Their purpose is to show the concern and support of the participants for Israel during these difficult times, and also to bolster Israel's sagging economy. Hotels are closing, businesses are failing, and unemployment is rising, especially among those in tourism-related jobs. The physical presence of tourists right now in Israel is a powerful statement of Jewish unity and unwavering support for the State of Israel, our Jewish homeland. By firsthand reporting, those who visit can correct misstatements and refute some of the biased, misleading reporting of the media. Tourism helps bolster the economy and preserve the livelihoods of Israelis in tourism-related industries.
Participants help Israel by sharing the positive experience of their visit.
The following text reports what I learned on the mission. Firstly, there is no consensus in Israel as to what should be done or what the final outcome will be. In February's election, Ariel Sharon, the man some accuse of triggering the latest Intifada by his well-publicized trip to the Temple Mount, a site holy to both Jews and Moslems, defeated Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who had offered more concessions to the Palestinians than anyone thought possible. On the mission, we heard many interesting presentations. Jensen told us that the press is a tool used by both sides.