82% of all American Jews have not yet been to Israel for the first time. This statistic has not changed in more than 35 years. So we have to ask why? As a secular Jew involved in tourism for many years, I feel strongly that Israel has to be marketed as a destination NOT an obligation. Most secular (including Reform and Conservative streams) American Jews travel all over the world first, saying "later" they will visit Israel. Stop making it an obligation. Make it a destination that offers everything. "Build" if that way and "they" will come. I know. It is how I felt for many years.

If Israelis can figure out how to: 1. Make flights cheaper 2. Build more decent tourist class hotels at lower rates, and 3. Make it cheaper to travel inside the country (food and guides), then maybe more American jews will be able to afford to come. case in point: you can get a Sherut from the airport to Jerusalem, but.. not to Tel Aviv hotels. Imocoming for a family wedding. Otherwise, Id be ging to Europe, and saving a bundle...

They will be begging on their knees to leave Amerika soon and they don't even know it yet. Try to explain it to them and they will laugh, soon they will cry bitter tears of regret and remoarse. America will not be safe for them neither will any other part of the world. You treat israel as if it is some kind of Fetish item to worry about or not care about. Jesus is not going to be there for you those that have become too close to the goyim. You know what is waiting for you? PAIN. SUFFERING. MISERY. God will turn away from you and you will be in serious trouble.

Impoverished by the Banksters and manipulated by an Evil System

First of all there is a sherut to Tel Aviv. Next, American Jews travel on very expensive cruises ships, travel to expensive and varied destinations and pay high prices (if they want) for hotels, and even higher prices for guides than they have to pay here. There is no other country where you can have one guide with you for the entire country. There are all level hotels to choose from. We have the tourist class hotels at reasonable prices in all areas of the country - as well as top class hotels. If they wanted to - there is nothing to stop them - except that it might actually make them understand who they are - that they are Jews and connected to Israel - and probably that is what makes them go someplace else. This has to be a destination NOT an obligation.

you can expect A) very rude and obnoxious people most of the time B) very arrogant people C) no customer service d) Israelis love to litter other than that....have a great time !

If the Israeli Tourism Ministry really want to get more tourists to come here they don't need a big campaign abroad. They need - 1. to get El Al to lower their prices (and not just from the US), to at the most the prices of the other airlines who fly here. 2. to get the hotels to lower their prices, It is a lot cheaper to travel to Europe than to stay in Eilat, Netanya or Tiberias. 3. to get the people who work in the tourist industry to learn to serve and not insult the tourists. Only then will the hundreds of thousands of tourists who cross the Atlantic each year "to go the extra mile" and continue on to Israel.

You will pay a very very heavy price for your excuses and willfull neglect of your homeland. Jews that call themselves Jews and pretend that their homeland is in Europe, America, and Canada HAVE NO FUTURE AS JEWS. Soon you will discover this truth to be self evident. Those that regret their attitude and behaviour will make every effort to come to Israel at all costs. Those that could care less, well, we could care less about you. You and your families will not remain Jews very much longer and maybe it is for the best.

I have been to Israel many times....there is a lot of truth in these posts. Its time Israelis took responsibility for their actions. I for one, have given thousands of hours of volunteer work for Israel and have donated lots of $$ as have most of my family. Stop being so ignorant !

..you don't have to spend money or promote anything. This is rather worrying aspect because it exposes Israel's insecurities.

For AFFORDABLE FAMILY RESORTS The Global Market Share for Family Resort Holidays exceeds that of Sightseeing, Religious, Singles by a factor of 4! We are missing a trick here We know that Resorts on the East Med are not possible given the short coastline BUT with water more available these can be built as inland 'Desert Resorts' dotted around the Negev within easy reach of Beersheba or Dimona Affordable for Tourists as well as Israelis And its not as if this Model is new..In the UK Centre Parcs is a roaring success despite the weather...and when it comes to 'Inland Desert Resorts' I know it may be stretching a point - but anyone heard of Las Vegas?

I happen to know, and be friends with, American Jews ranging from secular to very religious. I don't know one I would characterize as 'stoopid or spoilt'. They all work very hard (I know most from my place of work). I would not say they're 'spoilt' in any way. Most are middle-class and struggling just like the rest of us. My company has had layoffs and some (me too) have known unemployment and searched for jobs while being middle-aged. (Far from 'spoilt'.) Reason they're still in the US instead of Israel is mainly family and employment. Maybe some will go to live in Israel one day. However, being called names ('stoopid and spoilt') won't encourage anyone to come. It's very unfair to judge people you don't know and ascribe such things to them. (PS - I'm not Jewish, so I have 'no dog in this fight'. Just don't like people saying such things about people they don't even know.)