jsp - Checking Multiple Conditons Similar to SQL IN Operator -

i need following,and list may possibly grow. there more succinct way write this? sql in operator?

<c:if test="${status == 'a' || status == 'e'}"> 

this little hacky, but.... if can determine character never appear in status variable (here i'm using pipe character) like

<c:set var='testval' value='|${status}|' /> <c:if test="${fn:contains('|a|e|', testval)}">