JERUSALEM (JTA) — Reality television star Kim Kardashian and her husband, rapper Kanye West, landed in Israel for a private visit, during which they baptized their daughter.
The couple and their nearly 2-year-old daughter, North West, as well as Kardashian’s sister Khloe, landed at Ben Gurion Airport on Monday following a roots visit to Armenia. Photos of their arrival were featured on Israeli news websites and on news programs.
The celebrities and their entourage had originally planned to stay at the new Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Jerusalem, but reportedly switched to another hotel after their plans were leaked to the public.
An Israeli security firm that specializes in protecting VIPs reportedly was hired for the visit.
The group is scheduled to visit the Western Wall and other Jerusalem sites, where footage reportedly will be shot for the reality show “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” The sisters reportedly will make a trip to the Dead Sea and travel from Israel to Jordan.
Later Monday, Ynet reported that the purpose of the visit was to baptize North that day at the Cathedral of St. James in Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter. They were reportedly scheduled to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre following the baptism.
The couple also met with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.
Reports emerged in January that Kardashian and her two sisters were planning to buy a Tel Aviv apartment worth $30 million.
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