Visit Palestine

The Arabic humankind

Let me tell you why you should visit Palestine. I personally have a big respect for the Muslim people and their countries. The main reason is the kindness they offer to travelers and the warm “Welcome” they give to the strangers.

In the past, I traveled around Arabic countries like United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Morocco and Iran. One certain things is that the same feeling of joy overwhelmed me each time I cross those borders.

With no exception from the rule, people of Palestine were nice, ready to help, supportive and always ready to give more than expecting to receive. That’s the reason they all go straight into my heart, hardly to be forgotten in time.

Understanding Palestine

Before moving on, there is a bit of history about Palestine we should all know about. The country is a tiny place today but once it used to be big. Formally known as the State of Palestine, this land is not recognized by all the United Nation members as independent. Some examples would be Israel or United Stated.

This new state was created during the Arab-Israeli War in 1948, when Jordan hoped to permanently annex some territories to their country. They quickly lost them during the Six Day War in 1967.

Even so, Jordan never stopped thinking of regaining the land. But later on, the Oslo Accords gave control to the Palestinians over some tiny areas, which on one side insert some hope for a future Independent Palestine.

As a consequence, none of the parts was happy with this accord. This action led to frequent attacks which the State of Israel decided to limit it by building a wall. Today we know it as the Separation wall, diving Israel from the Palestine, West Bank.

Unfortunately, tensions still exist today.

Supporting Palestinians. What shall we do?

Now, you can understand how difficult is it for the Palestinians to live inside the walls, with small perspectives for their future and a controlled freedom.

Visiting their land helps them have a regular income and support the economy, which is in a bad shape today. This is the reason I do ask you to contribute as you can. Above all, everything is a lot more cheaper than in Israel.

Some simple gestures you can do are choosing accommodation in the West Bank, buy souvenirs or eat in local places. Try your best because they do rely on tourism for living.

Places to visit in Palestine

We went to visit only two places in Palestine, Bethlehem and Jericho, but we did had an amazing time. I personally think about going back and do an exclusive Palestine trip in the future as I missed many things.

Meanwhile, check why you should see this two places at least.

Bethlehem

The city where Baby Jesus was born is located on the West Bank, in the place called today Palestine.

If you want to see only the Nativity church, the place where Jesus was born, you need only half a day trip from Jerusalem.

But, I do recommend to spend at least one full day to explore the city and the other points of interest nearby (some nice places are the Shepards’s field, Bethlehem museum, Milk Grotto chapel).

The good thing is even if you’re not religious there is still lots to do!

The separation Wall is now converted into a piece of art thanks to the British artist Bansky. The souq has good food, sweets and the stores around the Manger square are filled with wood pieces of art, so buy some souvenirs!

Jericho

Supposed to be the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city, Jericho has archaeological sites to be discovered together with the Mount of Temptation and The Monastery of the Qurantul.

The Judean mountains hosts the monastery, build on the place where Jesus resisted Satan after 40 days of fast in the desert. A breath taking view is waiting for you on top.

More than this, Jericho is located a few kilometers far away from Qasr Al Yahud, where Jesus has been baptized by St John and near the Dead Sea.

So, if you still don’t feel convinced why you should visit Palestine, let me tell you some more stories.