Israel wants Hollywood

Israel is offering tax breaks, insurance and sums of up to $400,000 in an effort to lure international movie producers to film in Israel. Yoram Honig an Israeli film director and 10th generation Jerusalemite said it is absurd that movies set in Jerusalem are filmed in Greece, Morocco and other Mediterranean countries instead of inIsrael's capital. Honig established the Jerusalem Film Fund some three years ago to encourage international productions to film in Israel. Hollywood considers Jerusalem a problem, a place too volatile to ensure smooth filming on location, and international insurance companies have refused to provide coverage for terror attacks or have opted to demand exorbitant prices. In an effort to promote Jerusalem as an ideal film set, the government is offering cash incentives and the capital's municipality has agreed to assist in obtaining the necessary permits and aid in location logistics. Tel Aviv and Haifa have also jumped on the band wagon and are developing similar funds hoping to attract producers from abroad.