This Week In Palestine October 2016

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alestine October 2016

Tapping into Palestine’s Diaspora

In this issue

Tapping into Palestine’s Diaspora 4 Back to the Roots: Welcome to the Bethlehem District Diaspora Convention 6 The Ghost of Palestine’s Diaspora 10 National Investment into our Human Capital Palestine and the Diaspora 16 Representing Opportunities: The Palestinian Diaspora in Latin America 20 Bringing the Magic of Circus to Palestine 22 Expand Your Business and Create Jobs for Palestinians 26 Palestinian Diaspora - a long term engagement through partnerships 30 Follow the Star 38 Building Bridges with Diaspora Palestinians in Central and Latin America 44 Beyond the Diaspora 46 Palestinians in the Diaspora 50 The March of Return 56 Towards Community Philanthropy 62 Going Back To The Diaspora 66 To Be a Child of the Palestinian Diaspora: A Conversation 70 In the Limelight 76 Reviews 80 Events 84-92 Listings 93-97 Maps 98 The Last Word

The views presented in the ar ticles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.

Maps herein have been prepared solely for the convenience of the reader; the designations and presentation of material do not imply any expression of opinion of This Week in Palestine, its publisher, editor, or its advisory board as to the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area, or the authorities thereof, or as to the delimitation of boundaries or national affiliation.

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alestine October 2016

Tapping into Palestine’s Diaspora

Cover: Raed Issa, untitled, acrylic on canvas, 100 x100 cm, 2009.

About half of our Palestinian brothers and sisters live outside of historical Palestine – and many of them not by their own choice. The plight of refugees is gaining in poignancy and we must remember that for them, we can make a difference through much-needed aid, support, and activism!

This issue, however, focuses on the diaspora outside of refugee camps. Many of its members left to escape hardship or against their free will as well. Most have adapted to their new surroundings in ways refugees never could, established successful businesses, built careers in a variety of fields, and reached high levels of education, wealth, and prestige. We in Palestine look to them for support under increasingly difficult economic and political conditions (although some are “fed up with requests for aid,” as one of our authors was told of a successful business empire). But to be fair, many members of the Palestinian diaspora are deeply committed and, or eager to help. Much gratitude goes to these businesswomen and –men, to the volunteers and activists for their support and engagement!

I have space here to highlight only a few of the insightful suggestions and creative ideas mentioned in this issue. Authors point to the economic potential the diaspora holds that can and should, as Dr. Yahlya Al-Salqan points out, be used for mutual benefit.

Engagement can take the form of establishing offshore businesses – for example in IT – direct investment into startup enterprises, or joint venture funds. Sam Bahour stresses that we need to know more about the diaspora (we have no concrete data available for most of the diaspora communities in the Western hemisphere). Aisha Mansour suggests the application of a community philanthropy model, engaging grassroots communities to ensure that mutual needs and interests are met. Many point out that we must consider the needs and interests of diaspora Palestinians and their descendants as much as our own and find ways of engagement beyond economic enterprises – although there is room for expansion here as well.

Enjoy the personal accounts of diaspora experiences and visions for a future that cherishes all our beautiful particularities, wherever we call home. Consider yourself invited to the many events offered this month and explore some of Palestine’s beautiful sights. There is so much more I should mention, but there is simply not enough space…!

Thank You’s go to all our authors (...really, I should mention them all) and to our sponsors, your support is much welcomed! From the entire team at TWiP, we wish you a good month ahead.

Telefax: +970/2 2-295 1262 info@turbo-design.com www.thisweekinpalestine.com www.facebook.com/ ThisWeekInPalestine Publisher: Sani P. Meo Art Director: Taisir Masrieh Graphic Designers: Shehadeh Louis, Hassan Nasser Editor: Tina Basem TWIP Coordinator: Yara Alloush Printed by: Studio Alpha, Al-Ram, Jerusalem Maps: Courtesy of PalMap - GSE Distribution in the West Bank: CityExpress

Warmly, Tina Basem Editor

Forthcoming Issues November 2016: High Tech in Palestine December 2016: Religious Celebrations in Palestine January 2017: Palestine and the Common Good

Advisory Board

Riyam Kafri-AbuLaban

Nasser Al-Kidwa

Mazen Karam

Chairman of Board of Directors, Yasser Arafat Foundation

Managing Director, Bethlehem Development Foundation

Naseer Rahmi Arafat

Bassim Khoury

Cultural Heritage Enrichment Center

CEO, Pharmacare LTD

Ola Awad

Abeer Odeh

President of PCBS / President of IAOS

Minister of National Economy

Principal of the Friends Boys School

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Back to the Roots Welcome to the Bethlehem District Diaspora Convention

By Vera Baboun, Mayor of Bethlehem

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he rhythm that embraces the skies and resonates beyond the boundaries of space tells our tale. Within this rhythm resonates the history of pioneers who have built and constructed nations, the tale of generations who have kept the legacy of their ancestors, and the story of the land upon which heavenly grace has bestowed the task of carrying divine messages for people who have in the past, still do now, and will always, wherever they are, perceive this rhyme as the source of survival and existence. It is the melody of the homeland, Palestine! And its people are delighted to welcome back their long awaited sons from the diaspora.

The conference “Back to the Roots” is a return to the cradle – to land, identity, and nation. The waves of migration from Palestine, particularly from Bethlehem, have led to the disappearance of entire families who left to begin a new life in the diaspora, with all its challenges and difficulties, at times facing the impossible. But Palestinians have overcome the impossible, and they have attained the unattainable.

As the mayor of Bethlehem, I have had the honor to meet with some of them during the last few years – those whose laudable endeavors have led them to high-ranking posts in their second home.

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In spite of the long years of exile and successive generations of expatriates, these people have not forgotten the tongue of their home and origin. Youth who have never set foot on their ancestral soil talk about their roots, they call to mind their dreams of the past and ambitions for the future and probe their identity and heritage.

Re-member. This term frames the recollecting of memories as the equivalent of collecting the fragmented members, putting them back together, reconstructing the deconstructed. And what higher merit is there than to make such a feat reality? This conference wishes to establish associations that re-bind Palestinians, allow them to share their support, and let them be and remain connected. As an anticipated aftermath, the legacy of this conference will certainly be a bridge between our people. By opening a space for investment in many fields and cooperation between communities in the homeland and the diaspora, this conference wishes to serve as a catalyst that provokes in our brothers and sisters of the diaspora the desire to return and bring to life their hometown Bethlehem.

By hosting this conference, Bethlehem is most happy to experience this historic moment, the “Bethlehemite Moment.” Emanating from the Birthplace of the Nativity, the city of peace, love, and hope, let us witness our reunion, remain as we always have been: hand in hand. United, we attain the unfeasible; together, we are always stronger.

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The Ghost of Palestine’s Diaspora

By Sam Bahour

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transnational community with its homeland.i If we combine this definition with the insight cited above, namely that the lion’s share of our diaspora – today’s Palestinian refugee community of over 5 million – is politically displaced and waiting to return home, we can say with confidence that there is a feeling of transnational community among our people. However, because it is mainly a politically-motivated diaspora with many living in squalid refugee camps, frequently displaced more than once (such as Palestinian refugees in Syria and Lebanon), it would be misleading to think that they are in an ideal position to help the homeland. Rather, many of them look to the homeland for help, as can be seen in the various scholarship programs and development projects that are available for members of these communities and supported by Palestine. Not to be misunderstood, not every Palestinian refugee is unable

to contribute to the development of the homeland, many can, but I speak here of the larger por tion of these communities.

As a member of Palestine’s diaspora community, having relocated to Palestine after the signing of the Oslo Accords, I am frequently invited to workshops and meetings to discuss how to tap into the diaspora. For over twenty years now, most such meetings have started from scratch and were focused on the business potential that investment from the diaspora poses, or could pose, for Palestine. I believe that this is the wrong starting point – even though I as well am aware of the value of diaspora involvement in our business community – because from an investment vantage point this linkage is already well under way.

Actually, the ghost of the Palestinian diaspora is no ghost at all if we look at

EWARE! Palestine has a hidden weapon of mass development: Its diaspora community. There is only one slight problem. We are unable to locate it.

This weapon holds vast potential. It can bridge the Palestinians living under occupation with those living abroad, inject foreign direct investment with a vested interest into our economy, and enrich our cultural scene with yet more patches of our fragmented quilt of a people. We know that this diaspora community is out there, but to date it has not fully been reachable. In fact, it is a prevailing understanding of many that our diaspora community is like a ghost. It’s there but not there; ready to help, but not helping; part of us, but not really; and so on.

I beg to differ.

For starters, and like so much in our Palestinian reality, our diaspora community is not like your normal diaspora community. The bulk of, but not all Palestinians who live abroad have arrived at where they are not by their own desire. The dispossession of Palestine; the military occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip; and the systematic Israeli policy of forcing upon us a fragmented geographic reality have been the driving force behind our diaspora and have strongly influenced the places to which its members have relocated and how they have viewed their homeland.

So let us define what is meant by the diaspora. One scholar puts it simply as the part of a people that is dispersed in one or more countries, other than its homeland, and maintains a feeling of 6

Art work by Hazem Harb.

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business and investment in Palestine.

The driving institutional investment institutions in Palestine, such as the Arab Palestinian Investment Company (APIC), PADICO Holding, REACH Holding, and a firm that I established back in year 2000 but am no longer associated with, the Palestinian Diaspora Investment Company, are all efforts that were successfully initiated and put together by the Palestinian diaspora. Moreover, many individuals are engaged as well. Just last week, I had the pleasure of meeting in Ramallah the person who is running the Birzeit International Development Enterprise (BIDE Inc.), a new effort created by the Birzeit Society (USA) in order to foster investment into the town. And over the summer, while giving a talk in Fort Wayne, Indiana, I was approached by a businessperson from the Palestinian diaspora who is actively bringing Palestinian products into the US market.

In fact, similar examples of businessrelated diaspora involvement are too numerous to list.

conundrum of mile-wide-inch-deep versus inch-wide-mile-deep. These categories are not mutually exclusive, but countries have to decide where to put the emphasis.

Thus, first we must know our diaspora.

It is unacceptable that after all this time we still do not have a professionallymanaged database of all our people. I’ve made the argument elsewhere that this would be an ideal task for the already well-equipped and -tested Central Elections Commission; however, the political leadership would need to expand its mandate. Then, we must be selective, as noted in the advice quoted above. Not every diaspora member or community will engage, nor is it necessary for them to do so.

We must define which specific diaspora individuals and from what part of the world may add value to Palestine’s development. We can already see how this added value is leaving its mark on business – I am not denying that there is room for further expansion here. But now we must facilitate the diaspora to leave its mark on our political, governance, education, healthcare, and cultural spheres, just to name a few.

The missing link for increased tapping into the diaspora is not posed by a lack of investment opportunities but by everything else. The diaspora are not foreigners, they are part and parcel of our society-at-large, and they need to be addressed as such.

Peekaboo! The diaspora sees us and continues to wait.

Sam Bahour is managing partner at Applied Information Management (AIM) and the co-founder and chairman of Americans for a Vibrant Palestinian Economy (AVPE), which may be found at www.a4vpe.org. Sam may be reached at sbahour@gmail.com and blogs at www.epalestine.com.

In 2011, the organization Diaspora matters published a booklet titled Global Diaspora Strategies Toolkit.ii It notes that countries sometimes try to engage as many members of the diaspora as they can and often do so through online portals. However, although many people may be considered statistically as members of the diaspora, not all of them resonate with or relate to their country of origin or have a strong sense of belonging. Many diaspora initiatives have failed because they did not identify the highly motivated individuals who are willing to stick with a project for a long time, battle against the odds and lend creditability to it. This is the

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Anupam Chander, “Diaspora Bonds,” New York University Law Review, Vol. 7, October 2001.

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The Global Diaspora Strategies Toolkit, Diaspora Matters, 2011, available at http://diasporamatters. com/downloads/the-global-diaspora-strategiestoolkit/.

National Investment into our Human Capital Palestine and the Diaspora

By Yahya Al-Salqan

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am fully aware of the fact that our national and political cause is far beyond complicated and controlled by the balance of powers over which we have little control. But I also know that there are many tracks that affect our lives and economy that are not controlled by these powers - and that many of them are as of yet untapped. Had we exploited and invested into these untapped resources, we would be better off today. One important cornerstone of these aspects is our human capital and the Palestinian diaspora constitutes an essential, economic and political part of it. Only our human capital can transcend the paralyzed political complexity and we need to better invest in it.

The Palestinian diaspora, largely born in 1948 as a result of forced displacement, is uniquely different from any other diaspora in the recent history of mankind. It is important to note, however, that the second and third generations of migrants and exiles are very different from their diaspora parents. As time passes, the younger generations tend to become more assimilated in their adopted surroundings - unless they are Palestinians living in the refugee camps.

Consequently, the young generations of the Palestinian diaspora are somewhat similar in nature to other diaspora communities worldwide. This article focuses on these younger generations of our diaspora, as they constitute the potential for a path into a better future for all of us, in Palestine and abroad. It will explore the economic impact that engagement of the diaspora, or lack thereof, can exert on the Palestinian homeland.

The Palestinian diaspora can be described as an ‘exported’ (in fact mostly exiled) national talent, an untapped resource, yet present nevertheless.

do for Palestine, we should start by finding out what we can do for them as well, aiming to meet part of their needs and provide some of the services they require.

The Irish experience is an important example to study. The key factor in Ireland’s success in tapping into its diaspora, fruitfully engaging it in building up a failing economy, was the establishing of a semi-governmental company that as its first step aimed to build a database of the diaspora. When initial efforts had failed to collect data by inviting Irish diaspora members to make themselves known by calling or writing from abroad to offer their services, researchers actually went door-todoor in almost every city and village to

Our relationship with the diaspora may seem to be easy, naturally so – but in reality it is not easy at all. In order to build a productive connection that goes beyond sympathy and affinity, the bond must create a win-win situation, there must exist a bidirectional path. It is not so much about what the diaspora can

Art work by artist Hazem Harb.

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gather and collect data on the diaspora and document contact information of individuals living abroad. Next, came the realization that only a win-win type of relationship would be able to help develop the economy. Therefore, the Irish diaspora effort employed a new and innovative method that focused on creating new jobs at home. Wherever any Irish person was, if he or she created a job at home, that person received financial compensation – and thus, both sides won. Several years later and with further help through tax and investment incentives, Northern Ireland had succeeded in becoming a business hub within Europe.

highly educated, well-off segment of the Palestinian nation can boost our struggling economy. During and after the First Gulf War in Iraq, we all witnessed the impact of the Palestinian diaspora on the development of the Jordanian economy. Had we formed well-established channels of investment at the time, we would have received dividends. But it is never too late. Luckily, nowadays the Palestinian business communities in these countries are well organized and

(PIPA) participated in MedGeneration (2013-2015), a regional diasporaengagement endeavor that was funded by the European Union. Working with par tners from Europe, most prominently among them France, this project studied methods and models for the mobilization and engagement of the respective diasporas in the economic development of the region (Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon). PICTI mainly focused on linking successful Palestinians in Europe to Palestinian

Our national strategy for engaging the Palestinian diaspora needs to first ask how we can accommodate their interests and needs.

Only then can we create two-way mechanisms that will enable to setting up of enterprises that constitute win-win opportunities.

Art work by artist Taisir Batniji.

Let me focus now on Palestine and highlight some potential strengths and venues that are worth exploring.

The high-tech sector, for example, has already made strides and set up software outsourcing services that can be leveraged and easily expanded by increasing the number of companies that are providing this kind of service.

This sector, especially with regards to software, is the least influenced by either the prevailing political numbness or the restrictions imposed by the occupation authorities. Moreover, many diaspora Palestinians are very successful in this field. Therefore, we should embrace this endeavor and generate a development engine that initiates processes with the aim to strengthen this successful pillar of our economy. The Palestinian IT Association (PITA) has included the strengthening of ties with the diaspora in its strategy for the past four years.

However, while PITA’s embrace is a pioneering strategic move, we must realize that its efforts alone are not enough; we need a nationwide diaspora strategy to put us en route for economic development.

one of their major goals is to help the growth of our economy. Chile alone, on the other hand, hosts more than half a million Palestinians and perhaps they are one of the most influential and successful communities in Chile. Let us ask ourselves: What have we done to help them help us? Have we embraced our duties first?

The Palestinian diaspora in the Gulf is a good example of our ‘exported’ national talent. A good majority of its members work as educators, teachers, or business managers. This

Recognizing the impor tance of the Palestinian diaspora, the Palestine ICT Incubator (PICTI) in partnership with the Palestine Investment Promotion Agency 12

entrepreneurs and local businesses in Palestine. Having witnessed the progress made in MedGeneration, I am ready to assert that the opportunity for the engagement of the Palestinian diaspora is ripe and that the two-way road can be a highway of success t o w a r d s Pa l e s t i n i a n e c o n o m i c development. To this end, in early 2016, a National Diaspora Task force was established. It includes PICTI, the Palestinian Information Technology Association (PITA), Paltel Group, Bank

of Palestine, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PIPA, Rawabi (a newly-developed city near Ramallah), the Higher Council of Innovation and Excellence, and the Palestinian Market Development Programme (PMDP), all Palestinian organizations that expressed the interest and willingness to work on the objective of strengthening the ties with our diaspora.

An engagement of the Palestinian diaspora wor th spotlighting is the Joint Master Degree Program in 13

Electrical Engineering (JMEE) offered in cooperation by Birzeit University (near Ramallah) and Palestine Polytechnic University (Hebron). This program is the result of persistent efforts extended by a Palestinian professor who lives and works in the UK and managed to obtain the necessary funds from the European Union. Her proposal was rejected two times before she finally succeeded in her third attempt. Today, at both universities the JMEE has all the equipment necessary to run the labs required for such a specialization.

Furthermore, Palestinian JMEE degree students will have the chance to spend up to three months to carry out part of their research at European universities in France, the UK, Romania, and Bulgaria. Professors from these countries are par ticipating in the teaching of the first and second classes of JMEE students, and PITA contributes to the consortium by offering exposure to Palestinian market needs as part of the program. The JMEE program is up and running, teaching around 30 students.

Islam) were to support the Palestinian education system and needy students?

Let us expand the offshore business sector and build on the successes of our high-tech companies that have established many research and development (R&D) projects with major international companies such as Intel, Microsoft, Cisco, and Fujitsu, to name just a few. Would it not be nice if Palestinian embassies and consulates were to receive the assistance required to enable them to increase their efforts in working on our economic development? And the list goes on. I believe a more comprehensive national strategy for diaspora engagement is overdue. And we need to strengthen the knowledge-based economy in Palestine! The question is: Who is willing to help empower our human capital and link our ’exported’ talents to the homeland? Will we have our own “economic” resolution 194?

Dr. Yahya Al-Salqan, an internet security expert with 9 internationally (USA, EU) registered patents, is the chairman of the board of the Palestine IT Association (PITA), chairman of Palestine ICT Incubator (PICTI), a member of the Palestinian Private Sector Coordination Council, a member of the Palestine Higher Council of Innovation and Excellence, and CEO and co-founder of i-Jaffa.Net, a leading software development company. Before he started his company, Dr. Al-Salqan worked as senior engineer at Sun Microsystems in the Silicon Valley, USA, and as a NASA consultant. He has chaired six IEEE international conferences in the USA (at MIT and Stanford), Korea, and Tunisia and has published more than fifty refereed articles. An invited speaker at many international conferences (RSA, JavaOne), he holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Birzeit University, a M.Sc. from The American University, Washington DC, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences from the University of Illinois, USA. In his free time Dr. Al-Salqan enjoys painting and modern art.

While Palestine largely lacks natural resources, its wealth lies in its human capital and educated talent: We have ‘expor ted’ talented educators and teachers to almost every country in the region, and Palestine is recognized as a highly educated nation worldwide.

Our economy needs to utilize and build on this human capital, and in such a situation, the Palestinian diaspora can constitute one of our economy’s cornerstones. Imagine that members of the Palestinian diaspora were to deposit part of their wealth in Palestinian banks that have a high degree of stability and credibility, as is happening in Lebanon.

Wouldn’t it be nice if many of the successful Palestinian businessmen and -women who live in the Persian Gulf or elsewhere would seed-fund an entrepreneurial startup with equity in return? What if part of the diaspora Zaka (the yearly obligation to give part of one’s wealth that is required in 14

Representing Opportunities The Palestinian Diaspora in Latin America

By Claudia Rivera Eltit

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he Palestinian diaspora has a special place in Latin America, as in each country of this vast continent a history of effort, adaptation, integration, and in many cases success has been, and still is being, written by the people of Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese descent. The Palestinian diaspora was formed by a great migration that, beginning over a hundred years ago, has caused people from the Middle East to settle in South America. Today, this diaspora stands enriched, conscious, and in many cases with the need to reconnect to its roots.

To be fair, the influence of Arab culture on Latin America began long before the so-called diaspora. During the time called Al-Andalus, Arabs lived in the Iberian Peninsula for eight centuries and left an enormous impact on Spanish society and its language, economy, gastronomy and architecture, features that were transplanted to the New World in the course of colonization. Starting in the twentieth century, the first migratory waves of Palestinians settled in places scattered throughout Latin America, having left in a somewhat compulsory fashion. Initially, they left for socio-economic reasons or to flee from the harsh rule of the Ottoman Empire that started sending young Palestinians to the battlefront during World War I. Later on, they left to evade oppression under the British Mandate. The most massive Palestinian immigration occurred during the nineteen-fifties and -sixties in the aftermath of the creation of Israel and the ensuing suppression of Palestinian economic enterprise and political and social freedom. Moreover, and not only due to the economic hardship of the last decades, the American continent has continued to receive new Palestinian immigrants until today.

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The first emigrants left on boats en route to Europe and eventually disembarked at remote ports of Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Panama in a new world that promised a universe of opportunities.

