Israel junket: ‘live penetration raids in Arab territory’

[Peter Presland]

This appeared on a few blogs I follow a couple of days ago. Did't get around to posting it but, looking at the Jerusalem Post this morning (That article about Iran agreeing to the EU Uranium enrichment plan). The Flash advertisement for this little junket is there. It's pretty much unbelieveable. In fact I thought it was some kind of send-up when I first saw it. But no; It's real - headed: Come and see Israel's struggle for survival

Oops - just been and had another look and it's been replaced by a 'Join the Party' one to celebrate Hertzl's 150th birthday. They seem to be rotating them. Do try and get a look at the 'ultimate mission one' though. It really is surreal. Reminded me of Arnie S in that Sci-fi thing 'The Running Man' - come and watch us shoot a few terrorists - in total safety - then enjoy some bracing conversation over canapes & wine in your first class hotel. bloody unbelievable!

Below is an ad that was in Haaretz lately for the Ultimate Mission to Israel. The trip is a red-meat propaganda trip of a retro-masculine character–"live exhibition of penetration raids in Arab territory"– pitched to American professionals, accountants, doctors, lawyers. The fascination is not just the disgusting events–"observe a trial of Hamas terrorists in an IDF military court"–but that the ad is pitched to wealthy American Jews, and also apparently, the Modern Orthodox. Those groups overlap in the Status Quo Lobby, as it’s called, AIPAC. These are Jews who are deeply enmeshed in the American political process: note the meetings with senior Cabinet officials and the emphasis on Israel’s "struggle for survival." The ad follows the jump.

Monday, June 21 – Monday, June 28, 2010

Experience a dynamic and intensive eight day exploration of Israel’s struggle for survival and security in the Middle East today: "a military, humanitarian, historical, judicial, religious, and political reality check."

Mission Highlights

• Briefings by Mossad officials and commanders of the Shin Bet.
  
• Briefing by officers in the IDF Intelligence and Operations branches.
  
• Inside tour of the IAF unit who carries out targeted killings.
  
• Live exhibition of penetration raids in Arab territory.
  
• Observe a trial of Hamas terrorists in an IDF military court.
  
• First hand tours of the Lebanese front-line military positions and the Gaza border check-points.
  
• Inside tour of the controversial Security Fence and secret intelligence bases.
  
• Meeting Israel’s Arab agents who infiltrate the terrorist groups and provide real-time intelligence.
  
• Briefing by Israel’s war heros who saved the country.
  
• Meetings with senior Cabinet Ministers and other key policymakers.
  
• Small airplane tour of the Galilee, Jeep rides in the Golan heights, water activities on Lake Kinneret, a cook-out barbecue and a Shabbat enjoying the rich religious and historic wonders of Jerusalem’s Old City.
  

First Class Accomodation

• Five-star accommodations at the Sheraton Plaza Jerusalem (Glatt Kosher);
  
• Three meals a day (all Kosher);
  
• Luxury bus transportation and knowledgeable tour guide;
  
• A dedicated Executive Communications Center at the hotel;
  
• Personal cell phone for each participant.
  

Hat tip to Aletho News