Virtual Jerusalem has learned that the latest incarnation of the popular CBS television series Survivor will be filmed in Israel. VJ sources close to Survivor producer Mark Burnett have leaked information claiming that the most popular program in television history will be filmed in a forest maintained by the Jewish National Fund (JNF) on the outskirts of Jerusalem. At this point details are few and far between. However, one source, speaking on the basis of anonymity, has faxed VJ several documents detailing several immunity challenges.

Our source claimed that Burnett decided on Israel as a Survivor destination as “a tribute to his people.” “Apparently,” our source said, "Mark Burnett’s mother’s second cousin’s uncle's wife is a descendant of the Baal Shem Tov." Moreover, our source explained, Burnett felt that the “tribe culture” of Israel was a perfect fit.

The JNF forest could prove to be a great challenge for the chosen survivors. They will not only have to face the daily rigors of living in a forest but will have to plant trees as well. Usually, the teams are given several kilos of rice to sustain them everyday. Here, in Israel, the rice will be replaced by cous-cous, a light and fluffy ancient grain with a unique delicate flavor and a staple in all Israeli households. Carob trees and many varieties of herbs and spices can also be found throughout the region.

The Survivor series of 13 one-hour episodes concludes each week with a tribal council meeting at which one person is eliminated. When the competition is narrowed to two finalists, the ultimate $1 million winner is selected by a jury of the previously expelled contestants. One way to prevent elimination is to win 'immunity' through various competitions. These are referred to as “immunity challenges”.