Americans offered ‘terror tours’

American tourists usually visit Israel to see the holy places, visit nature reserves or, for Jewish tourists, as part of singles tours. An Israeli organization is now offering American tourists a whole different kind of experience in the holy land: A “terror tour” which offers participants a chance to learn about the Israeli war on terror first hand, including face-to-face meetings with IDF troops and terrorists. This thrill-seekers’ tour is organized by “Shurat Hadin,” a legal organization headed by attorney Nitzana Darshan-Leitner, which deals with filing lawsuits against the Palestinian Authority for its responsibility for terror attacks in Israel. The organization aims to attract well-off Americans who can afford the expensive trip, and who are willing to contribute money to the organization. In return these tourists are offered an action-packed trip all around Israel. What’s on the agenda? The eight-day trip includes a meeting with former Foreign Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, followed by a briefing from senior Shin Bet and Mossad officials who talk about their counter-terrorism efforts and “tracking down terror funding sources.” Meeting PM’s media advisor Also on the schedule is a meeting with Palestinian collaborators who infiltrated terror cells and relayed information to Israel, and a visit to the “Ofer Camp” where Palestinian prisoners stand trial. The organizers also promise the tour will include a visit to an IDF roadblock in the West Bank town of Jenin to observe efforts to curb the smuggling of weapons into Israel, as well as meetings with an Air Force special unit in charge of targeted eliminations and inspection of its weapons. The session also includes a meeting with a Border Guard unit which specializes in capturing terrorists in the Jerusalem area. For a final course, the exhausted travelers will meet with Prime Minister’s Sharon media advisor, Raanan Gissin. To enjoy this trip, participants will have to part with USD 1,670, not including flights, as well as an obligatory donation to “Shurat Hadin.”

Americans offered ‘terror tours’

Israeli organization allows visitors from abroad to learn first-hand about local war on terrorism; tours include meetings with politicians, briefings by security officials