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Hebron:
Abraham is believed to have come here from Beer Sheva. Genesis
describes Sarah's death and Abraham's purchase of the Tomb of the
Patriarchs for a burial place for his wife and family. Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob and their wives Rebecca and Leah are buried in this
cave, under the present Mosque and synagogue. If we can generalize
in stating that most Palestinian cities and town are very
"tourist-friendly" – Hebron may be the exception to the rule. Since
1967, when Hebron was occupied by the Israelis during the 6-day war,
some of the fiercest resistance came from here. Due to the close
proximity and extreme views of
Hebron's
Jewish and Arab communities, and the mutual claim to the Cave of the
Patriarchs, there is an air of tension here that one does not find
in most Palestinian areas. Both the Jews of Hebron and the Moslems
are more filled with "religious fever" than in most other places,
adding to the air of tension.
Hebron
however, is a shopper's paradise. Most of the Arabic crafts sold in
Jerusalem
(and in
Jordan)
are produced here and sold for sometimes at half the price. While
in
Hebron,
visit one of the many pottery and glassblowing factories. Two
kilometers from the entrance to
Hebron
is the "Oak of Ibrahim" – on the Plain of Mamre, where traditionally
Abraham pitched his tent and built an altar, and where David was
anointed king.
Less
than 5 kilometers from Hebron is the town of Halhul, a small town
famed to be the home of John the Baptist.
Jericho
– If
you cross into Palestine from Jordan by way of the Allenby/King
Hussein Bridge, the first town you'll visit is the beautiful oasis
of Jericho. Situated 250 meters below sea level, Jericho is not
only the oldest city and oldest continuously inhabited site in the
world, but is the lowest living town on earth. It is a favorite
winter resort due to its moderate climate – certainly the best
tourist destination in Palestine during the winter months.
Historically, Jericho was the first town that the ancient Hebrews
entered after there 40 year journey once freed from bondage in
Egypt. When you enter Jericho, you can't help but notice the sweet
smelling oasis, so fertile and flowery and lush in its growth of
tropical plants and bananas that it seems a miracle in this dry
terrain. Underground streams feed the soil here. Jericho is packed
with hotels and delicious restaurants. In the 1990's, the
Palestinian authority opened Palestine's first casino (Oasis), which
thrived until the outbreak of Intifada in September 2000.
Don't
miss the Monastery of St. George, carved out of a canyon wall
overlooking the Wadi Qelt gorge. This Greek Orthodox monastery was
originally built in the fifth century as a spiritual center for
hermits. You should visit Hisham's Palace, a beautiful desert ruin
of the Umayyad Caliph Hisham Ibn Abdul Malik from the 8th
century. Nabi Musa is a 12th century pilgrimage shrine,
believed to be the spot where Moses is buried (another traditional
site is
Mount
Nebo,
Jordan). No visit to Jericho would be complete with a ride on the
telepherique cable car. Board the car at Elisha's spring opposite
Tel Jericho for an amazing ride to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of
Temptation.
Ramallah
–
Located 16 kilometers north of
Jerusalem,
prior to the six-day war, Ramallah was known as the "Switzerland of
Jordan." This cool high town was
Jordan's main summer resort, with elegant villas on hillsides green
with pine groves. At 2900 feet, Ramallah is higher that Jerusalem.
Since December 1995 Ramallah has become an important political as
well as administrative center of Palestine. The Palestinian
Legislative Council is located here and so are the official
Palestinian television and radio stations. Ramallah is also of
course home of the Muqatta, the Palestinian presidential and
governmental offices. I would venture to say that Ramallah has some
of Palestine's best hotels and restaurants. During the summer,
Ramallah and neighboring El-Bira host many dance and folklore
festivals.
Nablus
– The ancient Jerusalem to Nablus road is one of the most
interesting in
Palestine.
We advise taking this road as opposed to the new highways built
lately by the Israelis (for use by the settlers not welcome to drive
through Palestinian Arab villages).. Although slower than the new
highways, this road passes through the town of al Bireh, Beitin, and
the Jalazone camp. Before meeting the bypass road near the "springs
of the Burglars", one can see the old ruined British police post.
Passing AlLuban and Shilo, arrive to the Balata refugee camp,
located at the entrance to Nablus.
Joseph's Tomb – A simple white domed building in Nablus. The city
is an archaeologist's paradise, packed with sites dating back to
the Old Testament. Throughout the entire middle east, Nablus is
famous for its "sabun-nablusiya" – soap manufactured from olive oil.
Nablus boasted of the Al Sumara bath – a Turkish bath that operated
from 1840 until a bomb hit it during the last intifada. A short
ride to Mount Gerizim brings you to the Samaritan quarter. This
sect follows the Jewish Torah, but they differ from modern Judaism.
The
Gaza Strip
– Situated at the very junction between
Africa
and
Asia.
As a tourist you may wonder what interest one could have in Gaza;
what pleasure could a tourist possibly find here and so many years
of conflict and turmoil. Historically,
Gaza
has been a trading port for thousands of years. Conquered by
Alexander the Great, ruled by the Romans, invaded by the Crusaders,
Napoleon, and the site of famous battles of World War I. In 1948
following the Arab-Israeli conflict, Gaza was placed under the
administration of the Egyptians, only to be lost to Israel in the
war of 1967.
How
to get there:
If you are in the West Bank, you can take a taxi from East Jerusalem
to the Erez Checkpoint. Be sure to have your passport.
To the
tourist that wants to travel "off the beaten track", a visit to Gaza
will be unique and memorable experience. The tourist will find
Gazans very hospitable to tourists and happy to sit and talk with
you. Remember that Gaza is a bit more religious and more
conservative than the
West
Bank,
so both men and women should dress accordingly. (no short shorts or
exposed shoulders).
Beit
Hanoun
–
Located at the northern end of
Gaza,
the Al Nasr Mosque is certainly worth a visit. According to an
inscription in the mosque, it was built in the year 1239AD.
Gaza
city
– Largest of the cities in Gaza. Walk through the old city, divided
up into four quarters. Don't miss the Great Omari Mosque, the Gold
Market, and possibly end the day with a visit to the Al Samara
Public Bath.
Khan
Yuonis
– A market town for agricultural produce from the surrounding
villages. Market days are Wednesday and Thursdays, when merchants
sell everything from knitted clothing and sweaters to fish. The
town was a station for pilgrims on their way to
Jerusalem
and Mecca.
Rafah
–
Gaza's southern most city – the gateway to Egypt ever since the
borders between
Palestine
and Egypt were drawn up back in 1906. Visit the remains of the
temples of the Roman Gods Artemis and Appolon. Don't
forget…Cleopatra got married here in Rafah. Enjoy the beautiful
beaches, and the delicious food.
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