These migrants gradually adapted to their new surroundings, and sooner or later, their native Arabic language was no longer taught to succeeding generations. They embraced the Catholic religion, predominant in most Latin American countries, and dedicated themselves to commerce and the production of textiles, frequently gaining wealth and status in their communities.

Some claim that the elites of the host countries did not look favorably on the economic achievements of these newcomers, but the truth is that they stimulated the microeconomics of many localities and left a special impact in rural areas that in some cases had until then not experienced monetary economy. The prosperity the migrants gained in the host countries and the suppor t networks they developed attracted new waves of migration, which is why we find in Latin America large concentrations of people from the same Palestinian cities and even families.

Chilean organizations such as Invest Palestine, the Palestinian Federation, and Fundación Palestina Belén 2000 are clear examples of the Palestinian diaspora’s deep desire to stay connected and involved with the homeland.

It is extremely important to recognize the tremendous oppor tunity this diaspora offers in terms of initiatives that may revitalize the economy of both countries, encourage tourism to and in Palestine, and raise awareness of the population and its potential in some cases - and plight in others.

The descendants of those early immigrants frequently continued to engage in commerce, and during the nineteen-twenties and -thir ties, a number of them expanded their business into wholesale trade, import, and manufacturing. In some countries these descendants of Palestinian immigrants established the first banks and chambers of commerce. By the beginning of the nineteen-sixties, they had penetrated into other areas, such as hotels in Central America, and accessed university studies. Besides economic development, social integration began to flourish considerably and constantly.

Initial rejection expressed by the local population towards the so-called “Turks” had caused Palestinians to found their own clubs and associations that in the beginning functioned as areas of protection and reception but with the passage of time and due to the economic success of this community became social spaces of integration with local communities. They moved on to establish hospitals, charitable

Espir Gazale, born 1899, left Palestine for Chile in 1912; depicted here with his first wife Florentina Ortiz and his oldest son Alexander. Photo by his granddaughter, Yasna Gazale.

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associations, and renowned sports clubs such as the well-known and successful “Palestino� soccer club in Chile.

Even though good business practices must still be improved and current legislation strengthened, there are many companies in Palestine that generate profits amounting to close to double the amounts that had been predicted, even though they have been in the market for only two to three years.

And the tendency to invest is growing every day.

Given this background, it is interesting to investigate how much Palestinian culture has survived the process of adaptation to distance and the passing of time. Moreover, it is fascinating to see that today, the new generations are showing a great interest in renewing ties with Palestine and its people. Have such links existed uninterruptedly, or have they been rediscovered recently as part of a search for identity and claim of Palestinian heritage? In my opinion, there is a bit of both. The coming and going of people and the transmission of their experiences and stories have maintained cultural and family ties. In recent times, we have seen the ties between Palestine and the diaspora invigorated by a growing desire to build an identity, and this phenomenon has resulted in political affirmation that reaches beyond national and religious borders.

Thousands demonstrated in Santiago, Chile, to protest against the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, 2014.

Photo taken by the author.

A clear example can be seen in Chile, the country with the largest Palestinian population outside the Arab world, as Chilean Palestinians are estimated to amount to over 350,000 people. They are well integrated into society and encompass important businesspersons in diverse goods, politicians, activists, intellectuals, artists, and athletes. As of recently, Chile has been witnessing the birth of new pro-Palestinian initiatives every year, and the real dimensions of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict receives more and more coverage in the media.

The increasing desire to develop a post-materialistic identity that began during the late 1990s, combined with the rise of social networks and communication platforms, has encouraged the Palestinian diaspora in Latin America to evaluate the most effective mechanisms by which they could contribute to their country of origin and help solve social problems in Palestine. A number of

The passport of Nicola Abutridy, great-grandfather of the author, who came to Chile when he was 18 years old and settled in the rural town Nogales. Photo by the author.

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calls have addressed international Palestinian communities, asking them to express their interest in and solidarity with their homeland. One of the most fruitful initiatives has been the invitation to invest into Palestine and its young entrepreneurs. Despite the difficult situation, Palestine has many young talents who possess undeniable professional capacities and, overcoming adversity, have managed to build successful projects.

Over time, it has become well known that immediate help is not sufficient to produce a sustainable development in Palestine, and investment is being recognized as a form of support that creates an opportunity for Palestinian entrepreneurs to produce locally, increase stable employment, and ultimately develop and extend a network of companies and factories that will help raise the Palestinian economy gradually and increase self-sufficiency. At this time, such foreign investment is mainly focused on the areas of banking, tourism, mutual funds, and IT. But we are optimistic and certain that investment opportunities will soon extend to other areas as well.

And with such enterprises, the real possibility of building our own state will begin to materialize.

Furthermore, various organizations and businesspeople located in Europe and Latin America have recognized the oppor tunities that the Palestinian market offers and have connected profitable business ideas with real investment. A strong indication of such realization is the fact that in the year 2015, for example, slightly more than half of the foreign investment into the Palestinian economy took place in the form of foreign direct investment.

Claudia Rivera Eltit, a Chilean sociologist with a diploma in Arabic and Islamic Culture, is acting director of communications at Invest Palestine.

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Bringing the Magic of Circus to Palestine Courtesy of Palestinian Circus School

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he Palestinian Circus School will celebrates its 10th anniversary by throwing a big party that brings together thirty-two circus artists from Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, Morocco, Germany, Denmark, and Kenya with thirty-two artists from Palestine!

With the festival’s slogan United for Freedom, we advocate for freedom in general yet focus on the two major forms of freedom that we lack as Palestinians: Freedom of speech and freedom of movement. We promote both of these forms of freedom by breaking the boundaries: Bringing artists from different backgrounds together to enable them to express themselves and their cultures through their shows, we take them to different cities to allow international and local artists to perform throughout Palestine.

With this festival we wish to spread joy and pride among the local population and to raise awareness of the important role circus can play in Palestine, because the training and related social activities as well as the acquisition of artistic skills strengthen the personal, social, and national identity of our active participants. In a small conference, the organizers will highlight the aims and approach that govern social circus activities and will share Palestinian and international experiences in the field.

Furthermore, the festival aims to open a window into the creative potential of Palestinians in all their walks of life, to be witnessed by visitors and participants from around the world at first hand. Thus, it shall raise international recognition of Palestinian creativity and highlight the Palestinian aspiration for freedom and a life in dignity.

In this first Circus Festival in Palestine we aim to reach as many people and children as we can. Therefore, 11 International groups (32 artists in total) along with 4 Palestinian groups (32 artists in total) will present A TOTAL OF 44 shows, half of which will be held for students in private, public, and UNRWA schools, the others open for the general public.

The festival will take place between 6 and 14 of October and will visit Ramallah, Jerusalem, Nablus, Jenin, Birzeit, and Al-Far’a Refugee Camp.

We brought the circus to you, so now all you have to do is come and bring your friends and children to enjoy a variety of circus shows with acrobats, jugglers, clowns and aerialists from Palestine and all over the world!

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Expand Your Business and Create Jobs for Palestinians Courtesy of Palestinian Market Development Programme

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The UK AID and EU-funded Palestinian Market Development Programme (PMDP) has for the past two years helped local companies grow their business and create more jobs. One key component in this endeavor is to strengthen trade and investment linkages both locally and with diaspora Palestinians, thus increasing the engagement of the Palestinian diaspora in economic activities, tourism, and knowledge transfer in order to help develop the Palestinian economy. We recognize the importance to link local companies with international markets and are utilizing the strength of the diaspora to create more of the employment opportunities that are so urgently needed in the occupied territories.

iasporas have played key roles in the development of their respective homelands. People of Irish origin from all over the globe have played a major role in Ireland’s post-conflict economic recovery; and the Indian diaspora has clearly impacted India’s economy over the past twenty years; it has both attracted investment and created jobs by developing a thriving IT sector that is linked to the Silicon Valley and international markets - to name just a couple of examples.

Palestinians living in the diaspora are no exception: Spread around the globe, they are an asset to and play an important role in the country’s economic transformation, contributing either individually or collectively in order to improve local living conditions. Almost every family has at least one member who provides financial assistance, helps provide education, or donates to charity in his or her homeland; diaspora organizations have been active in providing scholarships, medical help, and relief services; and diaspora ICT businesses have engaged by creating employment via offshore branches and companies.

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Numbers at a Glance • 534 Palestinian enterprises in West Bank and Gaza received assistance • 149 new markets (local or international) entered (75 owned or managed by women) • 243 new products developed or enhanced (141 owned or managed by women) The office of Infinite Tiers Group (ITG), a Palestinian diaspora offshore company located in Nablus. Photo by Ahmad Alami, courtesy PMDP.

• 1,112 jobs created.

• 250 enterprises reported improved annual performance • 32.9 million US $ increase of GBP achieved through sales due to programme assistance 23

Today, many members of the Palestinian diaspora who own successful IT and engineering companies in the USA, Europe, and the Gulf have set up off-shore or outsourcing operations in the territories. In many cases, the sound business decision was taken to relocate such operations from countries such as the Philippines and India, creating jobs and utilizing the Palestinian talent available. Highly satisfied with the results, all of these businesses have increased the numbers of Palestinian employees to around one hundred. More such enterprises are needed, and we are sure that the experience, motivation, and networks are available in the Palestinian diaspora to make similar success stories happen. PMDP is searching for genuine interest in investment and reaching out to the Palestinian diaspora, eager to help facilitate such business opportunities for anyone ready to investigate possibilities or embark on a business.

What we offer for Palestinian Diaspora Businesses?

• PMDP assistance for companies that can reach up to 75% of costs • Technical studies, e.g. market and market entry research, feasibility studies, and HR assessment • Quality preparation and certification, e.g. gap analysis, factories layout, and certifications • Know-how, knowledge transfer, and training • Promotion in local and international markets • Trademarks, copyrights, and product listing • Sales representation, e.g. legal consultation, registration, partial fees for opening a branch

We are eager to hear back from diaspora organizations and individuals, establish communication, and jointly develop ideas and initiatives directed at Palestinian economic development and job creation. We would love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time, and if you are around, we would love to meet you in person.

4th floor, Millennium Bldg., Kamal Naser St., Al Masayef, Ramallah Tel: +970 2 2986340, Fax: +970 2 2959220 6th floor, Al-Thafer 9 Bldg, Qanal St., Al Remal, Gaza Tel: +970 8 2825888, Fax: +970 8 2825889 E-mail: info@pmdp.ps Palestinian Market Development Programme (PMDP), a UK Aid and EU funded programme with offices both in Ramallah and Gaza, is implemented by DAI Europe in cooperation with the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy. PMDP aims to strengthen trade and investment linkages and to forge linkages with the Palestinian diaspora in order to engage and encourage it to play an active role in the economic development of the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt).

Additionally, the Programme is working to improve the local Palestinian businessenabling environment and to assist in the activation of the Palestinian National Export Strategy.

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Palestinian Diaspora a long term engagement through partnerships

Bank of Palestine has realized early on the importance of diaspora connectivity and has taken its responsibility in this realm very seriously. The Bank has been a leader and an innovator in its institutionalized approach towards the diaspora with dedicated staff, tailored products, services that are geared to their needs, and a global network of representative offices for facilitation. The hope is that diaspora connectivity expands with Palestine, and once it does, the whole economy will benefit for all partners involved.

enthusiasm and eagerness among the diaspora communities in Chile. They have reciprocated the interest and struck long-standing partnerships that involve programs of cooperation in sports, culture, knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship, and business development. The Bank’s efforts in Chile will culminate in the opening of a Bank of Palestine Representative Office in Santiago, Chile’s capital, in mid-2017.

In addition to bringing the flagship brand of Bank of Palestine to Chile in order to shorten distances and create

Courtesy of Bank of Palestine The first Natonal Bank

t

o be justified to carry the brand name of Palestine, we must cater to all Palestinians, wherever they are.

Palestinians around the world are estimated at about 12.37 million people, 6 million of which are residing in Arab and other foreign countries, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. Diaspora Palestinians are numerous, and as they are spread all over the world, they must overcome distances and borders in their effort to reconnect with their homeland. Yet, neither physical boundaries nor psychological barriers have prevented them from carrying the love of Palestine in their hearts and minds. For many, it is the place where they might wish to retire; for others it is a call for action. Involvement might take the form of investing and contributing to the economic development of the country of their origin; some want to support via philanthropy and volunteerism, while others want to simply visit at some time in their life. We, the Palestinians who have remained at home, carry the duty to enable successful reconnection to Palestine for our diaspora. We need to support all the kinds of relations and engagement with Palestine for which our diaspora yearn. We need to understand their emotions, their reticence, their apprehension, their frustration, and more importantly their passion.

The connection with Palestine is not only important for the diaspora, it also carries much potential benefit for Palestine in many areas such as transfer of knowhow, exchange of experience on an international level, and support for investment and rebuilding efforts. We need to apply the philosophy of an approach that is based on shared values. Many Palestinians in the diaspora have achieved great successes; they have become influential in politics and economics and achieved social status in their communities.

Palestinians in the diaspora pose a net worth of USD 120 billion which could provide opportunities for cross investments into Palestine if there are proper engagements and channels of communication that safeguard the principles of transparency, professionalism, and reciprocity.

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Laila Shawa, Walls of Gaza II, lithograph on paper, 48 x 68.6 cm, 1994.

Bank of Palestine embarked on its journey of a shared-values approach with diaspora Palestinians more than eight years ago, and the engagement continues to expand in terms of geography and scope. In 2009, a first spark was struck with the community in Chile during an investment promotion visit undertaken in partnership with the Palestine Stock Exchange. Chile is home to half of the diaspora Palestinians in Latin America, some 500,000 persons.

The Bank was met with resounding

real forms of engagement, we looked at local, home-grown illustrations of Palestinian manifestation in Chile. Among them was Club Deportivo Palestino, a successful professional local football club in Santiago that has qualified for several championships in Latin America. Bank of Palestine has been a proud and main sponsor of this club since 2010, thereby touching the hearts of Palestinians in Latin America and leaving a significant positive impact. The Bank contributed 27

to the financing of the team’s visit to Palestine, where it engaged in a number of friendly games with Palestinian teams; it has furthermore enhanced relations by organizing distinctive events and activities inside and outside Chile. . Fundación Palestina Belén 2000 has been another main partner for joint projects, given its attention to human development in Palestine that focuses on children and on connects the young generation of the South American community of Palestinian origin to their ancestral home, Palestine.

distance obstacles that continue to impede a full thrust of business and investments between the Latin-American Palestinian community and Palestine.

Nevertheless, a good number of economic projects have been implemented that provide employment for many Palestinians living in Palestine.

Many questioned the merit of spending so much time and effort on Chile and the Latin Continent at the expense of the MENA and Gulf Region where more than 6 million Palestinian diaspora still reside.

and the Arab World more attainable, as we have recently opened a Bank of Palestine Representative Office in the Dubai International Financial Center, DIFC. Dubai will connect with Santiago, and both will connect with Palestine. But more importantly, they will connect with each other and bring the Middle East region to Chile and Latin America and vice versa.

We hope we can contribute to the welfare of the regions and to these important connections.

Convention that was held for the fifth time in 2016; fur thermore, we are proud sponsors and partners to the Bethlehem District Diaspora Convention taking place in October 2016. Other activities have been sponsored to encourage diaspora Palestinians to visit and enhance their connection to Palestine, for example, enabling their visit to their homeland via the Know Thy Heritage program that is implemented through the Ecumenical Christian Society in Bethlehem. BOP has sponsored diaspora conferences

Some of the heartwarming projects that Bank of Palestine’s diaspora networks have implemented include the Al-Bayyara project with generous suppor t from Muna and Basem Hishmeh Foundation and the George and Rhonda Salem Family Foundation.

Fundación Palestina Belén 2000 in Chile has contributed to a project of building hospitals in Gaza, to the Bank’s campaigns to provide relief for Gaza, and to other humanitarian campaigns implemented by BOP. The Bank has provided suppor t to the Ramallah

in Palestine, Latin America, and the United States, generally encouraging Palestinians who live in the diaspora to hold some of their activities inside Palestine. Bank of Palestine is proud to operate with a diaspora-centric approach. Palestinians that live abroad deserve this commitment and need our support and continuous outreach.

Moreover, Palestine needs them. There is a vast amount of good will among the diaspora, but we should not take it for granted; it needs nurturing and above all, it needs partnerships.

Hani Zurob, Flying Lesson #01 (diptych), Acrylic, Pigments, Tar and Oil on Canvas, 240x100cm, 2009.

Bank of Palestine will not only be the first Palestinian bank to open in Chile, but will be the first Arab bank in Latin America.

The bank will use its Santiago office as a hub to reach out to Palestinians in Peru, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia and Brazil.

However the bank believes that because the 1 million Palestinians in Latin America are further away and therefore deserve specific and continuous attention. We understand the predicament of distance and barriers. Therefore, we felt compelled to first work hard with our friends in Chile and, as of recently, all of Latin America.

We intend to plant real seeds for the future, and this takes time. The region is expected to forge better diaspora relations.

Therefore, we feel that our presence in Chile will prove fruitful and help make connections between Latin America

The Bank of Palestine’s Diaspora team, alongside the Investor and International Relations team are hard at work to create more inroads into diaspora engagement via economic and investment tracks.

There are many psychological and 28

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Follow the Star Courtesy of Bethlehem Destination Christmas

“a

fter [the Magi] had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.”

Matthew 2:9.

It is our opinion that shared international cultural exchanges could promote greater awareness not only of this message of peace but also of the people still living in the land, the custodians of this shared heritage who long for nothing more than a just peace in the region. In this spirit, the Bethlehem Destination Christmas (BDC) initiative was formed in order to affirm Bethlehem’s centrality to worldwide Christmas celebrations and to highlight the town’s significance in the Christmas story. With its slogan Follow the Star, BDC intends to enhance Bethlehem’s Christmas season and help generate tourism in the area over the period running from late November, with the beginning of Advent Season and the tree lighting ceremony, to late January, with Armenian Christmas celebrations on 19 and 20 January.

In cooperation with the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the municipalities of Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, and Beit Jala, and the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, BDC intends to attract local and diaspora Palestinians as well as international visitors to Bethlehem. It will achieve this goal by organizing, among other Christmasrelated events, an annual International Bethlehem Christmas Choir Festival along with an International Christmas Market and other seasonal attractions.

The festival’s per formances will feature local and international choirs, with special focus on Palestinian

A little over 2000 years ago in Bethlehem, one of the most influential figures in human history was born. According to the wellknown story of the Nativity, the magi saw and followed a star that led them to the place in Bethlehem where Jesus was born. Today, people from all over the world still follow in their footsteps. But the numbers of visitors that are currently received over the Christmas holidays in Bethlehem are only a fraction of the potential that the town can attract and accommodate.

Bethlehem in itself is meaningful for devout Christians and many others, as Jesus is an important prophet for Muslims as well. To spend the Christmas season in Bethlehem is a most treasured experience on many levels and not only for pilgrims: Locals cherish the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in their hometown, and Palestinians from all of historical Palestine gather to celebrate the many holidays of this special season; they are keen to let the world know that Christians live in Bethlehem and happy to promote the city as a unique tourist destination. Many foreign visitors and pilgrims regard their being able to spend Christmas in Bethlehem as the once-in-a-lifetime chance to be in this important place where it all began at the time that Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. And indeed, the message of peace that emanates from the story of the nativity should be heard over the whole cacophony of negative messages that come from within the region and beyond.

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In 2015, Bethlehem’s Christmas tree was voted by the Huffington Post as one of the most extravagant and creative trees in the world. Photo

by Elias Halabi.

musicians from Palestine and the diaspora, and are expected to attract many visitors to Bethlehem and Palestine.

area and shall facilitate the joint planning of future BDC celebrations. In particular, each twinned municipality will be offered the oppor tunity to annually sponsor a weekend (Thursday to Sunday) within the extended Christmas Season, when BDC events will feature a variety of Christmas markets and musical performances that shall be presented throughout the Bethlehem region. These events will not only generate international tourism but will also provide points of attraction for substantial numbers of Palestinians from historical Palestine and its diaspora. BDC will furthermore propose to synchronize the lighting of trees and ringing of church bells within the network of twinned towns and cities.

The BDC initiative was founded by a group of people, representing prominent Bethlehem institutions, who are keen to devote their shared enthusiasm and contribute their manifold ideas and experiences to the common goal of repositioning Bethlehem as an essential Christmas icon. By launching this initiative, they will bring attention to Palestine’s cultural heritage and promote Bethlehem as the ultimate Christmas destination.

While the official launch of the BDC celebrations is scheduled for Christmas 2017, the board has planned a special pre-launching event to take place during the official Tree Lighting Ceremony on 3 December 2016. On that occasion, the renowned Oslo Philharmonic Choir will hold joint performances with local choirs.

The initiative’s innovative approach brings together the three cities of Bethlehem, Beit Sahour and Beit Jala – known for being, respectively, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, the home of the shepherds, and the home of St. Nicholas – with other world cities renowned for their special connection to Christmas traditions and events, among them:

During the Bethlehem Destination Christmas’ first official celebration of Christmas in 2017, the promoters, in cooperation with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), will host a major conference that is to be attended by the mayors and representatives of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour and international visitors. Naturally, the event will be hosted in the Bethlehem

• Amsterdam, Netherlands, home of the first and largest St. Nicholas Parade • Greccio, Italy, home of the first Nativity Scene

BDC representatives hosted a press conference at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism fair. From left to right: Sebastian Plötzgen, Bruno Walter, Dr. Khouloud Daibes, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, Ms. Radmila Labus, Eng. Mazen Karam, and Majed Ishaq. Photo courtesy of BDC.

• Strasbourg, France, home of the first Christmas Market

by the core group cities and attended by representatives of twinned towns and cities, thereby creating an important occasion of exchange that will enhance tourism in the respective host cities and beyond.

