Glenn Beck may have flopped in the US and become too toxic for even FOX News to touch, but he always had a plan to redeem himself: a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Glenn Beck planned a great "Restoring Glenn Beck's Popularity Courage" rally in Jerusalem in August, and the event was going to be spectacular. The plan in June:
Tens of thousands of excited Israelis and Americans, music performances, appearances by local and international celebrities, senior politicians and a live broadcast that will reach millions of viewers – this is just some of what is in store for Glenn Beck's upcoming rally "to restore courage," which is set to take place on August 24 in Jerusalem.
To keep the energy up, they planned:
A series of musical performances, designed to lure Israeli audiences, are expected at the rally, and Beck said he intends to recruit some US star power for the event as well. A pyrotechnic show and free snacks and drinks are anticipated as well.
Unfortunately, a funny thing happened. Most mainstream Israelis, from the right and left, from the religious and secular communities, united to say they don't want Glenn Beck's brand pseudo-Christian fundamentalist radicalism. Celebrities and supporters, both in the US and Israel, pulled out. By the end, the entertainment had dwindled somewhat:
The evening's glittering guests tonight apparently include Israeli singer Dudu Fisher, MK Danny Danon and Angelina Jolie's dad.
As for the rally itself? Remember the prediction of "tens of thousands"? Well:
Conservative Christian commentator Glenn Beck capped a contentious visit to Israel Wednesday by hosting a rally next to a hotly disputed holy site in Jerusalem's Old City.
Hundreds of supporters, including Israeli politicians, were on hand to hear the former Fox TV personality in the final leg of his "Restoring Courage" tour of the Holy Land.
From "tens of thousands" to hundreds. That's a 99% drop. It turns out, no one in Israel wants Beck any more than people in the US want him.