Palestinians urge Oscar nominees to reject Israel junket
▻https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/palestinians-urge-oscar-nominees-reject-israel-junket
Palestinians are calling on Oscar nominees to reject a travel voucher supplied by the Israeli government as part of the gift bag they will be given during the Academy Awards.
The Israeli tourism ministry said it was behind the vouchers which are good for a “10-day VIP trip to Israel for two.”
Tourism minister Yariv Levin made clear that the goal of the stunt is to improve Israel’s image by capitalizing on the fame of Hollywood stars.
Israel hopes that stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Kate Winslet will be “touring in Tel Aviv or walking through the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem” – a part of the occupied West Bank.
“If they do indeed accept the invitation, their visit will have enormous resonance among millions of fans and followers,” Levin said.
