E2 SPK Englisch Vrobel IDF says 'No' to Arab pilot Army rejects Muslim teen's request to join pilot training course; youth sent to paratroopers instead By Yossi Yehoshua, Israel News No Arab pilots for now: The IDF's Personnel Directorate has decided to reject the request of an 18-year-old Arab Muslim from northern Israel, who sought to join the army's prestigious pilot training course, Israel's leading newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported Tuesday. Instead of becoming a pilot, the army offered the teen to volunteer to the paratroopers. The disappointed youth, who graduated from high school with honors and already holds a civilian pilot's license, is expected to undergo initial tests on Thursday for the IDF's paratroopers unit. However, the teen's father said the youth plans to appeal the decision to IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz, and if needed even take the matter to court, in order to open the pilot course for Arab Muslims as well. Muslims are not obligated to join the army, and only a few dozens volunteer to the IDF every year. Hence, the Arab teen's unusual request managed to surprise the defense establishment. IDF Major Michael, the youth's instructor at the civilian pilot course, who is himself a former combat pilot, even sent a reference letter to the IDF, praised the young pilot's performance and recommended the Air Force welcome him to its ranks, adding that he was convinced his student was "loyal to the State." The IDF's Personnel Directorate refused to issue an official statement to explain why the teen would not be summoned to the pilot course. However, IDF officials said that apart from the youth's matriculation exam results and his flight abilities, other criteria were also being examined, and it is not certain the teen met all of them. The youth was very disappointed when he opened the envelope sent to him from the recruiting office and discovered that he was being summoned to the paratroopers' course instead of the pilot course: "It took the army a long time to answer my request, and I felt that as the days went by my chances of receiving a positive answer were
Transcript
E2 SPK Englisch Vrobel
IDF says 'No' to Arab pilot Army rejects Muslim teen's request to join pilot training course; youth sent to paratroopers instead
By Yossi Yehoshua, Israel News
No Arab pilots for now: The IDF's Personnel Directorate has decided to reject the request of an 18-year-old Arab Muslim from northern Israel, who sought to join the army's prestigious pilot training course, Israel's leading newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported Tuesday. Instead of becoming a pilot, the army offered the teen to volunteer to the paratroopers. The disappointed youth, who graduated from high school with honors and already holds a civilian pilot's license, is expected to undergo initial tests on Thursday for the IDF's paratroopers unit.
However, the teen's father said the youth plans to appeal the decision to IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz, and if needed even take the matter to court, in order to open the pilot course for Arab Muslims as well. Muslims are not obligated to join the army, and only a few dozens volunteer to the IDF every year. Hence, the Arab teen's unusual request managed to surprise the defense establishment.
IDF Major Michael, the youth's instructor at the civilian pilot course, who is himself a former combat pilot, even sent a reference letter to the IDF, praised the young pilot's performance and recommended the Air Force welcome him to its ranks, adding that he was convinced his student was "loyal to the State."
The IDF's Personnel Directorate refused to issue an official statement to explain why the teen would not be summoned to the pilot course. However, IDF officials said that apart from the youth's matriculation exam results and his flight abilities, other criteria were also being examined, and it is not certain the teen met all of them.
The youth was very disappointed when he opened the envelope sent to him from the recruiting office and discovered that he was being summoned to the paratroopers' course instead of the pilot course: "It took the army a long time to answer my request, and I felt that as the days went by my chances of receiving a positive answer were growing."
"Now I plan to join the paratroopers, but do not intend to give up on my dream to be a pilot. I will try again and again, until the door opens. I was educated to be devoted to the State and asked to join the Air Force because I believe that it is a great privilege and not a duty to serve in the army of the State where I grew up," he said.
"With all modesty, my qualifications allow me to study at any university in the world, but I still told my parents that I decided to join the army – and I am proud of it," he added.
"Of course I am aware of the fact that Israel is still in a state of war with some of the Arab countries, but I see myself as an Israeli in the full sense of the word. My loyalty is to the State of Israel and my duty is to protect it. I will execute any
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order I receive during my service," he concluded.
The teen's flying instructor also expressed his disappointment following the army's decision: "There is no other way but to include all the State's citizens in running the State and protecting it. We don’t see them as part of the State today, but a large majority of them do see themselves as part of this country. This decision is a mistake. The army missed out on a great opportunity to provide a large sector with a feeling of responsibility and partnership," he said.