• Berlin, Germany, where Mar tin Luther began the tradition of the Christmas tree • Rovaniemi in the Lapland region of Finland, home of the Santa Claus Village

The promotion of BDC will involve local and international bloggers, journalists, tourists, musicians, universities, and travel writers who can help achieve the initiative’s goals of reviving Palestinian tourism within an extended Christmas season, thus encouraging tourists to prolong their stay in Bethlehem beyond current trends. Special attention will be given to ensure international media coverage. Besides generating job oppor tunities, the initiative will also contribute to the development of Palestine’s cultural scene and will allow for important cultural exchange.

In cooperation with these cities as a core group, the promoters of BDC shall organize the hosting of joint Christmas markets and develop bilateral and multilateral travel itineraries for the mutual exchange of visits.

The celebrations shall fur thermore capitalize on and aim to engage the more than one hundred towns and cities that are twinned with Bethlehem, Beit Jala, and Beit Sahour, to the benefit of all parties involved. A yearly conference is envisaged to study various Christmas traditions and plan cooperation activities. This conference could be hosted, on a rotational basis,

The BDC will suppor t a range of marketing effor ts and PR activities to promote Bethlehem and Palestine at international travel trade fairs in cooperation with the ministry of tourism and the private tourism sector. A successful press conference, attended by over forty journalists, was held at the ITB Berlin Tourism Fair in March 2016, where BDC screened a promotional film by the Palestinian MoTA that received a Second Star Award.

Bethlehem Destination Christmas envisages participation in other major international travel trade fairs such as WTM London (Britain’s largest travel fair), FITUR Madrid (Spain’s largest travel fair), and CMT Stuttgart (Europe’s largest consumer travel fair). In its

The ESNCM’s Palestine Youth Orchestra in performance. Photo courtesy of ESNCM.

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marketing activities, BDC will support Palestinian tour operators, enhancing their networking with international tour operators and other official bodies, and give assistance to incoming tour agents in their tour designs and marketing effor ts. BDC’s target is global and thus includes both international and national tourism markets that cover all of historical Palestine.

The Bethlehem Destination Christmas initiative requires awareness and support to be able to reach its goals.

True internationalization of Christmas will hopefully lead to a greater intercultural awareness and shall induce a sense of pride and joy within the Palestinian community and its diaspora.

This can have a very positive multiplier effect for our region. So let us all Follow the Star and head to Bethlehem to be part of the events that commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

The short promotional film Travel Palestine: Rediscover Your Senses, produced by the Palestinian MoTA and presented by BDC won the Second Star Award at ITB Tourism Fair, Berlin, 2016. Photo courtesy of BDC.

The Bethlehem Development Foundation (BDF), founded by the late Said Khoury to regenerate Bethlehem, has since 2012 worked diligently to upgrade and promote the Christmas season by decorating Manger Square and its Christmas tree and supporting choirs and celebratory events.

Bethlehem University, founded in 1973, plays an important role in developing the tourism and hospitality sector. Emphasizing excellence in its tourism and hospitality programs and maintaining a strong connection and cooperation with all stakeholders in the industry, it fills the ever-growing market needs.

In 1992, Diyar Consortium, an NGO that focuses on art, culture, and tourism, organized the first conference on alternative/authentic tourism in Palestine and launched the Authentic Tourism Program that has changed the landscape of tourism by offering a holistic approach to visits to the Holy Land. Dar al-Kalima University College of Arts and Culture, the educational arm of Diyar, created the “Diploma in Tour Guiding� program to train and qualify Palestinian guides, targeting especially women, with a new approach to guiding that combines the unique historical, religious, and cultural context of the Holy Land. Diyar continues to develop innovative ideas, conferences, and festivals.

The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music (ESNCM) is a music school that teaches and promotes music with the aim of making it accessible for all Palestinians, wherever they live, within the framework of strengthening the Palestinian cultural and national identity.

The Holy Land Incoming Tour Operators Association (HLITOA), with over fifty active members, represents Palestinian incoming tour operators and is shaping the tourism industry in the Holy Land in general and Palestine in particular.

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with Diaspora Palestinians in Central and Latin America

By Haitham Yakhlef

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was most excited to visit Central and Latin America, for the first time in my life, during the summer of 2016. As an organizer of business events, my intent was to explore opportunities for the building of bridges with business communities of the Palestinian diaspora that is spread all over the South-American continent. I was hoping to be able to connect them with their counterparts in Palestine, the Middle East, and the Gulf. While geographical distance, economic differences, and social gaps complicate such an endeavor, the need to build such bridges is essential for all Palestinians. Locals are interested in enhancing their trade of goods and services beyond classic borders, whereas many businesspersons of Palestinian descent in Latin America are looking to reconnect with their roots.

As my destination, I chose three countries that represent three different geographical areas in the region: El Salvador in Central America, Peru in northern Latin America, and Chile in the South, the latter alone home to more than 500,000 persons with Palestinian origins, to explore possibilities of organizing such conferences. For months in advance, I had coordinated with Palestinian embassies, existing business connections, and some friends in these countries to arrange meetings with top notch businessmen, countries’ officials, and Palestinian communities. The challenges were high, and so was the risk of failure.

El Salvador is a beautiful country that is home to a Palestinian community of around 30,000. I stayed in the capital San Salvador at the Sheraton Hotel that is owned by Toni Safieh, a Palestinian in his late 60’s who has never been to Palestine because, as he says, all his time and energy has been devoted to the establishing 38

With over two million persons i with Palestinian heritage living in South America, the potential is there to forge powerful business ties between the diaspora and the homeland.

by the vice minister of economy, Dr. Luz Estrella Rodriguez, the president of the International Exhibitions Center, Mar ta Cecibel Lau Marquez, and Eduardo Palucho, the General Director of Economic Affairs in the ministry of foreign affairs. The Official speeches expressed a great desire to establish trade ties with Palestine in particular and the rest of the Arab world in general.

I left El Salvador convinced that this

On my last day in El Salvador, through the assistance of the ambassador of Palestine in El Salvador, Jorge Shafiq Handal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador hosted an official meeting and introduced me to PROMESA, a local investment promotion agency that was represented by its president, Sigfrido Reyes. The meeting was fur thermore attended

CHILE

Building Bridges

of his businesses that concentrate on hospitality, textile, and construction and were established with the help of his immediate family. We held a meeting that, thanks to the work of Palestinian activist Suhair Barake, went very well and gathered more than thirty-five top businessmen who came from as far as Guatemala, such as Maher Younes and Jamal Hadweh, and Colombia, such as Walid Zayed. The audience was interested to know all about investing in Palestine and expressed readiness to attend a potential follow-up conference in 2017, eager to learn more on what opportunities can be created.

Club Palestino.

With Patricio Nazal and Gabriela Salvador, Chile.

With Alexis Steir, Fundación Palestina Belén 2000, Chile. With Daniel Daccarett-Vendomatica, Chile.

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Club Palestino in Peru.

Meeting at Peru PromPeru in Lima, Peru.

At the Chamber of Commerce in Lima, Peru.

H.E. Mounir Makhlouf Abudayeh, Palestinian Ambassador to Peru.

Meetings in Peru.

country offers many opportunities to initiate mutual trade and investment.

Alfonso Velasquez Tuesta, all of whom showed great interest in starting trade relations and opening up markets in Palestine and the Middle East.

PromPeru, the official agency for the promotion of investment in Peru, expressed that they need assistance in forging ties with the Arab world, while Miguel Atala, the president of the Arab-Peruvian Chamber of Commerce explained that mutual visits are crucial to enhance trade with Arab countries.

My next stop brought me to Peru, an industrial country and tourist destination within Latin American countries. No precise statistics on the number of Palestinians are available, but assumptions cite around sixty to seventy thousand. Walid Muaqqat, the Palestinian Ambassador to Peru arranged all official and unofficial meetings during my five-day visit to its capital Lima. We met with the president of Lima’s chamber of commerce, Mario Mongilardi Fuchs, the president of the Association of Exporters, Juan Varilias Velasquez, and the CEO of the Agricultural Producers Association,

I was honestly amazed by the successes achieved by most of the many businessmen of Palestinian origin I was able to meet unofficially.

Omar Mazraawi (known as Omar Dan) is one of the most important real estate 40

to free themselves from their busy schedules at short notice, or possibly because, as senior assistants claimed, they were “fed up with requests for donations.” That did not hold my horses, however, and I insisted on presenting my purely professional aim of soliciting their commitment to attend a potential business conference for Palestinians. Alexis Sfeir, General Secretary of Belen 2000, wrote an extensive repor t of our hour-long meeting for the company’s board of trustees. Daniel Daccarett Imbarack, Vice President of Vendomatica, one of the biggest companies producing vending machines in Chile, was among the most pessimistic Belen members I met. Nevertheless, he liked the idea of a conference for Palestinian businessmen from Latin America and the Middle East and expressed his support to include Belen 2000 as a partner. This might prove important as he is close to Jose Said, the chairman of Belen 2000 and one of the wealthiest billionaires in Latin America.

My last destination, Santiago in Chile, proved a challenge even in the seven days I had planned to assess oppor tunities. The most influential Palestinian bodies here are the Club Palestino, established in the 1920’s, and Belen 2000, an NGO that supports projects in Palestine. I was not able to meet big Palestinian billionaires, either because they were not able

el salvador

peru Meeting with bunsiness people in Peru.

investors in Peru; Munir Makhlouf Abudayeh’s construction company is one of the largest in the country; Mazen Tubbeh Wir owns the Pima Kinz textile factory that is manufacturing all kind of fabrics for North and Latin America; and Samir Mitri is among the largest suppliers of sewing materials in Peru, to name just a few. Club Palestino is a socio-cultural club, its area sized 70,000 m², where consistently, Palestinians get together on weekends to keep ties and learn news about back home. I felt the warmth of Palestinian hospitality during my stay there, and its board expressed the willingness to host a potential conference in Latin America.

Ministry Meeting, El Salvador.

Meetings in Elsalvador.

Meetings in Elsalvador.

With Toni Safieh, owner of Sheraton Hotel in El Salvador.

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Mazen Tubeh Wir Textile company in Lima, Peru.

Patricio Nazal and his wife Gabriela Salvador, both of Palestinian origin and owners of the financial brokerage company VanTr ust Capital, have business ties with Bank of Palestine and were very careful to learn every detail regarding investment approaches.

They promised to help attract quality businessmen to the potential conference and may suggest a joint-venture fund to be run by their respected company. In general, the meetings in Chile were tough and unpromising as no one had previously considered investment into Palestine, not even as an issue for discussion. Even Jorge Daccarett, the representative of Bank of Palestine in Chile made it very clear that “the road is not covered with roses.� Bank of Palestine began making contacts with Palestinians in Chile five years ago and still needs more time to attract investors.

projects. Social and touristic trips to Palestine for Palestinians living in the diaspora will enhance ties and eventually attract investment. And the promotion in Latin America of Palestinian goods and (online) services can be established with minimum investment, as there is a real market and need for such items – with more than two million Palestinians living in Central and Latin America. As this issue of TWiP becomes available, the Bethlehem District Diaspora Convention 2016 is taking place as a step in the right direction, hoping to enhance trade, help the economies of both sides, and offer opportunities for profitable exchange to Palestinians living on both continents.

Haitham Yahia Yakhlef, a Palestinian born in Syria and raised in many countries, among them Lebanon, Algeria, and Tunisia, has obtained an AA in Computer Science in Sacramento, CA, USA, and a BA in International Relations in Famagusta, Cyprus. He has organized exhibitions in Palestine since 2005 and business conferences in Palestine, Jordan, Tunisia, Qatar, the UAE, and Cyprus since 2009. Mr. Yakhlef is CEO of United Company for Exhibition and Conferences.

In summary, I would say that there are many oppor tunities waiting for Palestinians in Latin America. For these opportunities to translate into actual business transactions, discussions should take place between Palestinians in Latin America and in Palestine (and the Middle East and Gulf). Both sides have not only well-established businesses with connections that could serve to build bridges but also expert knowhow that can bring real investment to Palestine, possibly through joint-venture

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This number is cited by South American activists, while the PCBS cites 685,000 Palestinians living in countries outside the Arab region.

Beyond the Diaspora An Inclusive and Egalitarian Community

In the meantime, many of us in Israel and Palestine, among the diaspora, and across the globe look for ways to live in solidarity with all persons – inclusively, as equals and in freedom, at ease and at peace with our particularities. This is not a de-contextualized ideal but real political engagement because to live in solidarity with all persons means to resist those who practice injustice, inequality, and exclusion – however, to resist in a manner that does not destroy.

The future of Palestine and of all humanity lies not only in ending war but also in living together in one inclusive and egalitarian society that embraces our beautiful particularities. The call of the cosmos is to live the future in the present until the present becomes the future.

The challenge is to resist all types of injustice, domination, and violence

By Paul Parker

p

articularity matters. Citizens, residents, refugees, diaspora, and internationals – we all matter. We may be Palestinian, Israeli, Syrian, Iraqi, Jordanian, Lebanese, and Egyptian – we all matter. Sufi, Muslim Brotherhood, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Evangelical, Ultra-Orthodox Jew, Religious Jew, secularist, Samaritan, Druze, and Baha’i – we all matter. Despite the differing elements, there is in all our religious teachings a vision of one inclusive and egalitarian community rich with human diversity, all of which matters.

Walls, minefields, checkpoints, and closed roads are so passé! The occupation and inequality are hideously unjust, but the day is coming when they will be only a faint and distant memory.

The future is here and its full blossom inevitable.

The vision of a world where everyone matters is indeed aspirational, but yet real. It pulls us into the future. Many of us who see tomorrow as if it were today are grounded in the vision of the one Source of the universe. Although many of us think about God in different ways, our differing concepts do not invalidate that we are thinking about and seeking the same God who created all of us. The best in every one of our religious traditions agree that God did not create us for wars, divisions, or cultural assimilation, but for life in community with each other, embracing all of our glorious differences.

without adopting any type of injustice, domination, and violence. As Gandhi taught, “the means are the ends at an incipient point.” Ill-will and vengeance cannot be found in Jesus or the Prophet. Martin Luther King Jr. practiced the political application of this vision with what he called “the sword that heals” – nonviolent direct action.

persons may deride as ineffectual international law, human rights advocacy, and nonviolent resistance to injustice, our religious traditions suggest that these can become the secular tools of Divinity that help create one inclusive and egalitarian community for all men and women, with all our beautiful particularities.

This is a vision of inclusive and egalitarian political and economic structures, a vision that values everyone with all our diversities. It is not an unreachable ideal. Our religious traditions teach that indeed it is inevitable, already present (in part), and still to come – albeit along a bumpy path that is at times unclear, sometimes even moving backwards.

Globally, such progress is most clearly evident only over the long term, because in the short term, the particular atrocities of regional conflicts such as in Syria or in Israel and Palestine appear disproportionately indicative of the course of the cosmos. But in the end, Good will triumph.

For those of us who are working for one inclusive and egalitarian society in Israel and Palestine (whatever political structures may emerge), the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, the United Nations, the Geneva Conventions, and the International Criminal Court can be the swords that heal. Although some

Paul Parker, PhD, is the Baltzer Distinguished Professor of Religion and the chairperson of the Department of Religious Studies at Elmhurst College outside Chicago, Illinois, USA. He regularly leads students and other Americans on listening tours across Palestine and Israel.

Article photos courtesy of the author.

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Percentage Distribution of Palestinians according to their Place of Residency, 2015

Percentage

Palestinians in the Diaspora Courtesy of Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics

i

n the wake of the Nakba, more than 700,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homes. Thinking that their exile was temporary, these refugees initially paid little attention to their living conditions in the host countries, their hearts tied to their homes in Palestine. Years passed, however, and popular movements and organizations sprung up to advocate for the political rights of Palestinians. However, there was no political entity to represent Palestinians until the establishment of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1964, the political body that represented all Palestinians worldwide, while less than 20% of what remained of Palestine stayed under Arab administration, Jordan ruling the West Bank and Egypt the Gaza Strip. Many of the refugees, meanwhile, spread over the entire globe.

The collection of data about persons with Palestinian heritage who live in the diaspora is confronted with professional, financial, and political obstacles. In many host countries it is difficult to conduct field surveys and studies, and statistical samples for field surveys and studies do not tend to give accurate results. Successful integration of Palestinians in their adopted places of residence may furthermore make it difficult to census them, not to mention the high cost and political impediments that prevent the conducting of field studies and surveys in other countries, as the carrying out of surveys contradicts with the principle of the sovereignty of a state.

State UNRWA records report 5.6 million refugees (45% of the Palestinian world population), most of whom live in the State of Palestine and Jordan.

Number of Palestinian Refugees Registered by Palestinian State, January 2015 State

Total

Registered refugees

Others*

Total

5,589,488

5,149,742

439,746

Jordan

2,212,917

2,117,361

95,556

Lebanon

493,134

452,669

40,465

Syria

591,780

528,616

63,164

West Bank

942,184

774,167

168,017

Gaza Strip

1,349,473

1,276,929

72,544

Palestine

* Other registered persons eligible to receive services.

Artwork by Irena Naji.

To overcome such problems, the PCBS tailors its activities to the requirements of the situation in order to produce the best professional estimates possible, using available data from different sources. By the end of 2015, PCBS estimated that there were 12.37 million Palestinians living in the world. If we compare this number to the 1.454 million Palestinians cited by statistical data as living in Palestine at the end of the British Mandate, just prior to 1948, we find that the Palestinian world population has increased more than eightfold. The distribution is as follows: 4.75 million live in the State of Palestine (38.4% of the total world population), 1.47 million in the Palestinian areas occupied

by Israel in 1948 (11.9%), Palestinians in Arab countries amount to 5.46 million (44.2% of world population), while Palestinians in foreign countries amount to 685,000 (5.5% of Palestinian world population).

This means that half of the Palestinians in the world live outside historical Palestine.

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47

Percentage Distribuiton of Registered Palestinian Refugees

by State, January 2015 10.3%

8.8%

39.8%

41.1% Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp in Syria.

Data shows that 54% of Palestinians residing outside Palestine are refugees. The following is an overview of the status of Palestinians in their places of residency in the diaspora (Jordan, Lebanon and Syria) as per latest available data.

• Palestinians in Jordan

for children aged below five years was 25.7 deaths per 1000 live births in 2010.

A study carried out by the Norwegian FAFO Research Foundation, looking into the living conditions in Palestinian camps in Jordan in 2011, showed that 39.9% of camp inhabitants are below 15 years old, while 4.3% of individuals are

• Palestinians in Syria Data available for 2009 regarding Palestinians living in Syria indicate that 33.1% of the total population was aged

1000 live births, while among children aged five years and less the mortality rate amounted to 31.4 deaths per 1000 live births for the same year.

married female Palestinians represented 52.2%, divorced 2.3%, widows 1.7%, and separated 0.1%. Data also showed that the average Palestinian household had 4.4 members, the fertility rate was 2.8 children per woman, infant mortality rate 15.0 deaths per 1000 births, and the mortality rate of children under five amounted to 17.0 per 1000 live births.

The percentage of Palestinians in Syria in 2006 aged 15 years and above who have never been married was 48.3% for males and 40.8% for females; the highest percentage was found in the age group of 15-19 years with 100% of males and 92.7% of females not married previously. It is noteworthy that Palestinian widows in Syria represent a higher percentage compared to male widowers with 4.2% female widows and 0.5% male widowers.

Conclusion: Palestinians are a young society, both in the diaspora and inside Palestine. The fertility rate of Palestinian women in the diaspora is noticeably lower than that of Palestinian women inside Palestine, which explains why the natural annual population growth rate with 2% among Palestinians in the diaspora is lower than that among Palestinians residing in Palestine, which attained a 2.9% increase in population per year.

• Palestinians in Lebanon Data available for 2011 about Palestinians living in Lebanon indicate that the population below 15 years represented 31.1%, while those aged 65 years and above constitued 6.1%.

The gender ratio was 98.2 males per every 100 females. Palestinian umarried females in Lebanon (12 years and above) reached 43.7%, while

Wihdat Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan.

PCBS relies with many of its data on numbers provided by UNRWA. i

Age A. Tiltnes and Huafeng Zhang, The socioeconomic conditions of Jordan’s Palestinian camp refugees: summary of findings from two surveys, 2011, FAFO Report 2014.

Shatila Palestinian refugee camp on the outskirts of Beirut.

15 years and below, while those aged 65 years and above represented 4.4%. Data also revealed that the average Palestinian household size was 4.1 members per household in 2010, while the annual population growth reached 1.6% in the same year. The total fertility rate of Palestinians in Syria in 2010 reached 2.5 births per woman. The crude birth rate was 29.2 births per 1000 population.

Infant mortality reached 28.2 deaths per

aged 65 years and above. The average household size in refugee camps was 5.1 members per household, while the average size of Palestinian families outside camps reached 4.8 members.

Annual demographic growth reached 2.2%, and the overall fertility rate of Palestinian women in Jordan was 3.3 children per woman. Infant mortality rate in these camps reached 22.6 deaths per 1000 births, while the morality rate 48

49

The March of Return

By Tina Jaber Rafidi

“a

traveler I am, and a navigator, and every day I discover a new region within my soul.” Khalil Gibran I felt rather strange the other day during a presentation titled “Creating Impact on International Youth in Palestine: Challenges and Opportunities.” I was speaking at Birzeit University to a group of Palestinian Americans from Project Hope, a Palestinian youth initiative that seeks to connect young adults who live outside of Palestine with the city of Ramallah and to awaken, or cultivate, the spirit of volunteerism

with ourselves,iv I listen to the voices of our young Palestinian students, strive to elicit their innermost thoughts and encourage them to reflect on the simple things that make a difference in their lives. I often ask myself, “How do these students feel, being in this room?

