Chanukah lights
Chanukah lightsIsrael news photo: Flickr.com

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations has launched a unique website with Israel’s Ministry of Tourism that allows virtual “travelers” to log on and light candles for each night of the holiday.

With each candle that is “lit” on the Internet, visitors to the Chanukah website will be able to access more information about travel to Israel. At the end of the eight-day holiday Saturday night, site visitors who have lit all eight candles will be entered to win a free trip to Israel on El  Al and experience the country.

“The ‘Light Your Way to Israel’ website helps the virtual traveler celebrate Chanukah while sparking their interest in exciting destinations throughout Israel,” according to the Conference organization, which represents 51 Jewish groups in the United States.

“Our collective efforts continue to stimulate American Jewish and general travel to Israel, and we hope this website will produce similar results,” It added. “Beyond its positive economic impact, tourism is critical in uplifting the mood in Israel, demonstrating our solidarity during both peaceful and challenging times, and enhancing Israel’s image,” said executive Vice chairman Malcolm Hoenlein.