Now they'll associate Israel with war, holy relics, and boobs

Courtesy of our friend David Urman is this article about Maxim magazine's new "Girls of the Israeli Defense Forces" issue. Obviously there is controversy that goes along with a spread like this, so I'll spare you my preaching (I like it) and give you the explanation from the msnbc.com article:

"... in a recent BBC poll taken in 27 countries, 56 percent of respondents considered Israel a 'negative influence' in the world, higher than both Iran and the United States. But Israel's PR problem is that Americans - particularly those aged 18 to 35 - either associate the country with war or holy relics, or don't think of it at all. 'We have to find the right hook' he says. 'And what's relevant to men under 35? Good-looking women.' "

In a way this makes sense, and in many ways it does not. I don't really know if Maxim's audience covers the 27 mystery countries in the BBC poll, I'm gonna guess it doesn't. So the 'promotion' might not have the desired effect Israel is hoping for. I also don't like the fact that when I turn 35, good-looking women will no longer be relevant to me.

Anyway, here's the pictures/article. No shiksas in this bunch!