Chilean miners accept invite to visit Israel at Christmas

The now world-famous 33 reportedly ask to bring 70 family members with them on pilgrimage to Christian sites.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Chile miners at ceremony (photo credit: Associated Press)
Chile miners at ceremony
(photo credit: Associated Press)
The 33 Chilean miners who captured the world's attention surviving 69 days in a collapsed mine have accepted an Israeli invitation to visit the Holy Land for Christmas.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor says the Chilean ambassador has confirmed the miners would come.
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Palmor says Israel offered the miners an all expenses paid, weeklong tour of Christian holy sites and other attractions over the holidays.
Palmor also says the miners want to bring their families and Israel is considering it. He spoke on Thursday.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the miners had said they want to be accompanied on the trip by 70 of their family members, including children, grandchildren and mothers. One of the miners has asked to bring his mistress as well as his wife.
The miners were trapped in a San Jose mine following a tunnel collapse on August 5. They were extracted last month in a spectacular rescue operation, ascending from the depths in a narrow capsule as the world watched.
JTA contributed to this report.