Do they feel like me, a ‘shape without form, a shade without colors, as wind in dry grass?’”v

“Exile is more than a geographical concept. You can be an exile in your homeland, in your own house, in a room.” Mahmoud Darwish

I left the presentation burdened with the whisper that we are one but not the same. Some think, possibly rightfully so, that learning to live or leave involves a permanent transformation – especially when one is haunted by the feeling of al-ghurba (alienation).

Defining our status as universal humans who lost their homeland to become the so-called Palestinian diaspora (‫ال�شتات‬ ‫الفل�سطيني‬‎) entails the understanding of hidden stories that are narrated by breathing stones. Our resurrected memories rise to make a decision, obtain a travel document, cross the bridge at the Jordanian border, and enter Palestine. Al-ghurba represents a radiant affirmation of the right to return, the right to what essentially has been lost!

By increasing mobility, by creating educational and cultural exchange programs and community voluntary service work, we can raise a generation of Palestinian youth who are in place despite geographical separation. “I had to make this journey to find my lost identity,” Amal told me quietly.

“I changed from a teenage girl into an independent adult and learned to give myself the permission to live with a unique personality. Coming from abroad and having lived for four years in Palestine, I’ve learned that struggle has become part of our lives. But this struggle has never destroyed our will to live, love, learn, and laugh each day.

ink & acrylic on Canvas, 140 x 420 cm , 2013.

Artwork by artist Bashar AlHroub.

within the larger Palestinian community.i Repeatedly, I reminded myself that they are just like us, Palestinians too! But I felt insecure because for the first time in my life, the realization that separation from the homeland causes a feeling of being without place was striking me with full force – and I was wondering how this must affect their sense of identity. How can you find clarity when you are confused? The distinction, even if rough, is important: In that room, we were “neither completely one nor the other,”ii neither completely Palestinian nor American, neither fully at home nor away. Let me try to be a little clearer: Does the memory of the loss of our land define us as Palestinians?iii How can Palestinians in the diaspora rediscover their lost identity when they are out of their place?

As an educator who believes that true education should get us in touch 50

In this sudden epiphany that stunned me in front of these young, dreamy Palestinian youth at Birzeit University, I understood that there is a new generation of Palestinians who are actively seeking meaning. They come to proclaim existence, which is essential to human experience. I also knew that as an educator I was making a serious decision: Generate opportunities for these young leaders who have come from all walks of life!

To me, living in Palestine was an eye opener. I found myself.”

In Palestine, barriers to the integration of diaspora youth include not only linguistic and cultural challenges but also obstructions of the right to education that directly result from occupation policies. Education is a basic human right with the ultimate goal of teaching self-reliance. Here in Palestine, education is a form of 51

resistance. Palestinian universities face unique challenges when they attempt to participate in the global education market, as the lack of mobility caused by the occupation prevents Palestinian students from participating in international academic conferences and research. Therefore, the successful process of strategically integrating Palestinian youth from the diaspora into our educational institutions announces the beginning of a new era. It constitutes the commitment to create international awareness and promote global recognition of the right to return. By allowing young students to visit and experience life in refugee camps, attend educational institutions, and par ticipate in social service projects, Project Hope fulfills a national responsibility. As BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights points out, Palestinian students from the diaspora who return to their land of origin “affirm their Palestinian national identity not merely as a question of citizenship, travel document, or humanitarian privilege, but as a much wider concept

Like many other Palestinians, al-ghurba has haunted me for years – even though I have been physically here, living in Palestine. This intensely painful feeling can be countered only by the stories that we as Palestinians continuously re-collect in order to create a common memory, a collective identity to resist the occupation. Therefore, I attest to the power of my grandparents’ voices and legacy. And I furthermore attest to the voice of a vulnerable, yet powerful boy who grew up in a complicated world: Edward Said. One of the most important intellectuals of our time, Said crafted an extraordinary story of exile and a celebration of our irrecoverable past in his memoir Out of Place. I have never felt closer to Said than recently. His sincere representation of the experience of an American immigrant reflects and incites a dialogue between the self and the community. How was he able to regain this voice from within?

I will always remember my mother’s voice; she is here with me all the time.

Similarly, despite their physical absence from the land of olives, Palestinians in the diaspora compose a symphony that

Witnessing how Palestinian youth learn how to care and seeing them grow in knowledge, wit, and passion teaches and reinforces the notion that as human beings, indeed, we are capable of love. And when we love we are better. Halima considered thoughtfully,

and concerning the key principles of liberation, freedom, and democracy.

Sixty-eight years after the Nakba, alienation and displacement unite all Palestinians at a regional, and possibly global, level.”vi The survey, focusing on identity and social ties, clearly indicates that the third and four th generation of Palestinian refugees did not “forget” their attachment to Palestine.

is in tune with other Palestinians. Our grandparents left but kept their stories with them for us to collect. To me, AlNakba day is not only about mourning, I also envision hopeful children running after their Palestinian flags in the streets of both Ramallah and Chicago.

Indeed, the memory of the Nakba is revived in the stories narrated by our grandparents. But the power of these testimonies marches through time

“Walking through life without a true identity is not a life wor th living. I was born in the States and grew up in Dubai. Then, I moved to Palestine, my country, to attend university. Living outside of Palestine, I was always considered Palestinian and I held great pride in that. I never once felt ashamed of who I am and where I come from.

But coming back to Palestine was difficult because the people around

52

A group of Palestinian and international students at Birzeit University. Photo courtesy of PR office, Birzeit University.

me have and will always see me as the ajnabeyya, foreigner. That is something I apparently cannot change. I came here to be in my home country and live with my people. But how can I do that when the single characteristic that causes me the most pride is the one thing stolen from me: my identity of being a Palestinian? Could it be true that I am not Palestinian, as some say? Or is it of

to restore our homeland – which to many of them was little more than the memory of a place.

no importance where I’ve lived or will live? Will my Palestinian identity always be present? I feel Palestinian and I am from Palestine, so the only answer to the question of who I am must be, ‘I am, and will forever be Palestinian!’”

Her words have touched my heart. I know now that creating one’s profile as refugees must be an endless battle. Acknowledging that these young Palestinians are nothing but in 53

“Time heals,” Sireen told me. “I was raised in the US and came to live in Palestine at the age of sixteen. Now, I am getting my BA in English Language and Literature from Bir zeit University, with my husband and two daughters by my side. I admit that coming here was one of the best decisions I made in my life. The people who have lived under occupation have more life in them than I had, and they have given life back to me!”

place, I wonder what Edward Said’s assessment of all this would be. In his article “Unifying Diaspora: Palestinian Youth Reassert Their National Identity,” Amjad Alqasis demonstrates that according to the recent BADIL survey, Palestinian teens across the world have strong ties to their national identity, even though most of them have never (been able to) set foot into their homeland.vii The impact that Palestinian youth who return to their homeland leave on Palestine and on its people is huge and goes beyond solidarity action. My personal experience of interacting regularly with these young diaspora Palestinians who come to Birzeit to learn their Arabic mother language and live their culture lets me consider their engagement as part of our March of Return. We declare, in successive waves, our mobility and our intention to revive a valued right: We Will Return and We Are Here.

“Return of the Soul,” by Jane Frere, Edinburgh Art Festival 2008. Photo courtesy of Murdo McLeod.

Tina Jaber Rafidi is the current director of Birzeit University’s Palestine and Arabic Studies Program (PAS) and works as an English language lecturer at the Department of Languages and Translation. She is a consultant specialized in the fields of English language teaching, professional and teacher training, and curriculum development. She holds a master’s degree in gender, law, and development, and a second master’s degree in education and TEFL (Teaching English as a Second Language).

I am definitely not the same person I used to be. The voices of my students and many more remind of what matters.

It is the March of Return. Far away from words like diaspora and al-gurba, words that are intensely resonant in the Palestinian lexicon, I feel now less alone and more loved.

i

The American Federation of Ramallah Palestine’s (AFRP’s) Project Hope program was established in 1997 by then AFRP President Salem Mufarreh as a means of furthering the federation’s four founding principles of charity, culture, education, and society, principles that have guided the AFRP’s coalition of clubs since 1958.

ii

Edward Said, Out of Place: A memoir, Vintage, 2000.

iii

Elia Zureik in the book review of Helena Lindholm Schultz, Palestinians in the Diaspora: Formation of Identities and Politics of Homeland, and Maya Rosenfeld, Confronting the Occupation: Work, Education, and Political Activism of Palestinian Families in a Refugee Camp, published in the American Journal of Sociology Vol. 111, No. 3, 2005.

Sydney Harris, “What True Education Should Do”, M.C. Feldstadt, ed., The Thoughtful Reader, Harcourt, 1994, available at https://emu.edu/writing-program/faculty-services/articles-handouts-exercises/Harris.pdf.

iv

T.S. Elliott, Mistah Kurtz-he dead, epigraph to The Hollow Men (poem), available at http://www.shmoop.com/ hollow-men/poem-text.html.

v

One People United: A Deterritorialized Palestinian Identity, Survey of Palestinian Youth on Identity and Social Ties, 2012, BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency & Refugee Rights, available at http://www.badil. org/phocadownloadpap/Badil_docs/Working_Papers/WP-E-14.pdf.

vi

vii

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Available at http://972mag.com/unifying-diaspora-palestinian-youth-reassert-their-national-identity/75008/.

55

Towards Community Philanthropy Mobilizing the Palestinian Diaspora

By Aisha Mansour

i

While there are several bodies and structures that focus on tapping into the Palestinian diaspora, for a regular Palestinian living abroad it is not easy to figure out how to connect with the homeland. The Palestine Liberation Organization has an entire department focused on the Palestinian diaspora; I learned about it at a diaspora conference in Ramallah last July.

The Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) focuses on connecting to the Palestinian diaspora as well; it connects to tour groups from the diaspora and provides them with key experiences such as walking along the Wall and experiencing Qalandia checkpoint, among other encounters. The UNDP’s TOKTEN program supports and helps connect Palestinians who live abroad and wish to return to serve in a Palestinian institution. (For nine months, I was a TOKTEN volunteer, working

“Since 2012, I have been joining Baha for olive harvest and olive planting. Over the past four years on Land Day, we have managed to plant 3,500 olive trees on Palestinian privately-owned land that is under the threat of being confiscated by the Israeli authority forces.

Planting olive trees during Land Day stands for the peaceful resistance against occupation and against olive tree destruction.” Hanan Awad Debwania.

International activists support olive harvest in Surif.

Photo courtesy of Palestine Solidarity Project.

t was the summer of 2006. It had been eight years since my previous visit to Palestine and to be honest, I had not spent much time thinking about the homeland. The previous visit had not really been a vacation; I had visited only briefly to attend the wedding celebration of my younger sister who was getting married to our cousin. Back in the US, I had focused on completing my master’s degree and had entered into a prestigious US government fellowship program, aiming to build my career. But in 2006, as I was reading the newsletter of a local peace and justice group, there it was: A travel report written by a volunteer who had taken part in an olive picking program in Palestine. Palestine. It has been too long.

Something struck me and I knew I simply had to go to Palestine to pick olives – and that is what I did. The experiences of this trip and the shock at how much my homeland had changed – apparently, the occupation keeps evolving and the situation is getting worse(!) – prompted me to re-engage with and eventually move to Palestine.

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57

The opening ceremony of the Dukkan that offers donated items for sale in a socially conscious form of recycling.

Shelves at the Dukkan, a second hand shop offering items donated by the Palestinian community and operated by volunteers.

a specific niche, such as business investment in Palestine by persons of the diaspora, we should apply a more comprehensive approach that from the start includes the entire Palestinian community, those living in Palestine and those living abroad.

The new paradigm should consider the multiple motivations that drive Palestinians to serve, contribute to, and engage with their country.

During a workshop last March at the Dalia Association in Ramallah, Professor Emily Regis provided a brief summary and history of engagement of the Palestinian diaspora. She explained that firstgeneration diaspora Palestinians tend to contribute to the mother country by means of charitable giving and by supporting traditional infrastructure, such as building schools and healthcare centers, while the second generation prefers to be directly involved in community development and social justice actions. Understanding such motivating factors is crucial when involving the Palestinian diaspora

The institutionalization of a community philanthropy model achieves the incorporation of diaspora resources and strengthens the resilience and resourcefulness of local grassroots communities in their efforts to combat the detrimental effect of the occupation. Thus, it ensures real development in accordance with local priorities and needs.

in their contributing and giving to Palestine.

Rather than focus on a specific sector, I suggest that the Palestinian diaspora platform should align with a community philanthropy model. Community philanthropy is the act of using local resources towards local needs. According to

A roundtable discussion focusing on mobilizing local resources and developing a local economy, a resistance economy.

within the ministry of health and using my background in hospital management and health policy.)

Furthermore, diaspora conferences are held multiple times a year to cajole successful Palestinian business-minded people in the diaspora to invest in and into their homeland.

capacities by taking into account both, their special circumstances and the needs and priorities of various communities in Palestine.

Every Palestinian is an asset. The challenge is how to make best use of every individual’s qualities so that they can contribute to a local community, be it in Palestine through direct action or abroad through the raising of awareness.

While there are several programs and interventions aimed at engaging the Palestinian diaspora, sadly, there is no one-stop shop to help diaspora Palestinians connect to their homeland and apply their unique

It could be that the framework for engaging the Palestinian diaspora with Palestine should be reexamined. Instead of focusing on 58

59

meaningful and valuable to create community and solidarity in every possible way with Palestinians suffering through the occupation.”

happened that I am. My personal support for Palestine comes from a social justice aspect. It’s the moral and ethical implications of the conflict that make me support the Palestinians.” While Hanan has served Palestine in multiple ways – including raising awareness in the United States about the situation in Palestine – most recently, she has connected with olive picking and olive tree planting programs due to the overarching symbolism of the olive tree. She explains, “This reason drove me to join Baha Helo and his peaceful campaign To Be There: Its mission is to uncover the truth and introduce people to the Palestinian reality, showing it the way it is.”

Linking resources with Dalia Association, the Farashe yoga center in Ramallah organized a yoga retreat in Susya.

a report issued by the Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society in 2014, community philanthropy links local communities with sustainable development. The Global Fund f o r C o m m u n i t y Fo u n d a t i o n s elaborates by explaining that community philanthropy works at the grassroots community level where local resources are used towards locally-identified priorities and issues, thus ensuring more effective development and a strong civil society. According to British social scientist Barry Knight, community philanthropy is defined as “local people putting in some of their own money (or other resources) to develop long-term assets for their community.” The Palestinian diaspora, in my opinion, is part of our resources, and thus it should be targeted when we search for real investment to suppor t local community priorities and needs and ensure real sustainable development.

Every Palestinian who returned from living abroad has a unique story on what brought him or her back to the homeland. I interviewed three Palestinians who live in the US and are actively suppor ting their homeland, and I found confirmation for the notion that the motivations and ways of serving are diverse and build on each person’s abilities, talents, and needs. This diversity must be considered when we develop a comprehensive community philanthropy model that effectively includes the diaspora in local community development.

Hanan Awad, known to most as Hanan Debwania, a Palestinian American who lives in Edmond, Oklahoma, USA, says that her involvement with Palestine is not just because she is Palestinian herself. She says, “Yes, I am from Palestinian origin, but my suppor t to Palestine transcends the fact that I am Palestinian, it just 60

Amar Rasul, an undergraduate student at the University of Memphis, Tennessee, USA, took one semester off to serve, volunteer, and learn more about his homeland.

He explains, “One might say I’ve given only a fraction to Palestine in comparison to what Palestine gave me. I did some volunteer work at the Dalia Association (a Palestinian community foundation) and Dar Al Amal (a Palestinian juvenile detention center) which opened my eyes and broadened my awareness of the necessities (volunteers, funds, BDS, etc.) that Palestine really needs.”

Laila Abdelaziz, a community organizer based in Florida, USA, says, “To me, giving to Palestine means to understand, as genuinely as possible, what it means to be Palestinian and to learn how to share that experience with others.

To give to Palestine means to visit Palestine, to uplift and suppor t the local, indigenous economy of Palestinians in their struggles caused by the occupation, and to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian call for BDS.” Laila emphasizes the impor tance of both, working for Palestine from her home base in the US and visiting the homeland. She says, “I give to Palestine in several ways: I organize politically in my community on behalf of Palestine, and I work on advocacy campaigns related to issues stemming from the occupation. As a community organizer, I believe in the power of boycott and each time I go to Palestine, I visit Khalil (Hebron) to purchase kuffiyehs (traditional checkered head dresses) made in Palestine to distribute to my friends in the United States who are also committed to community organizing around the Palestine question.

These little things, I think, are

In order to strengthen the support of the Palestinian diaspora to Palestine, it is critical to institutionalize a community philanthropy model that incorporates diaspora resources.

After over twenty years of working through an international aid system with funds and agendas that don’t necessarily always match the priorities of the local community, there is a growing awareness of the need to mobilize our own resources that serve our own priorities to achieve tangible community development. The Palestinian diaspora must be connected within this model of community philanthropy.

Aisha Mansour currently ser ves as executive director at the Dalia Association, Palestine’s community foundation that focuses on strengthening and mobilizing community philanthropy in Palestine in an effort to strengthen civil society and mobilize local resources that serve local priorities. She can be reached at aisham@dalia.ps.

Article photos courtesy of Dalia Association.

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Going Back To The Diaspora

By Hasheemah Afaneh ou’re going to be part of the diaspora now,” my friend Mariam said, turning to me with her eyebrows raised. We were on our way home, riding one of the orange service taxis that commute between Birzeit University and Ramallah, and I had just told her that I was looking into public health graduate programs in the United States. Sitting in the middle seat of the Ford van, looking ahead and watching the windshield wipers fight against the rain, I weighed the word. Diaspora. Never before had I thought of my leaving Palestine that way.

“Yeah, I guess I am.”

After we’d gotten off at the final stop in Ramallah and parted ways, I decided to walk home, despite the cold, all the while considering the implication of the word. The definition of diaspora in various dictionaries may include the words “moving” and “populations,” but that is not the thought on which I grew up. My definition of diaspora weighs so much heavier. Perhaps as a byproduct of my Palestinian roots and upbringing, the word is weighty on my mind and even heavier on my tongue. I tried to search for a lighter word to describe what my moving-abroad-in-order-to-study means. I could not think of anything.

Why did I need to explain it?

When I think of diaspora, I think of Palestinian refugees, disseminated all over the world because politics never seem to work in their favor.

The first people who come to my mind are not the members of my Palestinian family who have lived in the United States for decades, and it does not even occur to me to remember my Palestinian friends who are spending a few years abroad to study. I don’t connect them with the diaspora – even though they, too, fit the definition – because they can go back home. They still have that privilege. Unlike the people who hold on to their right of return, or the ones who are exiled and may have lost all hope of ever returning. When I hear diaspora, it most 62

Between Exits by Hani Zurob shows Palestine from an exile’s point of view.

closely translates into “one who is not home and cannot go back home” – until someone reminds me of the fact that I am part of the diaspora now.

I ha d be e n unde r t he impression that it was hard to go home after I’d grown up mostly in the diaspora.

But the truth is, it is harder to go back to the diaspora after having been home for a while.

I was part of the diaspora long before I knew it. I was born to my parents in the diaspora; I was raised for half of my life in the diaspora; the diaspora is where I learned English. This situation was the reason why my parents decided to fly my siblings and me back to Palestine.

And this is how in fifth grade I ended up or, better, started searching desperately for something to read in English, until I finally came across my first copy of This Week In Palestine. That was in seventh grade, at Angelo’s, a wellknown pizza restaurant in Ramallah.

Now, having lived in Palestine for four teen years, I am back in the diaspora, feeling nostalgic and longing for Fayrouz to be played on the radio in the morning – and I am looking for 63

The beautiful architecture of a balcony in Jesualem on a late afternoon.

An extravagant French-style balcony in the French Quarter, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

View from my bedroom window on a winter evening as it is about to rain on Jabal Al-taweel, Al-Bireh.

View from my bedroom window on a rainy summer day in the French Quarter, the heart of the city of New Orleans.

something to read in Arabic. I talk to my friends back home and tell them that I do not wish to get too comfortable here.

I am too aware of my surroundings and of who I am as a Palestinian and global citizen to get too comfortable anywhere else, anyways.

many of us, am in the diaspora in the first place. I am here to go back there, as odd and complicated as it sounds.

I hope that one day, years from now, I will look back at this piece with a smile knowing that I pulled through.

Even though I was born in the diaspora, coming back is not easy. Introducing myself in classes is not easy, and I can only imagine what it is like for the people of what I consider the actual diaspora. “I’m from here, but I’m not exactly from here.” Or do people skip the second part entirely?

Two weeks in the diaspora, I was sitting in my first epidemiology class where we study the determinants and frequency of disease. My professor had mentioned two types of populations, one of them being a dynamic population. This kind of population keeps changing and can make room for new people. When she asked for an example, I wanted to raise my hand and say, “those in the diaspora.” The diaspora is a dynamic population, with some people entering continually, willingly or by force, while others are leaving or hoping to leave.

Hasheemah Afaneh is a first-year candidate for a master of public health degree, studying in the US. Besides food and health, her passion lies in words. She writes poetry, personal essays, and short stories that have been published in Sixteen Minutes to Palestine, Riwayya, The Huffington Post, This Week In Palestine, and elsewhere. She has been blogging for four years at norestrictionsonwords. wordpress.com.

I have been in the diaspora for only two weeks as I am writing this, but I already know I want to leave here and go back to make my home a better place, despite the hardships and struggles I know I will be facing. That is the reason why I, like

Article photos courtesy of the author.

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To Be a Child of the Palestinian Diaspora: A Conversation

By Lina Abdul-Samad

to experience that we Palestinians are not defined by our enemies but by the fullness of our culture, even though it is being hijacked; to let me find myself; to provide me with a feeling of belonging.

“As a child of the Palestinian diaspora, I am bombarded constantly with the same questions that revolve around my identity as a Palestinian and as an American. People from both my homeland and the United States keep asking who I am and with which country I identify more.

The truth is: belonging to two very different places is a persistent cause of struggles.”