Another person who supports a decision to integrate Arabs into the army's pilot course is Major-General Ami Ayalon, who said that this is a fundamental issue and that the army should open all its special units to all citizens in accordance with regular security limitations.
The youth's father added that he had high expectations the IDF would support his son's request and accept it: "Such a decision, if it had been made, would have constituted a breakthrough in terms of integrating Israel's Arab citizens in all areas of life, and especially in the areas closed to us," he said.
- The minute he becomes a pilot every Islamic terror organization in the world will start trying to recruit him to do heaven knows what. Sorry, we don't have to take risks like that. Robert K. , Jerusalem
- Of the hundreds of actual and attempted suicide bombers, every one was a 'good person'' until indoctrinated. Israel can‘t take chances. Marsh F., Tel Aviv
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Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackersDaily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
01.29.12, Israel News
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert or sabotage an aircraft."
The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury. The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are CEO of British Airways in a panel discussion about the case described above. Other invited guests are: the Muslim Pilot, a Christian Pilot, a Daily Mail reporter, a frequent flyer and a BA flight attendant.
You are defending your airline‘s decision to fire the Muslim pilot.
Possible points of discussion: Loyalty Responsibility Suspicion / Trust Fairness Reputation Security / Risk Prejudice / Xenophobia Compromise Duty to inform the public
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Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackersDaily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
01.29.12, Israel News
E2 SPK Englisch Vrobel
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert or sabotage an aircraft." The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury. The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are CEO of British Airways in a panel discussion about the case described above. Other invited guests are: the Muslim pilot, a Christian pilot, a Daily Mail reporter, a frequent flyer and a BA flight attendant.
You are defending your airline‘s decision to fire the Muslim pilot.
Possible points of discussion: Loyalty Responsibility Suspicion / Trust Fairness Reputation Security / Risk Prejudice / Xenophobia Compromise Duty to inform the public
Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackersDaily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
01.29.12, Israel News
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert or sabotage an aircraft."
The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury. The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are the Muslim pilot in a panel discussion about the case described above. Other invited guests are: the CEO of British Airways, a Christian pilot, a Daily Mail reporter, a frequent flyer and a BA flight attendant.
You are challenging your airline‘s decision to fire you.
Possible points of discussion: Loyalty Responsibility Suspicion / Trust Fairness Reputation Security / Risk Prejudice / Xenophobia Compromise Duty to inform the public
Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackersDaily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
01.29.12, Israel News
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert or sabotage an aircraft." The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.
The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury. The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are the Muslim pilot in a panel discussion about the case described above. Other invited guests are: the CEO of British Airways, a Christian Pilot, a Daily Mail reporter, a frequent flyer and a BA flight attendant.
You are challenging the airline‘s decision to fire you.
Possible points of discussion: Loyalty Responsibility Suspicion / Trust Fairness Reputation Security / Risk Prejudice / Xenophobia Compromise Duty to inform the public
Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackersDaily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
01.29.12, Israel News
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert or sabotage an aircraft." The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury.
The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are a Christian pilot in a panel discussion about the case described above. Other invited guests are: the CEO of British Airways, the fired Muslim pilot, a Daily Mail reporter, a frequent flyer and a BA flight attendant.
You are supporting your Muslim colleague.
Possible points of discussion: Loyalty Responsibility Suspicion / Trust Fairness Reputation Security / Risk Prejudice / Xenophobia Compromise Duty to inform the public
Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackersDaily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
01.29.12, Israel News
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert or sabotage an aircraft." The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury. The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are a Christian pilot in a panel discussion about the case described above. Other invited guests are: the CEO of British Airways, the fired Muslim
pilot, a Daily Mail reporter, a frequent flyer and a BA flight attendant.
You are supporting your Muslim colleague.
Possible points of discussion: Loyalty Responsibility Suspicion / Trust Fairness Reputation Security / Risk Prejudice / Xenophobia Compromise Duty to inform the public
Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackersDaily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
01.29.12, Israel News
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert or sabotage an aircraft." The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury. The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are a BA flight attendant in a panel discussion about the case described above. Other invited guests are: the CEO of British Airways, the fired Muslim pilot, a Christian pilot, a Daily Mail reporter, and a frequent flyer.
You have full confidence in the Muslim pilot and are willing to defend him.
