A new visit-Israel campaign was kicked off in New York yesterday, under the theme, "I Care. And I'm Going." Israel's Minister of Tourism Benny Elon called a press event sponsored by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations as well as leaders of Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist Jewry. During the upcoming holiday season, beginning with Rosh HaShanah three days from now and ending with Simchat Torah three weeks later, as many as one million Tourism Pledge Cards will be distributed at synagogues across America. Participants are asked to sign the card, pledging to visit Israel some time in the coming year.
Tourism has jumped during 2003, and by the end of the year, 1.2 million tourists will have visited Israel - 50% more than in 2002.