“Which is better, the blaad (homecountry) or America?”

I’ve gone through phases. When I lived in the United States, I made sure everyone knew that the place where I truly belong is Palestine; it’s not Pakistan! Friends learned about the occupation and that they cannot consider Israel a Middle-Eastern country, at least not in front of me: It does not share our culture. My friends know I call my mom and dad mama and baba. They have noticed that I drench everything in olive oil and that hummus is pronounced “hommos,” and by the way, I don’t buy the Israeli brand. I am picky about where I buy my café latte: purchasing from Starbucks basically means financing the enemy to murder us. Maybe not me, but the rest of my people back home. But I also have another part to my identity, one that is contradictory to the first. Politics can have

a way of ruining who you are even before you come into existence.

Things changed a bit in the next phase, when my family moved back to Palestine.

Mama and baba had decided it was time I learned who I really am. I survived the

ou don’t look American.”

Art work by artist Hazem Harb.

True, with rich olive skin, dark forest bows and almond-shaped eyes, I talk with my hands like my forefathers. I devour maklouba, am obsessed with waraq dawali, and my search for Mackintosh’s sweet delights at home is always a game of hideand-seek.i I look and act the part, but my tongue is the traitor: In colloquial Palestinian-Arabic it still confuses some syllables. I’ve practiced saying basic greetings over and over and strive to replace my American tongue, aiming to master the lushness of my “true” language, the rich sounds and deep, often multiple levels of meaning that are unique to the language I would be speaking if I had never left the country. And as my tongue carries the burden of two very distinct languages, my sense of self carries the burden of bearing a hyphenated identity: Palestinian-American. I make sure that Palestinian comes first because that’s who I truly am, who I was supposed to be.

“Why did you parents bring you back here?”

Every Arab-American has this answer memorized: “To learn Arabic and religion.” But there are others: To learn that the land of milk and honey tells stories; 66

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realization when I am with other children of the diaspora. Sure, for us home feels a bit different than it feels for the others who live on either side of globe. But with them, I am included as I construct and bridge American and Palestinian cultures.

Recognized. We do have two homes. It makes us a bit special.

cultures. Born in Palestine, raised in the United States of America and in Palestine, I am a child of the diaspora. It is such a lonely word, but paradoxically, it makes me feel less lonely.

Lina Abdul-Samad is a fourth-year student at Bizeit University, majoring in nutrition and dietetics. When she is not daydreaming, she posts writings on her blog called Lina’s Thoughts and Words.

“Who are you?”

Solidarity shown by the Palestinian diaspora in Chile. Photo by Ivan Alvarado, courtesy of REUTERS.

infamous Israeli checkpoint (Kalandia) and with “bismillah (in the name of God)” on my tongue, I stepped on Palestinian soil, convinced that this was the beginning, here is home. Village children assumed that I were blonde and blue-eyed, a Barbie doll, a typical version of Dick and Jane. I converse in Arabic, yet still they call me American.

understand that I feel like a fraud, having Palestinian blood whirl though my veins while my tongue is being chained by the twenty-six letters of the foreign alphabet with which I grew up.

It wasn’t until I was twenty years old that I learned of the term “diaspora.” With a bit of awe I realized that a word had been created to compact into four syllables the entire enigmatic experience that I had been feeling ever since I’d returned to Palestine at age eleven. Other people had actually felt the same and given that feeling a name.

i

But who am I? We children of the diaspora are an Ear th made of two continents. We are imposters in both countries, trying to fit in with clashing

Art work by artist Mohammad Joha.

“Where is home?”

Paradoxically, home is always the other country. While you desire to be accepted in Palestine, home is Palestine; you are too Arab for America whose mannerisms mix with yours like oil (preferably olive oil) and water. Yet sometimes I begin to wonder if I am too American for Palestine: I actually wait in lines, traverse the streets only at pedestrian crossings, and wear a seat-belt. It’s considered to be slightly strange if you follow the rules in the occupied land.

I went to a school that follows the American academic system and teaches classes in Arabic language and Islam.

The best of both worlds. Crammed into a classroom with other children of the diaspora, I realized that they were a lot like me: A hybrid of two cultures, two parts of a whole – or an attempt at being whole. Students who were more Arab than American blended better into the local culture than the students that identified mostly with their western side; they were more accepted. It is up to you to be more accepted.

On bad days I wonder if home is just a distorted illusion, a fairytale that exists only in the imagination. The word tastes as if it does not belong into my mouth.

How could I embody both cultures with all their contradictions and not be at war with my identity! And then again, why must I choose with whom I identify more? Why can’t home be a mosaic of my navy and emerald passports?

Some people insist that I am lucky, even blessed. The perks of having lived abroad include being bilingual. Nowadays, English is the most coveted language, and I never confuse p’s and b’s. Yet, these people do not realize that I prefer to read the translated version of Ghassan Kanafi’s Men in the Sun. They cannot

On good days I know that home is a place that includes me. I come to this 68

There is a little joke running among Palestinian children when they are searching for something sweet, and Mackintosh sweets have traditionally been a favorite. In many households, it is a game to try to find where these treats are hidden, as they are usually kept away in interesting places and enjoyed only when guests arrive. When one of the children finds the sweets, he or she often chooses not to inform the siblings, enjoying the treats in secret.

Other times, children choose to team up and search for the sweets together, enjoying and sharing their little secret.

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PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH

Fuad Shehadeh

By Raja Shehadeh

Fuad qualified as a lawyer in 1948, the year when Palestine was struck off the map, and in 1949 began his practice amidst the pover ty and misery the Nakba had caused. He worked together with his brother Aziz, my father, and their firm soon became one of the most prominent law offices in Jordan.

The occupation of the West Bank in 1967 initially jeopardized legal work in general; however, the brothers persisted and rebuilt, tackling the challenges brought on by the Israeli occupation.

The Shehadeh law office was involved in the establishment of Al Haq, the first human rights organization and suffered targeted acts of harassment by the occupation authorities as a consequence. Never theless, Fuad Shehadeh remained steadfastly resisting in the struggle for individual and collective rights of his people.

Fuad Shehadeh was born in Jerusalem in 1925 to Boulos Shehadeh, a poet and political activist, owner and editor of the weekly newspaper Mirat Es Shark (Mirror of the East), and to Mary Sarrouf from Jaffa, a women’s rights and social activist who helped her husband edit the newspaper and directed the literary segments on the Jerusalem radio station. (Interestingly, when reading some of the editorials that Boulos wrote in the nineteen-twenties and -thirties, one is under the strong impression that he was writing about the politics and events of today!)

Describing the atmosphere in the house where he grew up, Shehadeh says, “I was influenced by my father at a young age. Our house was full of scholars and literary people. They used to come on nearly a daily basis and discuss politics, literary writings and, most importantly, history.”

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In 1978, while on his way to defend a case in Jenin, a traffic accident left my uncle hospitalized for months. During this time, he continued to follow up on his work from his hospital bed, even though he was suffering from a concussion and had lost sight in one eye. In 1984, another tragedy struck when Aziz was murdered by an Israeli collaborator and Fuad lost his most impor tant par tner.

After 1987, during the First Intifada, life and work had to be adjusted to dangerous circumstances. This was a time of great anger at the practices of the occupation authorities, but my uncle provided a much-needed voice of reason, self-control, and sanity.

He has always been able to meet challenges with resilience, calmness, intelligence, and humor – the secret to his successes.

The first years after the signing of the Oslo Accords were a time of renewed but short-lived confidence and hope.

My uncle had by then entirely lost his eyesight and the office and its equipment had to be modernized to rise to the challenge. Fuad Shehadeh has endured the handicap of his missing eyesight without complaint or self-pity and has arranged his life and practice so that he may continue his activities and serve his clients to the best of his ability. He says, “The practice of the legal profession now flows in my blood. … I come to our office every day to ensure that the work of our entire team remains at the highest standards.”

Sixty-six years in office and one of the top lawyers in Palestine, Shehadeh has earned the honor of being listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-practicing lawyer in the world.

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PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH

Elizabeth Kassis Sabag “I am proud to be able to make a contribution to Palestine!”

Written by Valentina Giacaman Hazboun

character, and future specialists must be taught both, how to treat and tame the horses and how to administer therapy for children, and possibly adults, who have been traumatized.

Once this has been accomplished, classes will be ready to begin.

want to contribute out of grief, but out of optimism and happiness,” says Kassis.

Kassis, based in Santiago, is a passionate horse fan and at present runs her family’s haras (farms), the Saint Ana Haras, that breed Arabian, Chilean and Friesian horses. “Raising these animals is a process that is similar to painting a picture,” she says. “Only when the foals are born, you fully see

“This project can become the project of my life in Palestine”, says Kassis.

the final product.” Her passion led her to co-produce Artax, a family movie about the relationship between a child with Asperger’s syndrome and its animal friends. The movie is made in Chile and Disney has expressed its interest to distribute it across Latin America.

Having hosted the TV show “Caballos” (horses) on the La Red TV channel for one year, Kassis is now recording “Caballos, Vinos y Destilados” (Horses, Wines, and Spirits) for Discovery Latinoamérica, in which horses serve as the vehicle by which culinary customs, spirits, wines, and local culture of different countries are presented.

Twenty years ago, Elizabeth Kassis visited Palestine and was deeply touched, “To be here, to smell and feel literally means to understand that this is my origin,” she said and promised to come back. The Chilean descendent of Palestinians who originally came from Bethlehem, an entrepreneur in the Latin American world of horse breeding, has kept her promise and is about to initiate a project that aims to offer hippotherapy in Palestine. Hippotherapy is a form of rehabilitation used in trauma therapy, a comprehensive method that utilizes interaction with horses.

“There are many areas of need in Palestine, especially in healthcare, but I don’t 72

It has been introduced to Palestinian institutions and even at the World Health Organization. In September 2016, Elizabeth visited Palestine together with a group of other Chileans descendants of Palestinians. Thanks to BOP, Elizabeth was able to present the idea to universities and different institutions in Palestine and to visit horse centers in Jericho and Turmus Ayya. Kassis is confident that the idea will materialize. She explains, “This visit will allow us to do the comprehensive research that is necessary in order to enable us to formally start the project.

For us, as young people, our job is to invite people to join in new enterprises.

Palestine is a fertile ground where any seed can grow.”

Kassis was pleasantly surprised by the call of Bank of Palestine (BOP) to jointly develop a project in Palestine, and she feels honored to be able to make it happen. This project includes the introduction of the specialization as a university degree, as it is intended to be comprehensive and sustainable for the long term. Initial steps require the search for the appropriate horses, taking into account their pedigree and

Distance is not a problem for Kassis.

“Previously, people used to establish themselves in a country and never go out. Today, most projects can be managed online.” Elizabeth plans to come back next year, this time with her twin sons, to spend a month working on the project.

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BOOK OF THE MONTH

Being Palestinian: Personal Reflections on Palestinian Identity in the Diaspora Edited by Yasir Suleiman Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, 2016 370 pages, $30.00 Reviewed by Ravenel Godbold, The American Colony Bookshop, Jerusalem

their families originated; others left and have not yet returned.

Each author discusses the struggle of reconciling their Palestinian identity with their “new” identity maintaining a sense of Palestine within their new lives in Canada, the United States, Britain, or Scotland.

The reconciliation of these identities is not simply a balance of language or cuisine, customs or tradition, it is never fully assimilating to the host country or being fully Palestinian, resulting in constantly feeling outof-place. In response to what we may call the “identity crisis” facing diaspora Palestinians, one author remarked that she hoped to be reincarnated as an Icelandic ornithologist because “who hates Icelanders and doesn’t love birds?”

Even though technically a citizen or resident of another country, Palestinians continuously fight the stereotypes that have become so prevalent in mainstream media.

Being Palestinian, edited by Yasir Suleiman, a fellow of King’s College, Cambridge, is a compilation of 102 essays addressing the challenges of Palestinian identity while living as part of the diaspora in North America and the United Kingdom. Authors include musicians and diplomats, academics and physicians, Muslims and Christians, young and old, those born in Palestine and abroad.

Some of the authors have been able to visit the towns and villages where

multitude of backgrounds – those who were born in Palestine describe very different experiences than those born abroad into Palestinian families – they all feel a connection to a common identity: regardless of nationality or location of birth, each author identifies as Palestinian. Yet again, identity is neither simply a set fact nor a learned behavior, but a combination of circumstances and experiences.

Bir thplace, mother tongue, or religious background does not make a person a more or less authentic Palestinian, and the authors are prime examples. The differences in their personal histories reflect the diversity of Palestinian identity.

Many of the authors describe their relationship with Palestine as complicated and ever-evolving, changing as the author transitions from childhood into adulthood. Yet, in spite of, or possibly because of, the associated hardships, each essay expresses pride in the author’s Palestinian identity. Readers will walk away with a better understanding of the fascinating shades of identity issues facing members of the diaspora, as the feeling of not belonging is a universal experience, perhaps an identity in itself.

This collection also examines the fluidity and multifaceted aspect of modern Palestinian identity.

There is simply no one definition of what makes one a Palestinian.

The discussion is open whether this is a challenge to overcome or a beauty to celebrate. Being Palestinian is a combination of experiences, feelings, and heritage.

This book successfully explores the questions of identity, particularly whether identity is set from birth or a learned behavior, and whether identity is a multifaceted concept.

While the authors come from a 74

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EXHIBITION REVIEW

Cities Exhibition 5 Cities Exhibition 5 Gaza – Reconstruction

Gaza - Reconstruction “We shall squeeze you empty, and then we shall fill you with ourselves.” George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four, 1949.

Naomi Klein argues in her book The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism, 2007, that only crisis can produce real change, whereby wars and destruction leave persistently non-capitalist enclaves too helpless to resist impositions that may be introduced by foreign powers. Amidst a post-war population’s disorientation, domestic power struggles, and need for humanitarian aid, economic reconstruction frequently takes the shape of a radical transformation therapy, inflicted and imposed by outside forces. Reconstruction, Klein suggests, is frequently considered as the unique opportunity for the induction of possibly unpopular political and economic policies that seem to promise the exit from the tragedy of destruction and conflict into a modern capitalistic society characterized by free-market policies. With mass privatization and free trade, to the benefit of big corporations, a large segment of

society is transformed into luxurious, consumerist communities, yet leaving the rest of the population in decaying conditions.

The fifth edition of Cities Exhibition (CE), curated by Yazid Anani, is an inquiry into the recurrent destruction and reconstruction of Gaza as a systematic attempt to modify a society and subjugate its local modes of resistance.

Gaza – Reconstruction, questions whether the inevitable, internationallyimplemented response of economic re-construction complements the perpetual Israeli military destruction of Gaza, in its course removing what is left of Gaza’s social sphere and resilient communities, only to replace them with a neo-corporate Gaza.

The exhibits correspond to an array of inquiries, namely: How can an inaccessible place be investigated?

How can we read the mass-produced images of Gaza and the bulk of material

published after each Israeli assault? Are we confined to the implementation of fixed solutions, proposed in authoritarian fashion, for the reconstruction of Gaza? How can we escape framing and stereotyping, conundrums that Palestinian researchers face even when probing accessible locations in Palestine, e.g. camps, villages, Hebron, or Nablus?

investigates regions that lie outside Gaza’s confinement, covering Palestine 1948, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.

This year’s edition falls into four chapters: Chapter I – Research from Afar is a student-based research undertaken in specialized, experimental classes at both the International Academy of Art, Palestine (IAAP) and Birzeit University’s Department of Architecture (DA).

A forum for film screenings, talks, and readings – curated by the two collectives Group28 and Ramallah Cinema Club – is programmed for the duration of the exhibition and aims to inspire a continuous conversation about Gaza that involves the audience, artworks, and the forum’s programme.

Chapter II – Extended Geography is a collaborative research by students from IAAP, DA, and Eltiqa Group into a collective work by Mohammad Jabali, Rabia Salfiti, and Rula Khoury. The chapter

Chapter IV – Book of Re-Construction, edited by Tina Sher well. Gaza – Reconstruction presents the research material and works produced in the exhibition in form of a book.

Chapter III – An Eye from Outside is a group exhibition showcasing the works of seven artists and collectives: DAAR & Studioazue, Gazi Barakat, Kahled Jarar, Mohamed Abusal, Nida Sinnokrot, Oraib Toukan, and Wafa Hourani.

Cities Exhibition 5

Gaza - Reconstruction 76

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WHERE TO GO?

Enjoying Aboud Courtesy of VisitPalestine.ps

Barbara (Eid Burbara) on 17 December, and many pilgrims visit the site on this day.

Traditionally, women all over the country prepare a sweet dish called burbara, which is made from wheat seasoned with sugar, cinnamon, fennel and anise.

a torch would be useful to better view the unique rocks. Those inexperienced in cave exploration are advised not to descend too deeply.

The area of Aboud also offers various pleasant and not too demanding hikes

Located just 2 km away from the core of the village is the impressive site of an ancient Roman quarry called al-Maqata.

Rectangular cuts mark the dark rocks

Remains of Byzantine mosaics.

Saint Barbara.

Al-Maqata.

Entrance to Wadi Leimoun.

among neatly kept olive groves. Wadi Leimoun (Valley of Lemons), located between Aboud and Beit Rima, is a perfect get-away for nature lovers. At the entrance of the valley is a small picnic area (tables and benches) where a person can enjoy, especially during the rainy season, the abundance of citrus fruits: lemons, oranges and bitter oranges. Further down the valley can be spotted Aboud’s largest spring, Ain al-Zarka, whose water is gushing throughout the whole year.

of the area. To exploit the stone, Roman stonemasons inserted wooden wedges along shallow cuts into the rocks, then soaked them with water to make the wood expand and eventually fracture the stone. Besides the quarry can be noticed a Roman burial place where the entrances to the tombs are decorated with ornaments showing beautiful carvings of flowers and fruits.

Olive trees with Aboud in in the background.

Even though Aboud is small in size, the village and its surroundings have many fascinating sights to offer that range from its beautiful natural countryside, full of olive and citrus trees to the richness of various important archaeological findings, some of them reflecting local legends and traditions. Located in the highlands of Ramallah and only 25 km away from the Mediterranean Sea, Aboud offers beautiful views of the seashore from the elevated spots of the village.

Among the archaeological findings, ruins of various Byzantine structures can be admired. At least in two places we can see remains of colored mosaic floors from that period: The mosaic in Simon’s Church was found on the site of the modern Roman Catholic Convent, built in 1912/3, the other one is well visible outside of the present structure of the Orthodox Church of St. Mary, also called al-Abudiyah.

At the highest point in the area, west of the village, is located the shrine of Saint Barbara. This small worship place has been built around an ancient cave and just beneath the ruins of what used to be a larger complex with a church and a monastery, dated between the fourth and the sixth centuries. According to Palestinian legend, St. Barbara was born in Aboud and as a young girl persecuted for converting to Christianity.

The cave is believed to be the location of Barbara’s imprisonment before her eventual execution. Both Christian and Muslim villagers venerate the saint.

Palestinians celebrate the feast of Saint

Locals maintain that village was named after the Biblical Prophet Obadiah (in Latin Abdias), name means “worshipper” and who is said to be buried in Sebastya. It is also believed that the ruins of Aboud’s oldest church Messieh, the name of which derives from the Arabic word meaning Christ, mark exactly the spot where Jesus once preached. This belief is plausible because the village lies on the principal Roman road that led via Gophna (Jifna) to Antipatris (Ras el-Ain); therefore, Jesus might likely have used it to travel between the Galilee and Jerusalem.

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To learn even more about Aboud and other interesting destinations, visit our website at www.visitpalestine.ps or contact the Visit Palestine Information Center in Bethlehem via info@visitpalestine.ps or (02) 277-1992.

To the south of the village is located alKalzoun Cave, an interesting geological formation full of stalactites hanging from the cave’s roof like icicles. The cavern is large enough for a person to explore while standing. However, there is not much daylight coming into its interior, so

Article photos courtesy of visitpalestine. ps.

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e

EXHIBITIONS Tuesday 4

Fridays 7, 14, 21, 28

9:00 – 10:00 Bethlehem Old City Tour, free of charge. Starting point at headquarter of Hosh Abu Jarour Tourist Information Center on Star Street, last stop at the Church of the Nativity.

EAST JERUSALEM

Sunday 16

18:00–21:00 Symposium on Shu’fat Embassy.

Shu’fat Youth Social Centre.

EXHIBITIONS Thursday 6

Thursday 20 and Friday 21

11:00–14:00 Opening of The Jerusalem Show VIII: Before and After Origins, presented

by Qalandiya International 2016 (QI). Al Ma’mal Foundation, Old City. For fur ther information on all QI events, please visit www. qalandiyainternational.org.

10:00–15:00 Symposium on SPACE KNOWLEDGE ART (QI). Dar Issaf Al – Nashashibi.

THEATRE Thursday 13

15:00–18:30 Opening of RE/viewing Jerusalem #2: REturn (QI). Al Hoash Palestinian Art Court.

16:00–17:00 Caja (QI). Karm Al Khalili Garden, Zahra Street.

20:00–22:00 Second part of The Jerusalem Show VIII with joint reception (QI). Al Hoash Gallery Youth Social Centre.

TOURS Sunday 16, Saturdays 22, 29 16:00–18:00 Guided tour of RE/viewing Jerusalem #2: Return (QI). Al-Hoash Gallery.

Saturday 22

19:00–21:00 Closing of Jerusalem Show VIII: Before and After Origins (QI). Al Ma’mal Foundation for Contemporary Art.

BETHLEHEM CONCERTS Sunday 9

Thursday 27

18:00–20:00 Opening of Open Gallery #4: Fear (QI). Al Hoash.

18:00 Melodies from Heaven organized by the Latin Patriarchate Schools and Diyar, featuring songs and religious hymns by the great Wadi Al-Safi. Dar Annadwa.

