How Israel is so pathetically desperate for Hollywood celebrity endorsements: they would sell Netanyahu to get the Kardashian sisters to visit

"The new wrinkle is that Israel has decided to play the celebrity product placement game. The Israeli Tourism Ministry and a Brooklyn-based travel company run by ultra-Orthodox Jews called ExploreIsrael.com are offering a $55,000 all-expenses paid, 10-day luxury travel pack with first-class air to Tel Aviv -- "plus all the falafel you can eat."  The trips are part of an effort to sell Israel as a travel destination and not a conflict zone. The offer is being extended only to the nominees in best actor/actress, best supporting and director categories, alongside presenter Chris Rock, so that’s 26 people, plus their companions.  Producers, script writers, makeup and special effect gurus are not on the guest list."