Santorum Says Conflict With Palestinians In Gaza Has Taken Huge Toll On Tourism In Israel
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Dom Giordano talked with former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT about his trip to Israel with other politicians and business leaders to meet with Israeli officials.
Santorum said the current conflict with the Palestinians in Gaza has taken a huge toll on tourism.
"It's very sad to be here right now. We came through Ben Gurion Airport and it was mostly empty. Tourism is down 95 percent. We're alone. We're here at these digs, and we're the only people here. You drive around Jerusalem and it feels like a ghost town. It's quite sad. Obviously, the tourism is a huge part of the economy of the state of Israel. It's getting hit very, very badly."
He insisted that many is Israel were happy to see group during a time of increased tension in the region.
"People knew we were coming. This was news here in Israel…The outpouring of kindness and just thanking us for showing solidarity, thanking us for taking the time to come here when no one else is coming to stand up for Israel. These folks are feeling very, very much alone. The Israelis are feeling isolated by our President and by many throughout the world, certainly by the United Nations and the world community."