FILM SCREENINGS Friday 14

Thursday 20

19:30–21:30 Squat-Anti-Squat by Wendelien van Oldenborgh, presented by Al Ma’mal Foundation for Contemporar y Ar t in collaboration with Palestinian Child Center.

Palestinian Child Center, Shu’fat Refugee Camp.

19:00 Concert for Peace by The Swiss Trio!, featuring compositions by Mozart, Haydn, Schuber t, and Paganini as well as Swiss Folklore, organized by Diyar. Dar Annadwa.

EXHIBTIONS Saturday 15

Tuesday 18

20:00–22:30 A Magical Substance Flows into Me (QI). Al-Hakawati Theatre.

19:00–21:00 Dangerous Border Crossings series (QI). Al Hakawati Theatre.

17:00–18:00 Opening of the exhibition Humans from Palestine: The Karimeh Abbud Award exhibition by Smith Courtyard (QI). Visual and Performing Arts Building, Dar Al-Kalima University College of Arts and Culture.

LECTURES Wednesday 19

SPECIAL EVENTS Saturday 1

19:00–21:00 Talk of Poetics and Power: In Translation (QI). Palestinian Child Centre.

17:30 Official opening of the Bethlehem District Diaspora Convention. Under the patronage of HE President Mahmoud Abbas, the Bethlehem Municipality organizes the convention in cooperation with the municipalities of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour and welcomes the participation of circa 85 diaspora members from Latin America and the USA. Convention Palace.

Tuesday 25

SYMPOSIA Friday 14 13:30 – 18:00 Qalandiya Encounters: Day 3 (QI). Palestinian Child Center and Shu’fat Girls School.

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19:00 Crop Marks is a solo exhibition by Palestinian artist Sharif Waked. Open daily except Fridays until November 20. Gallery One. Friday 7

SYMPOSIA Saturday 15

14:00–15:00 Opening of Tilted (QI). Ramallah Recreational Complex.

18:00-20:30 Qalandiya Encounters: Day 4.

Campus in Camps, Al Finiq Garden, Dheisheh Refugee Camp.

Saturday 8

17:00 Opening of the exhibition featuring the finalists in the Young Artist of the Year Award 2016, showcasing the works of 9 Palestinian artists, presented by the Culture and Arts Programme of A.M. Qattan Foundation in accordance with the theme of QI. Beit Assa’, Ramallah old town.

THEATRE Thursday 13 12:00 Womb is a play that presents two important stages in the lives of two families dealing with reproductive difficulties that affect their married lives and psychological states.

Al-Harah Theater Studio, Beit Jala.

17:00–19:00 Opening of Pattern Recognition, presented in connection with YAYA 2016 and QI. Beit Saa, behind Ramallah Museum.

Friday 21

Diyar Academy’s Theatre and Dance Week for children and youth showcases Palestinian art productions through media that include theatre and dance performances. Dar Annadwa.

19:00–21:00 Opening of O Whale, Don’t Swallow Our Moon (QI). Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center.

Monday 10

Thursday 27

15:30–17:30 Opening of Sites of Return (QI).

Hosh Qandah.

16:00 Beautiful Smile is an entertainment show presented by Al-Harah Theatre that combines actors and giant puppets. Al-Khader International Stadium, Al-Khader village.

FILM SCREENINGS Wednesday 12 19:00–21:00 Perpetual Recurrences and Brief Flashes Against a World. Beit Saa, behind Ramallah Museum.

RAMALLAH and EL-BIREH BOOK LAUNCHES Tuesday 11

Saturday 15 – Friday 21

Days of Cinema is an annual event, presented in its third edition by FilmLab, that promotes local and international films at various venues in different Palestinian cities. The first edition of The Sunbird Competition for documentaries and short narratives will be announced. For further information, please visit www.flp.ps.

19:00–21:00 Specimen: A Voice for a Multifaceted World (magazine), presented

by Qalandiya International 2016 (QI). Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center.

Thursday 27

16:00–18:00 Reclaiming Space (QI). RIWAQ Center for Architectural Conservation.

Thursday 27

CHILDREN’S EVENTS Thursday 20

19:00–21:00 Dangerous Border Crossings series (QI). International Academy of Ar t Palestine.

16:00 Origami offers children the making of art objects from recycled papers, activity presented by the French Institute. FrenchGerman Cultural Center.

Monday 31

19:00–21:00 Recollection (QI). Ramallah Cultural Palace.

Thursday 27

LECTURES Wednesday 12

16:00 L’heure du conte presents Madame Hind telling stories for children in French and Arabic.

French-German Cultural Center.

12:00–18:00 Round table discussion titled Under the Tree: Taxonomy, Empire and Reclaiming the Commons; with the participation of Anika Barkan, Saad Dagher, Munir Fakher-Eldin, Marcell Mars, Vivien 81

Sansour, Shela Sheikh, Nida Sinnokrot, Beth Stryker, Omar Imseeh Tesdell. Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center.

THEATRE Monday 17 17:00–19:00 Potato Talks: (Up)rooting Ramallah Edition by Mirna Bamieh (QI). AlManara city centre.

Sunday 30

1 7 : 3 0 – 2 0 : 0 0 Pa n e l d i s c u s s i o n a n d performance of Return to the Commons (QI).

Ottoman Court’s Outdoor Theatre.

Sunday 23

17:00–19:00 Potato Talks: (Up)rooting Ramallah Edition by Mirna Bamieh (QI). Hosh Qandah, Old City.

SPECIAL EVENTS Tuesday 4

TOURS Tuesday 11

11:00–12:30 Qalandiya International Official Press Conference. Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center.

09:00–17:00 Exhibitions in Al-Sarab area, using jahafil (spor ts utility vehicles) (QI).

Meeting point at RIWAQ.

13:00–15:00 QI Press tour to exhibition spaces. Meeting point at Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center.

Wednesday 12

Tuesday 4-Wednesday 5

09:00–16:00 Official guided tour to QI exhibitions in Ramallah. Meeting point at Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center.

10:00-16:00 Urban Street Ar t Workshop with the German street artist Jim Avignon, a guest of the Goethe Institute. French-German Cultural Center.

Monday 10

19:00 Winners of YAYA 2016 will be announced by the Culture and Arts Programme of the A.M. Qattan Foundation as nine finalists are competing for the title Young Artist of the Year 2016 and prizes will be given to the first three winners. A.M. Qattan Foundation.

14:00–16:00 Eyes on Gaza series: Infiltrators (QI). Main Gallery, Birzeit University Museum.

14:00 Sameh is a play that tells the story of a young Palestinian who is born into a patriarchal family, tackling the theme of oppression. Yes Theatre.

LECTURES Monday 17

Monday 24

NABLUS

14:00-16:00 Talk on Tabula Rasa #2: For The Lack Of Anything Else? (QI). Main Gallery, Birzeit University Museum.

THEATRE Wednesday 12

Saturday 29

SYMPOSIA Tuesday 18

Wednesday 19

15:00–17:00 Symposium on The Theme of the Sea in Palestinian Art and Culture (QI). The Palestinian Museum.

9:00–14:00 This Sea is Mine, an educational program for school children presented

by Qalandiya International 2016 (QI). The Palestinian Museum.

14:00 Think with us is play by about a family impacted by the martyrdom of their teenage son who used to par ticipate regularly in clashes, tackling the theme of recovery from emotional and practical difficulties. Yes Theatre.

14:00–16:00 Talk on Tabula Rasa #1: How Much Does Gaza Weigh? (QI). Main Gallery, Birzeit University Museum.

14:00–19:00 Seaview (QI). Meeting Point at RIWAQ.

CHILDREN’S EVENTS Tuesday 11

Saturdays 15 and 29

10:00–12:00 Presentation on Tawfiq Canaan Amulets Collection (QI). Main Gallery, Birzeit University Museum.

Sunday 16

BIRZEIT

10:00–18:00 Opening of Science Days Palestine and Science Film Festival 2016, aimed to engage children and families with activities, experiments, and films related to the science of materials, presented by A.M. Qattan Foundation, Al-Nayzak Foundation, French Institute, Goethe Institute, and the Ramallah Municipality. Ottoman Court.

Monday 3 – Wednesday 13

14:00–16:00 Talk of Tabula Rasa #3: Somewhere Near the Future. Main Gallery, Birzeit University Museum.

14:00–16:00 Q-Tours (QI). Meeting Point at A.M. Qattan Foundation.

Monday 17

Wednesday 26

12:00 Womb is a play that presents two important stages in the lives of two families dealing with reproductive difficulties that affect their married lives and psychological states.

An-Najah National University.

HAIFA EXHIBITIONS Wednesday 5 19:00–22:00 Opening of The People of the Sea, presented by Qalandiya International. The Arab Culture Association (former City Hall).

Thursday 20

15:00–17:00 Symposium on At the Seams: A Political History of Palestinian Embroidery (QI).

The Palestinian Museum.

GAZA

TOURS Sunday 16, Wednesday 19. Sunday 23

EXHIBITIONS Wednesday 5

15:30–17:30 Tour of The Palestinian Museum’s new building (QI). The Palestinian Museum.

19:00–22:00 Opening of This Sea is Mine, presented by Qalandiya International. The event will start at Eltiqa Group for Contemporary Art and continue at Shababek for Contemporary Art.

EXHIBITIONS Friday 7

HEBRON

SYMPOSIA Sunday 9

16:00–19:00 Opening of A Series of UnCurated Events (QI). Hosh Al-Etem.

CHILDREN’S EVENTS Saturday 1

9:00–17:30 Qalandiya Encounters: Day 1.

Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center.

Monday 10

17:00 Fozi, Mozi Tutti and Mandalina is a performance for children and the entire family.

Palestinian Child Club House.

14:00–15:00 Opening of Cities Exhibition 5: Gaza – Reconstruction. A.M. Qattan Foundation Centre for the Child.

THEATRE Sunday 2 - Wednesday 13

INTERNATIONAL

13:00–15:00 Opening of Cities Exhibition 5: Gaza – Reconstruction (QI). Daraj Gallery, Faculty of Education, Birzeit University.

19:00–20:00 Public Intervention: Memory Matrix by Azra Akšamija (QI).Garden of Nations.

FILMS SCREENINGS Wednesday 19

Thursday 13

9:00–17:30 Qalandiya Encounters: Day 2.

Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center.

14:00–16:00 Eyes on Gaza series: Home (QI).

Main Gallery, Birzeit University Museum

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Monday 10

SPECIAL EVENTS Thursday 6- Wednesday 12

13:00 God is the creator is a play about kids who violate the law and must face the negative judgment of society, tackling the theme of discrimination and negative perceptions. Yes Theatre.

2nd Mediterranean Film Festival of Annaba, Algeria. For more information, please visit www.annabamedfilms.org.

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Palestinian Group for the Revival of Popular Heritage

Jericho Culture & Art Center

Palestinian Heritage Center

Tel: 232 2417, Fax: 232 2604

Telefax: 232 1047

Telefax: 274 7945

Municipality Theatre

Telefax: 274 2381, 274 2642 mahasaca@palestinianheritagecenter.com www.phc.ps

JENIN (04) Cinema Jenin

Russian Center for Science and Culture

EAST JERUSALEM (02)

The Bookshop at the American Colony Hotel

ARTLAB

Tel: 627 9731, Fax: 627 9779 bookshop.americancolony@gmail.com www. americancolony.com

Al-Jawal Theatre Group

The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music

Mob. 0544 343 798, artlabjerusalem@gmail.com Telefax: 628 0655

Al-Ma’mal Foundation for Contemporary Art Tel: 628 3457, Fax: 627 2312 info@almamalfoundation.org www.almamalfoundation.org

Alruwah Theatre

Tel: 626 2626, alruwahtheatre2000@yahoo.com

Tel: 277 7863

Theatre Day Productions

Tel: 275 0091, Fax: 275 0092 sabreen@sabreen.org, www.sabreen.org

Tel: 234 2005, Fax: 234 2004 info@urmawi.org, www.urmawi.org

Wujoud Museum

The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music

Yabous Cultural Center

http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/americahouse2.html

Tel: 626 1045; Fax: 626 1372 yabous@yabous.org, www.yabous.org

Ashtar for Theatre Productions & Training

Telefax: 582 7218 info@ashtar-theatre.org, www.ashtar-theatre.org

BETHLEHEM (02)

British Council

Tel: 626 7111, Fax: 628 3021 information@ps.britishcouncil.org www.britishcouncil.org/ps

Al-Harah Theatre

Centre for Jerusalem Studies/Al-Quds University

Alliance Française de Bethléem

Telefax: 276 7758, alharahtheater@yahoo.com info@alharah.org, www.alharah.org

Tel: 628 7517, cjs@planet.edu www.jerusalem-studies.alquds.edu

Telefax: 275 0777, afbeth@p-ol.com

Anat Palestinian Folk & Craft Center

Community Action Centre (CAC)

Telefax: 277 2024, marie_musslam@yahoo.com

Tel: 627 3352, Fax: 627 4547, www.cac.alquds.edu

Arab Educational Institute (AEI)-Open Windows

Educational Bookshop

Tel: 274 4030, www.aeicenter.org

Tel: 627 5858, Fax: 628 0814 info@educationalbookshop.com www.educationalbookshop.com

Artas Folklore Center

Mob: 0597 524 524, 0599 679 492, 0503 313 136 artasfc@hotmail.com

El-Hakawati Theatre Company

Tel: 583 8836, Mobile: 0545 835 268 f.abousalem@gmail.com, www.el-hakawati.org

Badil Centre

French Cultural Centre

Beit Jala Community-Based Learning and Action Center

Tel: 277 7086

Tel: 628 2451 / 626 2236, Fax: 628 4324 ccfjeru@consulfrance-jerusalem.org

Tel: 277 7863

Issaf Nashashibi Center for Culture & Literature Telefax: 581 8232, isaaf@alqudsnet.com

Jerusalem Centre for Arabic Music Magnificat Insitute

TeleFax: 628 1377, Melia@bezeqint.net www.meliaartandtrainingcenter.com Telefax: 627 3501 info@alhoashgallery.org, www.alhoashgallary.org

Tel. 237 2863, Fax. 237 8275 arafatn24@yahoo.com

Telefax: 275 2492, highiom@hotmail.com www.thehigherinstituteofmusic.ps

French Cultural Centre

Turathuna - Centre for Palestinian Heritage (B.Uni.)

Tel: 238 5914, Fax: 238 7593 ccfnaplouse@consulfrance-jerusalem.org

Tel: 274 1241, Fax: 274 4440 pdaoud@bethlehem.edu, www.bethlehem.edu

Nablus The Culture

Tel: 233 2084, Fax: 234 5325 info@nablusculture.ps, www.nablusculture.ps

HEBRON (02)

RAMALLAH AND AL-BIREH (02)

Al Sanabl Centre for Studies and Heritage Tel: 256 0280, sanabelssc@yahoo.com www.sanabl.org, www.sanabl.ps

A. M. Qattan Foundation

Beit Et Tifl Compound

Telefax: 222 4545, tdphebron@alqudsnet.com

Tel: 296 0544, Fax: 298 4886 info@qattanfoundation.org www.qattanfoundation.org

British Council- Palestine Polytechnic University

Al Kasaba Theatre and Cinematheque

Telefax: 229 3717, information@ps.britishcouncil.org www.britsishcouncil.org.ps

Tel: 296 5292/3, Fax: 296 5294 info@alkasaba.org, www.alkasaba.org

Children Happiness Center

Al-Kamandjâti Association

Telefax: 229 9545, children_hc@yahoo.com

Tel: 297 3101 info@alkamandjati.com, www.alkamandjati.com

Tel: 228 3663, nader@duramun.org www.duramun.org

Al-Mada Music Therapy Center

Dura Cultural Martyrs Center

Tel: 241 3196, Fax: 241 3197 info@al-mada.ps, www.al-mada.ps Telefax: 298 8091, alrahhalah@hotmail.com Tel: 296 1613, Fax: 197 1265, Mob: 0599 259 874 akel.nichola@gmail.com

Tel: 222 4811 info@hebron-france.org, wwww.hebron-france.org

Amideast

Tel: 240 8023, Fax: 240 8017 westbank-gaza@amideast.org, www.amideast.org

Tel: 274 3277, Fax 274 2939 info@ca-b.org, www.ca-b.org

Hebron Rehabilitation Committee

Centre for Cultural Heritage Preservation

Palestinian Child Arts Center (PCAC)

ArtSchool Palestine

Environmental Education Center

The International Palestinian Youth League (IPYL)

Ashtar for Theatre Production

Yes Theater

Baladna Cultural Center

Tel: 532 1393, sabreen@sabreen.org

International Centre of Bethlehem-Dar Annadwa

Tel: 671 4338, Fax: 673 0993 sanabeltheatre@yahoo.com

ITIP Center “Italian Tourist Information Point”

Tel: 277 0047, Fax: 277 0048 info@diyar.ps, www.diyar.ps

Sanabel Culture & Arts Theatre

Cultural Heritage Enrichment Center

The Higher Institute of Music

Al-Rua’a Publishing House

Telefax: 276 6263, www.inadtheater.com

Sabreen Association for Artistic Development

Tel: 238 6290, Fax: 239 7518 nutaleb@hotmail.com, www.nutaleb.cjb.net

Telefax: 274 8726 info@ncm.birzeit.edu, www.birzeit.edu/music

France-Hebron Association for Cultural Exchanges

Inad Centre for Theatre and Arts

Tel: 628 0957, Fax: 627 6293, info@pnt-pal.org

Cultural Centre for Child Development

Bethlehem Peace Center

Tel: 276 5574, eec@p-ol.com, www.eecp.org

Palestinian National Theatre

Telefax: 237 5950 information@ps.britishcouncil.org www.britishcoumcil.org/ps

Al-Rahhalah Theatre

Tel: 276 6244, Fax: 276 6241 info@cchp.ps, www.cchp.ps

Palestinian Art Court - Al Hoash

British Council- Al Najah University

Tel: 221 3301/2/3/4, Fax: 221 3305 Mob: 0599 097 531

Catholic Action Cultural Center

Melia Art Center

NABLUS (09)

AMIDEAST

Tel: 276 6677, Fax: 276 4670 info@peacenter.org, www.peacenter.org

Tel: 626 6609, Fax: 626 6701 magnificat@custodia.org www.magnificatinstitute.org

Tel: 250 3345, info@thefreedomtheatre.org

Bethlehem Academy of Music/ Bethlehem Music Society Tel: 277 7141, Fax: 277 7142

Tel: 627 4774, Fax: 656 2469, mkurd@yahoo.com

The Freedom Theatre/Jenin Refugee Camp

Tent of Nations

Tel: 274 3071, Fax: 276 7446 tnations@p-ol.com, www.tentofnations.org

Tel: 626 0916, www.wujoud.org, info@wujoud.org

America House

Telfax: 250 4773 center@hakoura-jenin.ps, www.hakoura-jenin.ps

Sabreen Association for Artistic Development

Turkish Cultural Centre

Tel: 591 0530/1, Fax: 532 3310 kudustur@netvision.net.il, www.kudusbk.com

Al-Urmawi Centre for Mashreq Music

Hakoura Center

Relief International - Schools Online Bethlehem Community-Based Learning and Action Center

Tel: 627 1711, Fax: 627 1710 info@ncm.birzeit.edu, ncm.birzeit.edu

Tel: 585 4513, Fax: 583 4233 tdp@theatreday.org, www.theatreday.org

Tel: 250 2642, 250 2455 info@cinemajenin.org, www.cinemajenin.org

Telefax: 276 1131, Tel: 276 1130 russian.center@ymail.com, pse.rs.gov.ru/ar www.facebook.com/russian.center.bethlehem

Telefax: 276 0411, itipcenter@yahoo.com

Nativity Stationery Library

Telfax: 225 5640, 222 6993/4

Tel: 295 9837, info@artschoolpalestine.com www.artschoolpalestine.com

Tel: 222 4813, Fax: 222 0855 pcac@hotmail.com, www.pcac.net

Tel: 298 0037, Fax: 296 0326 info@ashtar-theatre.org, www.ashtar-theatre.org

Tel:222 9131, Fax: 229 0652 itv@ipyl.org, www.ipyl.org

Telfax: 295 8435

Telefax: 229 1559, www.yestheatre.org, info@yestheatre.org

Birzeit Ethnographic and Art Museum

Tel. 298 2976, www.virtualgallery.birzeit.edu

JERICHO (02)

British Council

Tel: 296 3293-6, Fax: 296 3297 information@ps.britishcouncil.org www.britishcouncil.org/ps

Jericho Community Centre Telefax: 232 5007

Mob: 0598 950 447

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Carmel Cultural Foundation

Sharek Youth Forum

Tel: 298 7375, Fax: 298 7374

Tel: 296 7741, Fax: 296 7742 info@sharek.ps, www.sharek.ps

Dar Zahran Heritage Building

Shashat

Telfax: 296 3470, Mob: 0599 511 800 info@darzahran.org, www.darzahran.org

Tel: 297 3336, Fax: 297 3338 info@shashat.org, www.shashat.org

El-Funoun Dance Troupe

Tamer Institute for Community Education

Tel: 240 2853, Fax: 240 2851 info@el-funoun.org, www.el-funoun.org

Tel: 298 6121/ 2, Fax: 298 8160 tamer@palnet.com, www.tamerinst.org

Franco-German Cultural Centre Ramallah

Tel: 298 1922 / 7727, Fax: 298 1923 info@ccf-goethe.org, www.ccf-goethe-ramallah.org

The Danish House in Palestine (DHIP)

Gallery One

The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music

TeleFax: 298 8457, info@dhip.ps, www.dhip.ps

Tel: 298 9181, info@galleryone.ps

Tel: 295 9070, Fax: 295 9071 info@ncm.birzeit.edu, www.birzeit.edu/music

Greek Cultural Centre - “Macedonia” Telefax: 298 1736/ 298 0546 makdonia@palnet.com

