually reached their destination in northern Vietnam, where the Torah scroll was used for prayer services as intended. Kedmi, who returned to Israel on Wednesday, stated that while the experience was stressful, it reinforced his commitment to bringing Torah scrolls on future trips, though he advised better prior arrangements. He described Vietnam as a beautiful destination, but the incident with the scroll made the overall experience even more memorable.
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