Israel invites Chilean miners for a ‘spiritual’ Christmas in the Holy Land

Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov on Monday extended an official invitation to the 33 Chilean miners who were rescued last week to experience a \"spiritual journey\" this Christmas in the Holy Land.

[additional-authors]

Jewish Journal

October 18, 2010

Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov on Monday extended an official invitation to the 33 Chilean miners who were rescued last week to experience a “spiritual journey” this Christmas in the Holy Land.

The men, who were trapped underground for 68 days in a mine in Chile, are invited to Israel with their spouses for a week-long, all-expense paid sightseeing tour of various sites holy to Christianity.

“Your bravery and strength of spirit, your great faith that helped you survive so long in the bowels of the earth, was an inspiration to us all,” the tourism minister wrote in his invitation. “It would be a great honor for us to welcome you as our guests in the Holy Land.”

“This December, Christians around the world – and here in the Land of Jesus – will celebrate Christmas. During that time, we welcome tens of thousands of pilgrims and we would be pleased to offer you this uplifting and extraordinary experience, as our guests.”

Did you enjoy this article?

You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review

Marion Haberman

The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC

Tabby Refael

What Ever Happened to the LA Times?

Dan Schnur

Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?

Ryan Torok

You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House

Marion Haberman

No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center

Larry Greenfield

Latest Articles

Arson In a Fire That Badly Damaged Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Miss., Early Saturday Morning

Avi Killip

Israeli Comic Guy Hochman’s Beverly Hills Show Cancellation Sparks Outcry, Antisemitism Debate

Ryan Torok

A Bisl Torah – Beshalach: From One War to Another

Moe Howard

Misty Egypt Colored Memories – A poem for Parsha Beshalach

Rick Lupert

A Moment in Time: “God, Am I Listening?”

Rabbi Zach Shapiro

Art is Incomplete Confession

Gershon Hepner

Print Issue: Rebuilding Jewish Strength | January 30, 2026

January 29, 2026

In the aftermath of Oct. Z, 2023, many Jewish organizations have increased their efforts to respond to a new wave of antisemitism. But too few have paused to ask whether their old frameworks are up to the new challenges.

Why We Could Not Rest: The Return Of Ran Gvili

January 29, 2026

When one of us is taken, it is not one of countless others. It is a single face, a single life.

Fruitful – A Jeweled Couscous Salad

January 29, 2026

I knew we had to reimagine my couscous salad with all the fruits of the land. Traditionally, the holiday is marked by eating fruits and nuts, honoring what grows and sustains us.

Bounty of Recipes for Tu b’Shvat

January 29, 2026

Tu b’Shvat is known as the holiday of the trees. It is focused on environmentalism, planting trees and celebrating Israel’s agricultural bounty.

Table for Five: Beshalach

January 29, 2026

Revealed Miracles

My Response to Rabbi Wolpe’s Column on the Rabbinate

January 29, 2026

For many of us considering or already pursuing the rabbinate, the vision he describes feels familiar. It reflects the kind of rabbinate many of us hope to inhabit.

Rebuilding Jewish Strength

January 29, 2026

In the aftermath of Oct. 7, 2023, many Jewish organizations have increased their efforts to respond to a new wave of antisemitism. But too few have paused to ask whether their old frameworks are up to the new challenges.

Antisemitism Against the Israelite Igbo People Is Real

January 28, 2026

There is more than enough evidence that Igbos have been targeted because of their ancient Israelite/Jewish connection. Acknowledging this antisemitism would have profound implications for Black-Jewish relations in the U.S.

Why Envy Is Harder to Shake Than We Think

January 28, 2026

We often long for another person’s comfort or success without seeing the full picture behind it. Perspective, even when delayed, can be illuminating — and a gift.

Prayer in Uganda

January 28, 2026

We could learn something from the Abayudaya in Uganda, and their much-smaller, even-less-resourced “sister” community in Kenya.

Rosner’s Domain | Gvili’s Last Contribution

January 28, 2026

It’s over. The nightmare of hostages is over.

Beyond the Hashtags: What I Learned in the Middle East

January 28, 2026

The relationship between Israel and the UAE offers a model that challenges the assumption that the Middle East is locked in perpetual dysfunction.

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of God’s Law

January 28, 2026

The American experiment, inspired by Locke’s writings, would function in the model of Biblical Israel, balancing the gift of human rationality with belief in the grace of Heaven.

Jaydi Samuels Kuba: “Your Last First Date,” Matchmaking and Jewmaican Beef Patties

January 28, 2026

Taste Buds with Deb – Episode 140

Inside Birthright’s Bet on Jewish Storytellers

January 27, 2026

Birthright Israel Onward Storytellers is Birthright’s newest program which aims to support Jewish creators from around the world.

What Was Never Said: Beautiful Blu’s Holocaust-Inspired Album ‘One Final Day’

January 27, 2026

The album takes listeners on a somber musical odyssey, blending haunting vocals with moments of electronic texture to reflect both historical horror and emotional disorientation.

After Being Canceled for Being a Zionist, Jewish Musician Mikey Pauker Makes a Comeback

January 27, 2026

While antisemitic attacks against him intensified, so did demand for his work — particularly within Jewish communities.

Yes, It’s (Still) a Good Time to Be a Jew

January 27, 2026

When I reflect on my life as a Jew today, I think of lively Shabbat dinners and inspirational synagogue services, and of the music, food and community that fortify me.