Visit important religious sitesPalestine is home to some of Islam's holiest sites. Al Aqsa (the Noble Sanctuary), considered the third holiest site in Islam, in Jerusalem, hosts Al Aqsa Mosque, where the Prophet Muhammad led other Prophets in prayer during the Night Journey, and the Dome of the Rock, where he ascended to heaven, according to Islamic teachings. The fourth holiest Islamic site is also found in Palestine. Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi, the Sanctuary of Abraham (Tomb of the Patriarchs) is in the old city of Hebron. This 1000-year-old Mosque is home to the tombs of Prophets Abraham, Issac, Jacob, and their wives Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah, and that of Prophet Joseph. Muslims also believe Muhammed visited this site on his Night Journey.
- Visit important religious sites
Palestine is home to some of Islam’s holiest sites. Al Aqsa (the Noble Sanctuary), considered the third holiest site in Islam, in Jerusalem, hosts Al Aqsa Mosque, where the Prophet Muhammad led other Prophets in prayer during the Night Journey, and the Dome of the Rock, where he ascended to heaven, according to Islamic teachings. The fourth holiest Islamic site is also found in Palestine. Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi, the Sanctuary of Abraham (Tomb of the Patriarchs) is in the old city of Hebron. This 1000-year-old Mosque is home to the tombs of Prophets Abraham, Issac, Jacob, and their wives Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah, and that of Prophet Joseph. Muslims also believe Muhammed visited this site on his Night Journey.
- Get to know the Palestinian culture
The Palestinian culture expresses centuries of the Palestinian experience. From the Dabke dance shows to a wide variety of handcrafts and great food, there’s plenty to enjoy. The country has a long history of pottery-making and soap-making. Today, you can visit factories that are still in use (some of which have been operating for almost thousand years). The beautiful Palestinian embroidery is also popular with tourists.
- Food
Before coming here, I was familiar with what the rest of the Levantine had to offer in the way of delicacies. Sometimes leaving the best for last makes for a better experience. That’s certainly the case with Palestinian food. As far as my experience goes, you haven’t had the best of the region’s food until you’ve had Palestinian.
- For the history
For thousands of years this land has witnessed the comings and goings of empires. And each left something of its existence. Today, Roman ruins, Arab architecture, and remnants of the Ottoman rules are among what contributes to this land’s rich history. For the history enthusiasts, there’s plenty to see and learn.
- To keep Palestine alive
Yes, both politically and economically, we want Palestine alive. As I’m sure you’re aware, Palestine is currently under Israeli occupation. From business to travel, and home constructions to gardening (yes, in some places gardening!) Israel determines how Palestinians lead their lives. And it leaves Palestinians with very little freedom, if any. For 67 years Palestinians have been fighting for existence. And as one Palestinian friend puts it when telling me about the weeks they spent locked up unable to leave their houses during the second Intifada, “others would have died of starvation, but not us. We will never die.”
67 years is a long time to struggle, even for the people who “will never die”.Why not spend your next Ramadan here, helping in anyway you can, whether just to be here (in Palestine) for indeed this is a land whose very existence is under threat, or to spend your Eid cash here, you’ll be spoiled for gift choices.