Possible points of discussion: Loyalty Responsibility
Suspicion / Trust Fairness Reputation Security / Risk Prejudice / Xenophobia Compromise Duty to inform the public
Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackersDaily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
01.29.12, Israel News
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert or sabotage an aircraft." The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury. The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are a BA flight attendant in a panel discussion about the case described above. Other invited guests are: the CEO of British Airways, the fired Muslim pilot, a Christian pilot, a Daily Mail reporter, and a frequent flyer.
You have full confidence in the Muslim pilot and are willing to defend him.
Possible points of discussion: Loyalty Responsibility Suspicion / Trust Fairness Reputation Security / Risk Prejudice / Xenophobia Compromise Duty to inform the public
Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackersDaily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
01.29.12, Israel News
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert or sabotage an aircraft." The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury. The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are a frequent flyer in a panel discussion about the case described above. Other invited guests are: the CEO of British Airways, the fired Muslim pilot, a Christian pilot, a Daily Mail reporter, and a BA flight attendant.
Ever since 9/11, you have felt uneasy about flying with a Muslim pilot.
Possible points of discussion: Loyalty Responsibility Suspicion / Trust Fairness Reputation Security / Risk Prejudice / Xenophobia Compromise Duty to inform the public
Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackersDaily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert or sabotage an aircraft." The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury. The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are a frequent flyer in a panel discussion about the case described above. Other invited guests are: the CEO of British Airways, the fired Muslim pilot, a Christian pilot a Daily Mail reporter and a BA flight attendant.
Ever since 9/11, you have felt uneasy about flying with a Muslim pilot.
Possible points of discussion: Loyalty Responsibility Suspicion / Trust Fairness Reputation Security / Risk Prejudice / Xenophobia Compromise Duty to inform the public
Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackersDaily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
01.29.12, Israel News
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday.
According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert or sabotage an aircraft." The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury. The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are a Daily Mail reporter in a panel discussion about the case described above. Other invited guests are: the CEO of British Airways, the fired Muslim pilot, a Christian pilot, a frequent flyer and a BA flight attendant.
You wish to inform the public.
Possible points of discussion: Loyalty Responsibility Suspicion / Trust Fairness Reputation Security / Risk Prejudice / Xenophobia Compromise Duty to inform the public
Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackersDaily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
01.29.12, Israel News
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert or sabotage an aircraft." The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my
race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury. The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are a Daily Mail reporter in a panel discussion about the case described above. Other invited guests are: the CEO of British Airways, the fired Muslim pilot, a Christian pilot, a frequent flyer and a BA flight attendant.
You wish to inform the public.
Possible points of discussion: Loyalty Responsibility Suspicion / Trust Fairness Reputation Security / Risk Prejudice / Xenophobia Compromise Duty to inform the public
Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackers
Daily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
01.29.12, Israel News
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert
or sabotage an aircraft." The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury. The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are CEO of British Airways in a panel discussion about the case described above. Other invited guests are: the Muslim Pilot, a Christian Pilot, a Daily Mail reporter, a frequent flyer and a BA flight attendant.
You are defending your airline‘s decision to fire the Muslim pilot.
Fired Muslim pilot: Airline thought I'd copy 9/11 hijackersDaily Mail quotes pilot who worked for well-known British carrier as saying he was fired because of his race and religion
01.29.12, Israel News
A Heathrow-based Muslim airline pilot told an employment tribunal he was fired because his bosses feared he might copy the September 11 attacks, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to the British newspaper's report, the pilot worked for a well-known British carrier but was judged a security risk after he was arrested over an alleged terror plot. The airline said he was "in a position to divert or sabotage an aircraft." The pilot, who is British, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "I felt they believed I was going to fly planes into buildings. I believe the basis they had for their suspicion was my race and religion, because of the actions of other people of a similar race and religion," he reportedly told the employment tribunal.The newspaper said the pilot vehemently denies the airline’s claim that he was unfit to fly because of his ties to two alleged extremists suspected of "planning to use an aircraft as part of a hostile or terrorist act." According to the report, both men were arrested under the British Terrorism Act, but charges against one of them were later dropped while the other was cleared by a jury. The pilot and his brother – an active member of the Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir – were also arrested but never charged, the Daily Mail reported.
ROLE CARD
You are the host of a talkshow. Your task is to moderate a panel discussion about the case described above. Invited guests are: the Muslim Pilot, a Christian Pilot, a Daily Mail reporter, a frequent flyer, the CEO of British Airways and a BA flight attendant.
Possible points of discussion: Loyalty Responsibility Suspicion / Trust
