Juror Flirting With John Edwards
Obama's Pot-Smoking Detailed
Today the elder Richard seemed to find it hard to believe that he, his wife, Dana, and their baby were in the Holy Land.
"It is really a dream to be here and to see the Jordan River, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall," he told AOL News after a tiring, 16-hour flight from Chile to Israel. "I lost count of the number of Ave Marias and Our Fathers I said while I was trapped. Prayer gave me the strength not to get depressed."
The miners are guests of the Israeli government and will spend a week visiting Jewish and Christian holy sites. They will spend just a few hours in the West Bank visiting Bethlehem, a decision that angered Palestinian officials who wanted the miners to spend more time in the
West Bank.
"For some of you this may be an opportunity to express a kind of thanksgiving," Israeli tourism minister Stas Misezhnikov told the miners at a news conference in Jerusalem. "For us it is a chance to celebrate the spirit of endurance, the tenacity and the courage you
all showed."
At the news conference, miner Jose Enriques said it was a privilege to be in Jerusalem.
"We are happy to be close to the place of God and to be able to thank the thousands who prayed for our return," he said. "This visit is also a chance for us to strengthen our faith in Jesus."
Sponsored Links
Misezhnikov was asked whether Israel should be spending so much money to bring 31 of the 33 trapped miners, their families and Chilean journalists to Israel when Chile recently recognized an independent Palestinian state, a move that angered Israeli officials."This is a private visit, not a governmental visit," he replied. "But look at all of this media interest. It is a chance for us to show Israel to the world in an objective way -- to show Israel's history and culture. It's a win-wins situation for everyone."
Wearing a black baseball cap with the logo of airline El Al, Villaroel seemed overwhelmed by the media attention. He said his experience underground had deepened his religious faith and he now goes to church more often and volunteers at a school for troubled girls.
"When he was in the mine I felt the holy spirit, and my faith was strong," said his wife, Dana, 22. "I want to thank God, and here is the best place to do that."
Romney Argues Big Spending Cuts Would Cause 'Depression,' Contrary To Tea Party Activists
Scott Walker, Tom Barrett Face Off In First Wisconsin Recall Debate
A New Murdoch Scandal Emerges
The Mortgage Mess: Just How Many Screwups Were There?
Devils Down Rangers, Headed To Stanley Cup Finals
GOP Governor Signs Bill Banning Islamic Law
The Story Behind Clinton's Porn Star Picture
Pedro Hernandez Charged In Etan Patz Death
Scott Walker Recall Race May Be Tightening
WATCH: Fox News Besieged By Technical Difficulties
Romney To Pay More In Taxes?
Cory Booker Goes Off Message, Everyone Freaks For A Week: The Speculatron Weekly Round-Up
Joe Biden Recalls Thoughts Of Suicide
More Trouble For Rick Scott
Over 50 Reportedly Killed By Syrian Forces
Police: Indiana Gunman Who Held Hostages Shot Self In Head
JPMorgan Risk Committee Missing People With Experience Monitoring Risk
GOP Congressional Candidate Accuses Opponent Of Spying On Campaign
Geologists Confirm Possible Jesus Crucifixion Date
Tom Coburn Gets Big Penalty From Fellow Senators
WATCH: Meghan McCain Lashes Out At Republicans
Arianna Huffington: The Inspirationals: Jeff Skoll, Doubling Down on the Things That Work
What Bin Laden's Wives Revealed
