The Chilean miners who were rescued from deep underneath the Atacama Desert in October have accepted the Israeli government’s offer to spend an “uplifting and extraordinary” Christmas in Israel.
After the 33 men were saved, the Israeli tourism minister, Stas Misezhnikov, invited them on an all expenses paid trip to see the Christian holy sites.
Rather rashly, he extended the invitation to the miners’ partners. “Los 33” have now happily accepted the offer, but have also asked that nearly 70 members of their extended families can come too.
Israeli tourism officials are now considering whether they can afford to fly the miners, along with 31 wives, girlfriends and 36 children, to Israel for the seven-day guided tour.
One of the miners has even asked to bring along his nephew, while another wants his mistress to join the trip.
Last month Mr Misezhnikov told the miners that he issued the invitation because “your great faith that helped you survive so long in the bowels of the earth was an inspiration to us all.
