Neocon junket: ‘live penetration raids in Arab territory’
by PHILIP WEISS on JANUARY 31, 2010

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."

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.