Quinn & Co. public relations

Eaters will Devour Festive Cookies in Celebration of Purim for the Chance to Win a Roundtrip Ticket to Israel and Beat the Pro

NEW YORK – Feb. 13, 2012 – EL AL, the national airline of Israel, will host the EL AL Israel Airlines National Hamantaschen Eating Championship on Thursday, March 8 in New York City, in celebration of the Jewish holiday of Purim. All Pro Eating will run the championship, during which competitors will have six minutes to consume as many hamantaschen (triangle-shaped pastries) as possible for the chance to win a flight to Tel Aviv. In addition, All Pro Eating is bringing in professional eater Will “The Champ” Millender, four-time and current New York stinky cheese eating champion, adding another competitive dimension to the festive event. Kosher hamantaschen will be provided by Borenstein Caterers, Inc., which provides freshly prepared meals for all EL AL flights departing New York (JFK/Newark).

“This championship will result in the first ever National Hamanstaschen Eating Record,” said Todd “The Hungry Genius” Greenwald, chairman of All Pro Eating, who will emcee the event.

Non-professional eaters interested in participating can submit a video on the EL AL Facebook page demonstrating their eating abilities (the more creative, the better!). Submissions will be accepted through February 28. EL AL Facebook fans will weigh in and winners will be chosen based on number of votes and eligibility.** The 10 finalists will be notified on March 3 and must be present for the championship on March 8 which will take place in front of a live audience in New York City. The event will be streamed live via Facebook. For more information and to submit a video visit Facebook (EL AL Israel Airlines USA).

The grand prize for first place is a roundtrip ticket from New York (JFK or EWR) or Los Angeles nonstop to Tel Aviv on EL AL Israel Airlines.* Second and third place winners will receive vouchers toward future flights for $500 and $250 respectively. If the first place winner eats more than the pro, he or she will win a second roundtrip ticket to Israel.

For information about EL AL or to book any EL AL flight, visit www.elal.com or call EL AL (800) 223-6700. Learn more about EL AL and special promotions as well as activities, special events, and useful travel tips to Israel, plus more by joining the airline’s Facebook (EL AL Israel Airlines USA) and Twitter (@ELALUSA).

Join the EL AL Matmid Frequent Flyer Club to earn bonus tickets and upgrades to premium classes, priority seat selection, and other exclusive member-only deals. Matmid Members have the opportunity to enroll for free in the EL AL GlobaLY program, whereby EL AL is donating the equivalent of 5% of earned points to charitable organizations: Taglit/Birthright, The Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Israel, helping to bring deserving individuals from around the world to Israel.

About EL AL
Celebrating more than 60 years of service, EL AL, Israel’s national airline, offers the most nonstop flights between New York (JFK/Newark) and Israel as well as the only nonstop service from Los Angeles. Worldwide, EL AL flies to 35 destinations from Israel and serves dozens of other destinations throughout the world (including the USA) via partnerships with many other leading carriers. Only EL AL has first class service on nonstop flights between the U.S.A. and Israel. The airline has annual revenues of about $2 billion and carries 3.6 million passengers every year.

EL AL embodies Israel’s values of innovation and the promise of a genuine Israeli welcome.
EL AL. It’s not just an airline. It’s Israel.

About Purim
Purim is a festive Jewish holiday that celebrates the deliverance of the Jews from their enemies in the biblical Book of Esther. Purim is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the Hebrew month of Adar, which usually falls sometime in February or March. As with most Jewish holidays, food plays an important role in Purim. On Purim, Jews are also supposed to enjoy a festive meal, called the Purim se’udah (meal), as part of their holiday celebration. Oftentimes people will serve hamantaschen, special Purim cookies, during the dessert course.