The Palestinian Circus School

Tel: 281 2000, 0568 880 024 www.palcircus.ps, info@ palcircus.ps

In’ash Al-Usra Society- Center for Heritage & Folklore Studies

The Palestinian Network of Art Centres

Tel: 240 1123 / 240 2876, Telefax: 240 1544 usra@palnet.com, www.inash.org

Tel: 298 0036, 296 4348/9, Fax: 296 0326 iman_aoun@yahoo.com

International Academy of Arts

The Spanish Cultural Center

Tel: 296 7601, info@artacademy.ps

Tel. 296 9600, Mob: 0595 803 508 centrohispanopalestino@gmail.com

Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center

Tel: 298 7374, Fax: 296 6820 sakakini@sakakini.org, www.sakakini.org

Young Artist Forum

Telefax: 296 7654, yaf@palnet.com

Mahmoud Darwish Foundation and Museum

Zawyeh Art Gallery

Tel: 295 2808, Fax: 295 2809 Info@darwishfoundation.org www.darwishfoundation.org

Mob. 0597 994 997 anani.ziad@gmail.com, www.zawyeh.net

Manar Cultural Center

GAZA STRIP (08)

Tel: 295 7937, Fax: 298 7598

Mazra’a Qibliyeh Heritage and Tourism Centre

Al-Qattan Centre for the Child

Telefax: 281 5825, mazraaheritage@yahoo.com www.geocities.com/mazraaheritage/

Tel: 283 9929, Fax: 283 9949 reem@qcc.qattanfoundation.org www.qattanfoundation.org/qcc

Nawa Institute

a EAST JERUSALEM (02)

Tel: 627 7855, Fax: 626 4124 swedishhost@yahoo.com www.geocities.com/swedishhostel

Addar Hotel (30 suites; bf; mr; res)

Notre Dame Guesthouse (142 rooms, Su, bf, mr, cr, res, ter, cf, pf)

Tel: 626 7777, Fax: 627 1319 svnarch@bezeqint.net, www.7arches.com Tel: 626 3111, Fax: 626 0791, www.addar-hotel.com Tel: 628 1111; Fax: 628 7360 admin@jrscazar.com, www.jrscazar.com

St. Andrew’s Scottish Guesthouse “The Scottie” (19 rooms +Self Catering Apartment)

Christmas Hotel

Tel: 628 2588, Fax: 626 4417 christmashotel@bezeqint.net, www.christmas-hotel.com

Tel: 673 2401, Fax: 673 1711 standjer@netvision.net.il, www.scotsguesthouse.com

Commodore Hotel (45 rooms; cf; mr; res)

Tel: 627 1414, Fax: 628 4701 info@commodore-jer.com, www.commodore-jer.com

St George Hotel Jerusalem

Tel: 627 7232 Fax: 627 7233 info@stgeorgehoteljerusalem.com www.stgeorgehoteljerusalem.com

Gloria Hotel (94 rooms; mr; res)

Tel: 628 2431, Fax: 628 2401, gloriahl@netvision.net.il

St. George’s Pilgrim Guest House (25 rooms; bf; res)

Tel: 627 2416, Fax: 626 4658 info@goldenwalls.com, www.goldenwalls.com

Tel: 628 3302, Fax: 628 2253 sghostel@bezeqint.net

Tel: 627 2888, Fax: 628 0265 info@holylandhotel.com, www.holylandhotel.com

St. Thomas Home

Tel: 628 2657, 627 4318, Fax: 626 4684 aset@aset-future.com, www.aset-future.net

Tel: 578 3100, Fax: 578 3129, www.ibis.com

Victoria Hotel (50 rooms; bf; res)

Tel: 627 4466, Fax: 627 4171 Info@4victoria-hotel.com, www.4victoria-hotel.com

French Cultural Centre

Tel: 628 5212, Fax: 628 5214 www.jerusalem-meridian.com

Alexander Hotel (42 rooms; bf; mr; res)

Jerusalem Panorama Hotel (74 rooms; bf; mr; res)

Al-Salam Hotel (26 rooms; 6f; mr; cf; res)

Ramallah Center for Human Rights Studies (RCHRS)

Gaza Theatre

Ramallah Cultural Palace

Telefax: 288 4399, art.global@yahoo.com

Tel: 282 4860, Fax: 282 4870

Global Production and Distribution

Theatre Day Productions

Legacy Hotel

Mob. 0599 781 227 - 0599 415 045 info@artwfg.ps

Angel Hotel Beit Jala

Tel: 276 6880, Fax: 276 6884 info@angelhotel.ps, www.angelhotel.ps

Tel: 628 4410, Fax: 628 4667, info@hashimihotel.com

RIWAQ: Centre for Architectural Conservation

Windows from Gaza For Contemporary Art

Tel: 276 4083/4, Fax: 277 0551, samhotel@p-ol.com

Hashimi Hotel

Knights Palace Guesthouse (50 rooms)

Telefax: 283 6766, tdpgaza@palnet.com

Tel: 277 0780, Fax: 277 0782

Tel: 628 4887, Fax: 627 3699 panorama@alqudsnet.com www.jerusalempanoramahotel.com

Holst Cultural Centre

Tel: 281 0476, Fax: 280 8896, mcrcg@palnet.com

BETHLEHEM (02)

Jerusalem Meridian Hotel (74 rooms; bf; mr; res)

Tel: 294 5555, Fax: 295 2107 rcpevents@ramallah-city.ps

Sareyyet Ramallah - First Ramallah Group (FRG)

Tel: 626 7777, Fax: 627 1319 svnarch@trendline.co.il

Fawanees Theatre Group Tel: 286 7883, Fax: 282 8811 ccfgaza@consulfrance-jerusalem.org

Tel: 296 5638, 295 3206 sandouqelajab@yahoo.com

Seven Arches Hotel (197 rooms; bf; mr; res)

Tel: 628 3282, Fax: 628 3282 raed@jrshotel.com, www.jrshotel.com

Telefax: 288 4403

Sandouq Elajab Theatre

Tel: 628 3366, Fax: 628 8040

Tel: 628 2561/2, Fax: 626 4352

Jerusalem Hotel (14 rooms; bf; mr; res; live music)

Tel: 240 6887, Fax: 240 6986 riwaq@palnet.com, www.riwaq.org

Savoy Hotel (17 rooms)

Capitol Hotel (54 rooms; bf; mr; res)

Dialogpunkt Deutsch Gaza (Goethe-Insitut)

Tel: 241 3002

Tel: 628 4871, Fax: 627 4879

Tel: 628 2447, Fax: 628 3960 azzahrahotel@shabaka.net, www.azzahrahotel.com

Palestinian Association for Cultural Exchange (PACE)

Tel: 240 3891, Fax: 240 2851 info@popularartcentre.org www.popularartcentre.org

Rivoli Hotel

Azzahra Hotel (15 rooms, res)

Telefax: 286 5896, ifarah@palnet.com

Popular Art Center

Tel: 626 9900, Fax: 626 9910 reservations@jerusalemritz.com www.jerusalemritz.com

Tel: 626 5800, Fax: 627 1472 office@austrianhospice.com, www.austrianhospice.com

ibis Styles Jerusalem Sheikh Jarrah (91 rooms)

Tel: 240 7611, Telfax: 240 7610 pace@p-ol.com, www.pace.ps

Ritz Hotel Jerusalem (104 rooms, bf, mr)

Austrian Hospice

Culture & Light Centre

Tel: 282 0203, Fax: 282 1602

Tel: 627 2416, info@goldenwalls.com

Tel: 627 9777, Fax: 627 9779 reserv@amcol.co.il, www.americancolony.com

Tel: 296 7601, fax: 295 1849 paca@pal-paca.org, www.pal-paca.org

Telefax: 283 3565, atlas9@palnet.com

Pilgrims Inn Hotel (16 rooms; bf; mr; res)

American Colony Hotel (84 rooms; bf; cf; mr; res)

Holy Land Hotel (105 rooms; bf; cf; mr; res)

Palestinian Association for Contemporary Art PACA

Tel: 628 6618

Tel: 541 2222, Fax: 582 8202 reservation@jerusalemambassador.com www.jerusalemambassador.com

Ashtar for Culture & Arts

Mob: 0597 651 408, www.palestineworkshop.com

Petra Hostel and Hotel

Ambassador Hotel (122 rooms; bf; cf; mr; res)

Golden Walls Hotel (112 rooms)

Telefax: 284 6405 artvlg@palnet.com, www.gazavillage.org

Palestine Writing Workshop

Tel: 627 9111, Fax: 627 1995 info@notredamecenter.org www.notredamecenter.org

Alcazar Hotel (38 rooms; bf; mr; res)

Arts & Crafts Village

Tel: 297 0190, info@nawainstitute.org

New Swedish Hostel

7 Arches Hotel

Ararat Hotel (101 rooms, mr, ter, cf)

Tel: 274 9888, Fax: 276 9887 info@ararat-hotel.com, www.ararat–hotel.com

Tel: 628 2537, Fax: 628 2401, kp@actcom.co.il

Beit Al-Baraka Youth Hostel (19 rooms)

Tel: 627 0800, Fax: 627 7739 info@jerusalemlegacy.com, www.jerusalemlegacy.com

Tel: 222 9288, Fax: 222 9288

Bethlehem Bible College Guest House (11 rooms; mr; pf)

Metropol Hotel

Tel: 628 2507, Fax: 628 5134

Mount of Olives Hotel (61 rooms; bf; mr; res)

Tel: 274 1190, guesthouse@bethbc.org

National Hotel (99 rooms; bf; cr; res; cf)

Tel: 274 2613, Fax: 274 4250 reception@luthchurch.com www.abrahams-herberge.com

Beit Ibrahim Guesthouse

Tel: 628 4877, Fax: 626 4427 info@mtolives.coml, www.mtolives.com

Tel: 295 2690 - 295 2706, Fax: 298 0583 sareyyet@sareyyet.ps, www.sareyyet.ps

Tel: 627 8880, Fax: 627 7007 www.nationalhotel-jerusalem.com

Bethlehem Hotel (209 rooms; bf; cf; mr; res)

New Imperial Hotel (45 rooms)

Tel: 277 0702, Fax: 277 0706, bhotel@p-ol.com

New Metropole Hotel (25 rooms; mr; res)

Tel: 274 2424, Fax: 274 2423

Bethlehem Inn (36 rooms; bf; mr; res)

Tel: 627 2000, Fax: 627 1530 Tel: 628 3846, Fax: 627 7485

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Bethlehem Star Hotel (72 rooms; cf; bf; res)

Reservation@st-gabrielhtel.com www.st-gabrielhotel.com

Tel: 274 3249 - 277 0285, Fax: 274 1494 htstar@palnet.com

Saint Michael Hotel

Casanova Hospice (60 rooms; mr; res)

Tel: 276 9921/2/3, Fax: 277 2244 info@saintmichaelhotel.com www.saintmichaelhotel.com

Tel: 274 3981, Fax: 274 3540

Casanova Palace Hotel (25 rooms; bf; res)

Santa Maria Hotel (83 rooms; mr; res)

Tel: 274 2798, Fax: 274 1562

Dar Sitti Aziza Hotel

Telefax: 274 4848 info@darsittiaziza.com, www.darsittiaziza.com TeleFax: 277 5857, info@elbeit.org, www.elbeit.org

Eman Regency Palace (55 rooms; su (1); cr; res)

Tel: 277 2010, Fax: 274 6808 info@emanregencyhotel.ps, www.emanregencyhotel.ps

Aladdin Hotel (27 rooms bf; mr; ter)

St. Nicholas Hotel (25 rooms; res; mr)

Everest Hotel (19 rooms; bf; mr; res)

Tel: 274 3040/1/2, Fax: 274 3043

Grand Hotel (107 rooms; bf; cf; mr; res)

Tel: 276 0967/8, Fax: 276 0970 svincent@p-ol.com, www.saintvincentguesthouse.net

Saint Vincent Guest House (36 rooms)

Tel: 274 2604, Fax: 274 1278

Tel: 274 1602 - 274 1440, Fax: 274 1604 info@grandhotelbethlehem.com

Talita Kumi Guest House (22 rooms; res; mr; cf) Tel: 274 1247, Fax: 274 1847

Golden Park Resort & Hotel (Beit Sahour) (66 rooms; res, bar, pool)

White Diamond Hotel

Tel: 277 4414

Grand Park Hotel Bethlehem (Has 110 rooms located in 7 floors, main restaurant, dining room, conference room and bar.)

Tel: 277 3432/3, Fax: 274 8650 holyfamilyhotel@hotmail.com www.holyfamilyhotel.com

Holy Land Hotel

Auberg-Inn Bed & Breakfast

House of Hope Guesthouse

Hisham Palace Hotel

House of Peace Hostel

Oasis Jericho Hotel (181 rooms; su; bf; cf; mr; res; ter; tb)

Tel: 0523 500 041, 0522 626 067 info@housepitality.net, www.auberginn.ps

Tel: 277 8962/3, Fax: 277 8961 holylandhotel@hotmail.com, www.holylandhotel.net

Tel: 232 2414, Fax: 232 3109

Tel: 274 2325, Fax: 274 0928 Guesthouse@houseofhopemd.org

Tel: 231 1200, Fax: 231 1222 reservation@oasis-jericho.ps

Tel: 276 4739, www.houseofpeace.hostel.com/

Hosh Al-Syrian Guesthouse

Jericho Resort Village (92 rooms; 46 studios; bf; cf; mr; res)

Tel: 274 7529, reservations@hoshalsyrian.com www.hoshalsyrian.com

Tel: 232 1255, Fax: 232 2189 reservation@jerichoresorts.com www.jerichoresorts.com

Jacir Palace Hotel - Bethlehem (250 rooms; su; bf; cf; mr; res) Tel: 276 6777, Fax: 276 6770

Jerusalem Hotel (22 rooms)

Lutheran Guesthouse “Abu Gubran”

Tel: 232 2444, Fax: 992 3109

Tel: 277 0047, Guesthouse@diyar.ps, www.diyar.ps

Telepherique & Sultan Tourist Center (55 rooms)

Manger Square Hotel (220 Rooms; bf; cf; mr; res; cr)

Tel: 232 1590, Fax: 232 1598 info@jericho-cablecar.com

Tel: 277 8888, Fax: 277 8889 fabudayyeh@mangersquarehotel.com Web: www.mangersquarehotel.com

HEBRON (02)

Nativity BELLS Hotel (95 rooms; bf; cf; mr; res)

Hebron Hotel

Tel: 274 8880, Fax: 274 8870 nativitybells@palnet.com, www.nativitybellshotel.ps

Tel: 225 4240 / 222 9385, Fax: 222 6760 hebron_hotel@hotmail.com

Nativity Hotel (89 rooms; bf; cf; mr; res)

NABLUS (09)

Tel: 277 0650, Fax: 274 4083 nativity@nativity-hotel.com, www.nativity-hotel.com

Al-Qaser Hotel (48 rooms; 7 regular suites, 1 royal suite; bf; cf; mr; res)

Olive Tree Hotel (20 rooms; 6 su; res; sp; bar; wifi-lobby) Tel: 276 4660 Fax: 275 3807 olivetreehotel@yahoo.com Facebook: olive tree tourist village

Telefax: 238 6220

Tel: 0599 713 124 / 0548 866 410 eydam2000@hotmil.com www.booking.com/hotel/ps/assaraya.eg.html

Chrystal Motel (12 rooms)

Telefax: 295 0022, Retno@retnohotel.com www.retnohotel.com

Al-Manara hotel (22 rooms)

Summer Bar (Ankars Garden)

Tel: 296 4040, Fax: 296 4047 info@rcshotel.com, www.rcshotel.com

Tel: 298 8868, 298 8008 almanarahotel@hotmail.com, www.almanarahotel.ps

Tel: 295 2602

Star Mountain Guesthouse (10 rooms; wifi; pf) Tel: 296 2705, Telefax: 296 2715 starmountaincenter@gmail.com

Tel: 242 3019 alzahrasuites@yahoo.com, www.alzahrasuites.ps

Taybeh Golden Hotel

Tel: 289 9440, Fax: 970-2-289-9441 www.taybehgoldenhotel.com

Telefax: 298 0412

Ankars Suites and Hotel (40 Suites & Rooms, su,mr,bf,cr,res,ter,cf,gm,pf)

GAZA STRIP (08)

Tel: 295 2602, Fax: 295 2603, Info@ankars.ps Area: D Hostel (50 beds, 2 private appartments) Mob: 0569 349 042, Info@RamallahHostel.com

Adam Hotel (76 rooms; bf; cf; mr; res)

Area D Hostel

Tel: 283 8100/200/300, Fax: 283 8400 info@aldeira.ps, www.aldeira.ps

Telefax: 282 3521/19, Fax: 282 5580

Al-Deira (22 Suits; cf; mr; res; ter)

Mob: 0569 349 042, ehab@ramallahhostel.com

Al Mashtal Hotel

Beauty Inn

Tel: 283 2500, Fax: 283 2510 mashtal@arcmedhotels.com www.almashtalarcmedhotels.com

Tel: 296 6477, Fax: 296 6479 beauty.inn@hotmail.com, www.beautyinn.ps

Best Eastern Hotel (91 rooms; cf; res)

Almat’haf Hotel

Tel: 296 0450, Fax: 295 8452, besteastern@jrol.com

Tel: 285 8444, Fax: 285 8440 info@almathaf.ps, www.almathaf.ps

Caesar Hotel (46 rooms & su, 2 mr, cr, res, cf)

Tel: 297 9400, Fax: 297 9401 reservation@caesar-hotel.ps, www.caesar-hotel.ps

Al-Quds In­ter­na­tional Hotel (44 rooms; 2 suites; bf; mr; res)

City Inn Palace Hotel (47 rooms; bf; cf; res)

Telefax: 282 5181, 282 6223, 286 3481, 282 2269

Tel: 240 8080, Fax: 240 8091 cityinnpalace@gmail.com, www.cityinnpalace.com

Beach Hotel (25 rooms; bf; mr; res) Telefax: 282 5492, 284 8433

Grand Park Hotel & Resorts (84 rooms; 12 grand suites; bf; cf; mr; res; sp; pf)

Commodore Gaza Hotel (60 rooms;su; bf) Tel: 283 4400, Fax: 282 2623

Tel: 298 6194, Fax: 295 6950, info@grandpark.com

Gaza International Hotel (30 rooms; bf; cf; res)

Gemzo Suites (90 executive suites; cs; mr; pf; gm; res) Tel: 240 9729, Fax: 240 9532 gemzo@palnet.com, www.gemzosuites.net

Tel: 283 0001/2/3/4, Fax: 283 0005

Garden Suites and Restaurant (22 suites (su, res, pf)

Tel: 284 9498/6468, Fax: 284 9497

Grand Palace Hotel (20 rooms; cr; mr; cf; res) Marna House (17 rooms; bf; mr; res)

Tel: 298 8885, Fax: 298 8876, info@gardensuite.net

Lavender Boutique Hotel ( 10 rooms, cf;mr;res)

Tel: 282 2624, Fax: 282 3322

Palestine Hotel (54 rooms; bf; cf; mr; res)

Telefax: 297 7073 reservation@lavenderboutiquehotel.com www.lavenderboutiquehotel.com

Tel: Tel: 282 3355, Fax: 286 0056

JENIN (04)

Manarah Hotel

Cinema Jenin Guesthouse (7 rooms; 2 su)

Tel: 295 2122, Telefax: 295 3274 manarah@hotmail.com, www.manarahhotel.com.ps

Tel: 250 2455, Mob: 0599 317 968 guesthouse@cinemajenin.org, www.cinemajenin.org

Haddad Hotel & Resort

Tel: 298 7176, Telefax: 298 7074

Tel: 241 7010/1/2, Fax: 241 7013 haddadbooking@ymail.com www.haddadtourismvillage.com

Tel: 298 5888, Fax: 298 533 hotel.ramallah@moevenpick.com hotel.ramallah.reservation@moevenpick.com www.moevenpick-ramallah.com

North Gate Hotel

Tel: 243 5700, Fax: 243 5701 info@northgate-hotel.com, www.northgate-hotel.com

Telefax: 233 3281

International Friends Guesthouse (Hostel) (mr; res; ter; cf; pf)

St. Antonio Hotel (36 rooms; mr; cf;res;pf) Tel: 276 6221, Fax: 276 6220

Telfax: 238 1064 ifriends.house@gmail.com, www.guesthouse.ps

Saint Gabriel Hotel

Tel: 275 9990, Fax: 275 9991

Retno Hotel (33 rooms & su; res; mr; gm; sp) Royal Court Suite Hotel (39 rooms; res; mr; ter; cf; pf; i)

Mövenpick Hotel Ramallah (171 rooms and Su; bf; mr; cr; res;ter; cf; gm; pf; sp)

Asia Hotel (28 rooms, res)

Telefax: 2810881, www.reefhousepension.ps

Tel: 295 6226 - 295 0031, Fax: 295 0032 alhambrapalace1@gmail.com www.alhambra-palace-hotel.com

Al-Yasmeen Hotel & Souq (30 rooms; cf; mr; res)

Assaraya Hotel Apartment

Tel: 274 4542/3 - 274 4544, paradise@p-ol.com

Reef Pension (Jifna village) (8 rooms; res)

Al Hambra Palace (Hotel Suites and Resort)

Merryland Hotel (25 rooms)

Tel: 233 3555 Fax: 233 3666 yasmeen@palnet.com, www.alyasmeen.com

Tel: 295 3544, Fax: 295 5029

Telefax: 298 7858

Tel: 2341 444, Fax: 2341 944 alqaser@alqaserhotel.com, www.alqaserhotel.com

Paradise Hotel (166 rooms;cf;bf;mr;res;su;pf)

Ramallah Hotel (22 rooms; bf; mr; res)

Al-Hajal Hotel (22 rooms; bf)

