So you want to visit Israel?

Yes, I said. But first, let me give you some background information. I am a Jew living in Honduras, a country with no Rabbi and a very small community with members who hold diverse views on observance and traditions. Trying to live within the teachings of Torah or barely keeping kosher, is at best, an exercise in frustration. In addition to that, my wife and I were born in Nicaragua, and, like many Jews in the Diaspora, definitely not because we planned it that way. Back in Zeide's days, Jews did not have much choice as to where they could go to live a simple and peaceful life.

So we did what we thought was right: We encouraged our three sons to make aliyah to Israel. Two of them already made it, Alex and Edwin, and our third son, Eric, is waiting to finish college to start working with the Jewish Agency so he can move to Israel for good. Alex and Edwin are now full Israeli citizens, and are serving in the IDF; one of them is Golani and the other Givati. We have been asked twice to visit Israel and be with our sons when special circumstances have arisen, like when they finished their special forces training, or "End of Track" as they call it. Friends of the IDF have offered to pay our tickets, but unfortunately it has happened on a very short notice every time. Not enough time to do what it takes.

So we need a visa to visit Israel. I thought that as Jews, we could visit Israel anytime. After all, we are protected by the Law of Return. That's how our sons went to Israel in the first place. So recently, being legal residents of Honduras, we contacted the Israel Embassy in Guatemala to start working on getting a tourist visa, just in case we get another invitation. My thinking was simple: If I need a US visa, I go to the US Embassy in Honduras, even though I'm not a citizen of Honduras. If I want to travel to Guatemala, I don't need a visa to do so, because I am a citizen of a Central American country. However, to my surprise, the Israel Embassy in Guatemala said I had to go to the Israel Embassy in Costa Rica, since I am a citizen of Nicaragua. But wait: Citizens of Nicaragua can not enter Costa Rica without a visa from that country. It's as if Costa Rica was not a member of Central America. It's always been like that. So why would Israel make Nicaraguans go to Costa Rica and not to another country that does not restrict their entrance, is beyond my comprehension. Incredibly, I need a visa to go to Costa Rica to request a visa to visit Israel. Get it? I don't.

It seems like I will have to become a Honduran citizen first and then I will be able to visit Israel without the need for a visa. I, as a Jew, can not visit Israel; but a Honduran non-Jew, can go anytime he/she wishes. My hopes to see my sons as they fulfill their military service have now vanished. And to think I will pray at the Kotel one day, seems like a lifetime away. Can somebody help me decipher this puzzle? Is it my fault I was born where I was born? My Moreh used to tell me: Being Jewish is expensive, and it's very hard. Now I understand.

Update: The Israel Embassy in Costa Rica returns request saying it must be handled by Embassy in Guatemala. It's a dead-end now.

Update (May 24, 2012): Israel Embassy in Guatemala suggests "Your travel agent should be able to get you a visa". I have no more comments.