Operation Shiloh

TV low-point of the weekend was "Terror Tourists" in which a bunch of American Christians from trouble spots like Colorado paid through the nose for a week of "counter terrorism training" in Israel.

"Operation Shiloh" is the brainchild of a couple of Israeli businessmen who are cashing in on American post-9/11 paranoia with a helping hand from the Israeli Defence Force. At one point the trainees were taken for a walk through Hebron, in the middle of a curfew (minus flak jackets, because of an administrative cock-up.)

Never mind the safety aspect of this... (more fool them, if you ask me). But can you imagine how galling it would be if you were a Palestinian living in Hebron, locked up in your home, watching the grotesque sight of a bunch of slumming Americans strolling down the street? Even the soldiers from the IDF on guard duty in the town thought the whole thing was "crazy."

So what did the "Terror Tourists" get for their $5,500, apart from the stroll through Hebron? Some unarmed combat training, a camp-out in the Judean desert, the chance to fire an Uzi and a couple of paintballing sessions.

And, of course, the chance to be the subject of a none too subtle propaganda exercise. Because at no point did they have the opportunity to meet or talk with any Palestinians. One "terror tourist" - Lisa, a dental nurse from Virginia - said this might have been a good idea because it's important "to get both sides of the story.

"But if I met a Palestinian," she went on, "I'm not sure I would trust everything they said."

Mission accomplished.

Both sides of the story: Children watch as the body of a Palestinian policeman shot by the IDF is carried through the streets of Gaza city.

Comments

[denislav bunev]

Hi,
I am a student at the University of Central Lancashire, doing MA in Tourism Management. I would like to use the example of Operation Shiloh for my dissertation which is Terrorism and Tourism. The problem is that I need some more info about the whole thing. I have tried to contact the company organizing the tours but I did not get an answer at all. Do you have an idea how can I get more info about it?
Best regards,
Dennis

[Adrian]

The program showed the narrow-mindedness of the American people god help us all, September 11th is a conspiracy of the highest magnitude coupled with an under educated people and simplistic leader with the autority to destroy the world.
I think the world should stand up before its too late, well done France, Germany and the rest of the world for not selling their souls for a quick buck in Iraq.