A new edition of the world-famous Lonely Planet travel guide has leveled another blow to the already not-so-savory reputation of Israeli tourists around the world. According to the franchises new Chile guidebook, tourists in the South American country should be prepared to encounter such hassles and hazards as random volcano eruptions, earthquakes, high crime rates, sandflies and obnoxious Israeli backpackers. Israelis, the books authors write, are loud, show flagrant disregard for local customs and are a nuisance to other travelers. The unflattering excerpt was relayed to Jerusalem by a diplomat from the Israeli Embassy in the Chilean capital, Santiago. The report added to the growing concern at the Foreign Ministry over the eroding image of Israelis in Chile, a hugely popular destination for the droves of young Israelis who travel abroad following their army service. The reputation of Israeli visitors has plummeted in recent months, especially after the arrest and trial of backpacker Rotem Singer, who was arrested in Chile in December on charges of starting a massive wildfire in the Torres del Paine National Park. Despite calls in Chile to be harsh with Singer and even imprison him, the prosecution accepted a plea bargain which was approved by the court. People in the street have cursed me, and I was concerned they would hurt me, as well, Singer told Army Radio following his arrest. Its really important for me to say that I didnt do this. I was given a field trial. During the discussions I was assigned a local lawyer who could only speak Spanish, so I didnt even understand what I was being accused of. Singer said that people hurled insults and anti-Semitic remarks at him while he was walking to the courthouse for his hearing, shouting that he was a sh--ty Jew, and also that Israel should compensate Chile for the cost of the fire. Chiles leading TV channel ran a report recently in which a former representative of a Chilean environmentalist organization said, Israel must take a more responsible stance on this issue. Lets not forget that these Israeli youngsters are sent here as part of a government plan following their military service. In addition, Chiles popular Caras magazine published a story in which the typical Israeli traveler was described as one who doesnt pay for services he receives, is noisy, litters, and ignores local norms and laws.