Al-Wihdah Hotel

Telefax: 274 2016 Deir Hijleh Monastery Tel: 994 3038, 0505 348 892

Telefax: 295 6808

Telefax: 240 0803

Zaituna Tourist Village

Al- Zaytouna Guest House (7 rooms; bf; res; mr)

Pension Miami (12 rooms)

Al-Bireh Tourist Hotel (50 rooms; cf; res)

AlZahra Suites

JERICHO (02)

Holy Family Hotel (90 rooms; bf; cf; mr; res;)

Tel: 294 6888, Fax: 297 3574 reservations@palestineplazahotel.com

Tel: 240 7689, Fax: 240 7687, Mob. 0598 308 382 aladdinhotel1@gmail.com, www.thealaddinhotel.com

Tel: 277 4041/2, Fax: 277 4010 wdh@whitediamond-hotel.com Web site: whitediamond-hotel.com Tel: 275 0655

Tel: 275 6400, Fax: 276 3736 info@grandpark.com, www.grandpark.com

Palestine Plaza Hotel (100 rooms and suites; bf; res; gym; cf)

Al-A’in Hotel (24 rooms and suites; mr; cf)

Shepherd Hotel

Tel: 275 9690, Fax: 275 9693

Tel: 296 4470, Telefax: 296 1871

RAMALLAH and AL-BIREH (02) Tel: 240 5925 - 240 4353, Fax: 240 4332 alainhotel@hotmail.com

Shepherds’ House Hotel (Facilities: Restaurant and Bar, WiFi)

Rocky Hotel (22 rooms; cf; res; ter)

Tel: 237 3338/9, Fax: 237 3340 www.saleemafandihotel.ps

Tel: 276 7374/5/6, Fax: 276 7377, smaria@p-ol.com Tel: 274 0656, Fax: 274 4888 info@shepherdhotel.com, www.shepherdhotel.com

El-Beit Guest House (Beit Sahour) (15 rooms)

Saleem Afandi Hotel

88

Key: su = suites, bf = business facilities; mr = meeting rooms, cr = conference facilities; res = restaurant, ter = terrace bar; tb = turkish bath, cf = coffee shop; gm = gym; pf = parking facilities, sp = swimming pool 89

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King Gaspar Restaurant & Bar (Italian, Asian and Mediterranean Cuisine)

Tel: 276 5301, Fax: 276 5302

Il’iliyeh Restaurant Continental Cuisine Tel: 277 0047

Layal Lounge Snack Bar Tel: 275 0655

La Terrasse Middle Eastern and

EAST JERUSALEM (02) Al-Diwan (Ambassador Hotel)

Middle Eastern, French, and Italian Cuisine

Tel: 541 2213, Fax: 582 8202

Alhambra Palace Jerusalem Restaurant & coffee shop

Lotus and Olive Garden (Jerusalem Meridian Hotel) Middle Eastern and Continental Cuisine

Tel: 628 5212

Nafoura Middle Eastern Menu Tel: 626 0034

Tel: 626 3535, Fax: 6263737 info@alhambrapalacej.com

Nakashian Gallery Café

Al-Manakeesh Pizza & Pastries

La Rotisserie (Notre Dame Hotel) Gourmet Restaurant, European and

Tel: 585 6928

Al-Shuleh Grill Shawerma and

Barbecues

Tel: 627 3768

Amigo Emil Middle Eastern, American, Indian, and Italian Cuisine

Tel: 628 8090, Fax: 626 1457

Antonio’s (Ambassador Hotel)

Middle Eastern, French, and Italian Cuisine

Tel: 541 2213

Arabesque, Poolside, and Patio Restaurants (American Colony Hotel) Western and Middle Eastern Menu Tel: 627 9777, Fax: 627 9779

Armenian Tavern Armenian and Middle Eastern Food

Tel: 627 3854

Askidinya Italian and French Cuisine Tel: 532 4590

Az-Zahra Oriental food and Pizza Tel: 628 2447

Borderline Restaurant Café Italian and Oriental Menu

Tel: 532 8342

Tel: 627 8077

Mediterranean Menu

Tel: 627 9114, Fax: 627 1995

Dina Café Coffee and Pastry Tel: 626 3344

Educational Bookshop Books

and Coffee

Tel: 627 5858

and Barbecues

Tel. 274 1897

Abu Shanab Restaurant Barbecues Tel: 274 2985

Afteem Restaurant Oriental Cuisine Tel: 274 7940

Al-Areesheh Palace (autumn and winter) (Jacir Palace) Middle

Eastern and Barbecues

and Italian Cuisine

Philadelphia Restaurant Tel: 532 2626, Fax: 532 2636

Shalizar Restaurant Middle Eastern, Mexican, and Italian Cuisine

Tel: 582 9061

The Gate Café Fresh Juices, Coffee,

and Tea

Barbara Restaurant

Oriental Cuisine

Tel: 627 4282

Tel: 277 6336, Fax: 277 6337

Four Seasons Restaurants and Coffee Shop Barbecues and Shawerma

Tel: 627 7232, Fax: 627 7233

Ewaan Restaurant (International

Versavee Bistro (Bar and Café)

Tel: 274 3737

Tel: 627 6160

Fawda Cafe

Victoria Restaurant Middle Eastern

Tel: 274 7529

Tel: 585 3223

Kan Zaman (Jerusalem Hotel) Mediterranean Cuisine

Tel: 673 2401, Fax: 673 1711 and European Menu

Oriental and Western Food

Dar al-Balad Continental Cuisine Tel: 274 9073

Divano Café and Restaurant Tel: 275 7276 divanocafe@gmail.com Cuisine)

Hosh Al-Syrian Guesthouse

and Arabic Menu

Grotto Restaurant Barbecues and

Wake up Restaurant

Tel: 274 8844, Fax: 274 8889

Zad Rest. & Café

Tel: 274 3224

Tel: 628 3051, Fax: 627 4171 Tel: 627 8880

Tel: 627 7454, 627 2525

The Tent Restaurant (Shepherds’ Valley Village) Barbecues Tel: 277 3875, Fax: 277 3876

Sima Café

Elite Coffee House Italian and Arabic

Mob: 0599 258 435 Tel: 290 5124

Taboon

Golden Roof Continental Cuisine

Tel: 2951 7031, 296 6505

Akasha Oriental Tel: 295 9333

Escape fresh, healthy food

Allegro Italian Restaurant (Mövenpick Hotel Ramallah) Italian

Express Pizza American Pizza

fine cuisine

Tel: 295 9976, Mob: 0592 333 477 Tel: 296 6566

Fakhr El-Din Lebanese Cuisine

Tel: 298 5888

Tel: 294 6800

Fawanees Pastries and Fast Food Tel: 298 7046

Oriental cuisine

Fatuta Reataurant Barbecues, (Birzeit)

Awjan Seafood, Breakfast, and Pizza, Coffee

Fuego Mexican and Tapas Grill

Mob. 0599 839 043

Shop, Lebanese and Italian Cuisine

Tel: 297 1776

Andre’s Restaurant French and

Tel: 29 59426 - 1700 999 888

Jasmine Café Tel: 295 0121

Angelo’s Western Menu and Pizza

K5M - Caterers Cake and Sweets

Cuisine and Barbecues

Ayysha Restaurant Oriental Cuisine

Khuzama Restaurant Oriental Cuisine

Tachi Chinese Chinese Cuisine

Azure Restaurant and Coffee Shop Continental Cuisine

La Vie Café Cafe, Bistro & Bar

Taboo – Restaurant and Bar

Baladna Ice Cream Ice Cream and

Mob. 0597 492 175

Tel: 296 6477/8

Tel: 297 5444

Tel: 295 6408, 298 1455 Tel: 296 6622

Telefax: 295 7850

Oriental and Continental Cuisine

Soft Drinks

Tel: 274 0711, Mob: 0599 205 158

Telefax: 295 6721

The Square Restaurant and Coffee Shop Mediterranean Cuisine

Bel Mondo Italian Cuisine Tel: 298 6759

Tel: 274 9844

Caesar’s (Grand Park Hotel)

Zaitouneh (Jacir Palace) Continental

Tel: 298 6194

Cuisine

Tel: 276 6777, Fax: 276 6154

Continental Cuisine

Tel: 298 0880

JERICHO (02)

Casper & Gambini’s Palestine

Al-Nafoura Restaurant (Jericho Resort Village) Arabic Cuisine and

Castana Café

Barbecues

Tel: 298 8262

Tel: 296 4115

La Vista Café and Restaurant Oriental and Western Cuisine

Tel: 296 3271

LEMON Palestine Tel: 296 6933

Level 5 Fusion European Tel: 298 8686 Cuisine

Tel: 297 2125

Mac Simon Pizza and Fast Food Tel: 297 2088 Tel: 297 9400

Castello Restaurant & Café

Al-Rawda Barbecues

Tel: 297 3844/55

Green Valley Park Oriental Cuisine

Tel: 298 8289

Martini Bar (Caesar Hotel)

Tel: 297 1114

Tel: 232 1255, Fax: 232 2189 Telefax: 232 2555

Tel: 295 6813

Cann Espresso Arabic and Italian

Café De La Paix French Cuisine

Oriental

Chinese House Restaurant Chinese Cuisine

Mr. Donuts Café Donuts and Coffee Shop

Tel: 240 7196

Mr. Fish Seafood Tel: 295 9555

Mr. Pizza Pizza and Fast Food

Tel: 296 4081

Tel: 240 3016, 240 8182

Tel: 232 2349

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European Coffee Shop Coffee

and Sweets

Janan’s Kitchen

and Barbecues

Tel: 627 1356

Tel: 296 5169

Italian Cuisine

Tel: 275 2058

Tel: 274 4382

Turquoise Lebanese Restaurant

Goodies Fast Food

Al-Riwaq Restaurant and Coffee Shop snacks and cakes (Jacir Palace – InterContinental Bethlehem) Coffee Shop and Sandwiches

Tel: 274 0406

Tel: 627 4626

Tel: 581 6463

Tel: 274 9990. Mob. 0598 154 800

Bonjour Restaurant and Café

Tel: 628 2588, 626 4418

Garden’s Restaurant

Seafood, Steaks & Middle Eastern

Tel: 274 3780, Fax: 274 1833 st.george_restaurant@yahoo.com

Sarwa International Cuisine with

Tel: 540 9974

Cuisine

St. George Restaurant Oriental

Christmas Bells Restaurants

Dream Restaurant and Pools (Jifna)

Al Falaha Msakhan and Taboun

Beit Sahour Citadel Mediterranean

Coffee Shop and Continental Cuisine

Tel: 296 4046

Tel: 749 888, Fax: 276 9887

Snack Food

Singer Café

Tel: 277 7771

International Cuisine

Cuisine

Tel: 274 0130 barbra.rest1@hotmail.com Cuisine

Vintage (Royal Court)

Andareen Pub

Tel: 298 5888

Rossini’s Restaurant Bar French

Cuisine

Noah’s Snack/ Ararat Hotel

Tel: 274 9110

Tel: 0598 333 665

Tel: 275 0221, Fax: 277 7115

Tel: 295 0590/1

Tel: 201 1548, Mob. 0599 765 628 dream.jifna@gmail.com

Tel: 296 5911

Roots Lounge (Beit Sahour)

Balloons Coffee Shop and Pizza

Darna Continental Cuisine

911 Café Mexican, Italian, Oriental

Al-Sammak Sea Food Restaurant

Tel: 583 5460

Mob. 0599 318 191, 0597 767 832

Massina (Breakfast)

Tel: 276 6777, Fax: 276 6754

Cuisine

Mediterranean, Italian cuisine

RAMALLAH AND AL-BIREH (02)

Tel: 276 6777, Fax: 276 6770

RIO Grill and Subs Italian and French

Dar 53 Bar and Restaurant

Tel: 274 1440, 274 1602/3 Fax: 274 1604

Snack Bar

The Patio (Christmas Hotel) Oriental

Gallery Café Snacks and Beverages

Continental Cuisine and Pastries

Pizza House Pizza and Oriental Pastry

Tel: 277 0376, 2743530 Fax: 277 0377

Tel: 297 4655

Tel: 296 6483

Tel: 238 4180

Al Makan Bar (Jacir Palace)

Tel: 628 4228

Dauod Basha

Diwan Art Coffee Shop Continental

Tel: 627 7799

Quick Lunch

Mob: 0597 348 335

Qasr al-Jabi restaurant

Al- Riwaq All-day-dining restaurant (Mövenpick Hotel Ramallah) International, Swiss and

Tel: 627 3970, 628 8135

Clara restaurant and pub

Tel: 237 1332

Tel: 276 6777, Fax: 276 6154

Tel: 626 0993

Tel: 628 6061, Fax: 628 6097

Salim Afandi Barbecues and Oriental

Cuisine

Petra Restaurant Oriental Cuisine

The Scots Bistro Coffee and Pastry

Mediterranean Flavour

Mexican Cuisine

Al-Areesheh Tent (spring and summer) (Jacir Palace) Middle Eastern and Barbecues

NABLUS (09)

Tel: 238 3164, Fax: 233 3666

Patisserie Suisse Fast Food and Tel: 628 4377

Tel: 231 2977, Fax: 231 2976

Mariachi (Grand Hotel) Seafood and

Peace Restaurant & Bar Pasta,

Breakfast

Limoneh Continental Cuisine

Zeit Ou Zaater (Al-Yasmeen Hotel)

Tel: 277 3335

and Fast Food

Tel: 232 2614, Fax: 232 2659

Tel: 275 5161

Tel: 582 5162, 532 8342

Pasha’s Oriental Food

El Dorada Coffee Shop and Internet Café Chocolates, Coffee, and Internet

Little Italy

Telefax: 275 6622

Cardo Restaurant Continental Cuisine Tel: 626 3465, Fax: 626 3471

Abu Eli Restaurant Middle Eastern

Tel: 275 8844, Fax: 275 8833

Al-Hakura Restaurant Middle Eastern

Tel: 628 4433, Fax: 627 5224

Mediterranean Menu

Chinese Restaurant Chinese Cuisine

Tel: 277 8779 restaurant.1890@gmail.com

Limoncello (Beit Jala)

Palmeras Gastropub Continental

Tel: 628 2964

Tel: 627 0800

1890 Restaurant (Beit-Jala)

Tel: 275 3678

Tel: 276 6777, Fax: 276 6154

Panoramic Golden City Barbecues

Burghoulji Armenian and Middle Eastern Tel: 628 2072, Fax: 628 2080

BETHLEHEM (02)

Continental Cuisine

Jabal Quruntul Continental Cuisine (Open Buffet)

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Muntaza Restaurant and Garden Barbecues and Sandwiches

Tel: 295 6835

Na3Na3 Café Italian and Oriental

Samer Middle Eastern Food

Tel: 240 5338 - 240 3088

Tel: 298 1033

Scoop

Tel: 295 9189

Cuisine

Tel: 296 4606

Sangria’s French, Italian, and Mexican

Nai Resto Café - Argeeleh

Tel: 295 6808

Newz Bar Lounge and “Le Gourmet”

Mob: 0595 403 020 pastries’ corner

Mövenpick Hotel Ramallah Tel: 298 5888

Osama’s Pizza Pizza and Fast Food Tel: 295 3270

Orjuwan Lounge Palestinian-Italian

Fusion

Tel: 297 6870

Zam’n Premium Coffee Masyoun Coffee Shop Style Zarour Bar BQ Barbecues and Oriental

Cuisine

Tel: 295 6767, 296 4480 Fax: 296 4357

Shishapresso

Zeit ou Zaater Pastries and Snacks

Tel: 296 6060

Tel: 295 4455

Sinatra Gourmet Italian and American

Cuisine

Cuisine

Ziryab Barbecues, Italian, and Oriental Tel: 295 9093

Tel: 297 1028

Sindyan Restaurant and café

GAZA STRIP (08)

Sky Bar (Ankars Suites and Hotel)

Al Daar Barbecues

Tel: 298 9575

Continental Cuisine

Tel: 295 2602

Sky Gate Terrace and Bar

Tel: 288 5827

Al-Deira Mediterranean Cuisine

Tel: 294 6888, Fax: 297 3574

Tel: 283 8100/200/300 Fax: 2838400

Sushi Restaurant (Caesar Hotel)

Almat’haf Mediterranean Cuisine

Mövenpick Hotel Ramallah

Al-Molouke Shawerma

Tel: 298 5755

Stones Continental Cuisine

Al-Salam Seafood

Peter’s Place Restaurant & Bar (Taybeh) Palestinian Cuisine

Tabash (Jifna Village) Barbecues

Avenue

Tal El-Qamar Roof Middle Eastern and

Big Bite Fastfood

Rama café Resto/Bar Tel: 298 5376

Palestine Revolving Restaurant (23rd floor, Palestine Trade Tower) Tel: 294 6888, Fax: 297 3574

PASTICHE Palestine

Tel: 289 8054, Mob: 0547 043 029

Pesto Café and Restaurant Italian

Tel: 297 9400 Tel: 298 5888 Tel: 296 6038 Tel: 281 0932

Cuisine

Western Menu

Pizza Inn Pizza and Fast Food

TCHE TCHE

Philadelphia Restaurant Middle

THE Q GARDEN Roof-top garden International Cusine

Tel: 297 0705, 297 0706 Tel: 298 1181/2/3 Eastern Menu

Tel: 295 1999

Philistia Restaurant & Catering Palestinian cuisine

Tel: 298 9051

Plaza Jdoudna Restaurant and Park Middle Eastern Menu Tel: 295 6020, Fax: 296 4693

Tel: 298 7905/ 6

Tel: 285 8444, Fax: 285 8440 Tel: 286 8397

Tel: 282 2705, Telefax: 283 3188 Tel: 288 2100, 288 3100 Tel: 283 3666

Carino’s

Tel: 286 6343, Fax: 286 6353

Tel: 296 4201

Tel: 295 7727

LATERNA

Tel: 288 9881, Fax: 288 9882

Light House Tel: 288 4884

Tomasso’s Pizza and Fast Food

Marna House

Tropicana Mexican Cuisine, Oriental

Mazaj Coffee House

Tel: 240 9991/ 2 Menu, and Zarb

Tel: 297 5661

Pronto Resto-Café Italian Cuisine

UpTown (Ankars Suites and Hotel) Continental Cuisine

QMH

Values Restaurant International and

Roma Café Italian Light Food

European Style

Tel: 298 7312

Tel: 295 2602

Telefax: 282 3322, 282 2624 Tel: 286 8035

Mazaj Resturant

Tel: 282 5003, Fax: 286 9078

Orient House

Telefax: 282 8008, 282 8604

Seafood

Roots - The Club Oriental Cuisine

Tel: 296 6997

Tel: 288 8666, 282 3999, 282 3777

Tel: 296 4228

Vatche’s Garden Restaurant

Abu Mazen Restaurant

Rukab’s Ice Cream Ice Cream and

Tel: 296 5966, 296 5988

Al Quds Restaurant

Tel: 297 34511

Soft Drinks

Tel: 295 3467

Zam’n Premium Coffee Coffee

Saba Sandwiches Falafel and

Shop Style

Tel: 296 0116

Zaki Taki Sandwiches

Sandwiches

p

Cuisine

Tel: 221 3833, Fax: 229 3111 Tel: 229 7773, Fax: 229 7774

Golden Rooster

Tel: 295 0600 Tel: 296 3643

Telefax: 221 6115

Hebron Restaurant Telefax: 222 7773

Orient House Restaurant Telefax: 221 1525

Royal Restaurant Tel: 222 7210

Map Source: PalMap - GSE © Copyright to GSE and PalMap Map source, designer and publisher: GSE - Good Shepherd Engineering & Computing P.O.Box 524, 8 Jamal Abdel Nasser St., Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine Tel: +970 2 274 4728 / Fax: +970 2 275 1204 (Also +972) map@palmap.org / www.gsecc.com / www.palmap.org

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r AMALLAH and AL-BIREH

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t Thank you for Caring Dear Palestinian brothers and sisters living abroad, The fact that you came all the way from Chile, Peru, USA, Bolivia, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and probably other countries in order to attend the Bethlehem District Diaspora Convention - Back to the Roots can only tell that you care. You care about the country from which your parents, grandparents, maybe even forefathers beyond, originally came from. Your presence clearly shows that you care about Palestine, and for this concern we, your Palestinian blood relatives who are living here, would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You may have no idea how much these gestures of support mean to us.

In turn, I have no doubt that your hosts will take good care of you. Hospitality, after all is our middle name! I am certain that you will be well-accommodated; most definitely you will be well-fed, since food is our national sport! You will certainly be entertained, and probably taken on enjoyable tours. Sadly, however, don’t let such indulgences deceive you into thinking that all is well in Palestine.

Unfortunately, and as I expect you know already, it is not.

Allow me to candid. In fact, sometimes we feel that we, the Palestinians living in the Holy Land, are descending into obscurity. Most, if not all Palestinians feel that their earnest search and yearning for security, peace of mind, and a normal life have entered into a long, dark tunnel that never seems to end. Yet, they’re often too proud to admit, too dignified to acknowledge their weakness – or to face reality and their inability to come out of this gloomy tunnel. They put up a bold face and pretend to be victorious, when in reality their hearts weep with sadness and pain from the injustice that has been inflicted upon them for decades now. So do have a big heart and forgive them if, like a drowning man, they seem to clinch to a straw.

Foreign solidarity groups that come and visit Palestine are very much appreciated, but your visit carries a much profounder meaning. Because your ancestry is Palestinian, many will consider your visit as a return. However, I know better than to claim that this is your home, since you were born and have lived all your lives abroad. So I’ll settle with “I hope that you will consider Palestine your home away from home!”

I sincerely wish you a pleasant and memorable stay in Palestine, and I do hope that you will, as this convention aims to achieve, reconnect with your old country by way of planting a tree, befriending a fourth cousin on Facebook, or sending a letter to an 80-year-old distant relative whose day will be brightened once she or he receives this letter of yours. God bless you all.

Sani P. Meo Publisher Demonstrations in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

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