A 72-year-old woman sent a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman regarding discriminatory treatment of people who have implanted pacemakers.
The woman complained that the security people in the airport refused to allow her to go through a security check using the fast lane intended for people with disabilities. The woman was asked to provide a disability card even though she was not defined as handicapped.
Later, even though the individual in charge of security was called to the place, he reiterated the demand to see a disability card as well as asked the women offensive/invasive questions to the extent that the complainant burst out crying.
Following the inquiry made by the Office of the State Ombudsman, it was found that the complaint was justified. During the month of August, the authority reported that it will now post a sign in the airport that will direct individuals with pacemakers to a special line where they will get personalized and faster service.
The Israel Airports Authority even apologized deeply to the complainant for the distress caused her.