The fanatical colonists of Ariel, in Palestine, tried to launch a prosecution of Gush Shalom for informing international scholars that Ariel is not in Israel. But no prosecution occurred because, it seems, Israel has no law against informing people of this fact.

As repression increases around the world, I accumulate a list of countries I choose not to visit. In some cases, it is just a matter of comfort — they tend to be hotter than I like, and since I have no particular reason to go there, staying away is the cheap and easy method to avoid the heat.

In some countries, I fear repression. Pakistan might persecute me for blasphemy; Turkey might persecute me for condemning would-be tyrant Erdoğan; Thailand might persecute me for recounting an episode in the life of the former king. Egypt's repression forces might imprison anyone, based on a whim or a confusion; they don't need a rational reason. I recommend everyone stay away from Egypt.

Then there are the countries that I would be happy to visit if I could do so without having my fingerprints taken.

But the only country I have reason to expect would refuse to let me in is Israel. I support the boycott of products made in Israel's colonies in Palestinian territory, the boycott that Gush Shalom led until Israeli law was changed to reduce to penury anyone advocating that boycott. I would not be allowed entry.

I have visited Israel three times, but now I know there will not be a fourth visit unless Israeli policies change.

I hope that Israel will agree to end the occupation/siege of Palestine, and cease to maintain colonies on its territory. Then the reason for the boycott would no longer exist, so I would no longer support it. Perhaps then I could visit Israel again.