Palestinian hospitality

Visitors to Palestine should expect to be treated warmly during their visit. Hospitality is highly ingrained in the local culture. Being hospitable to first-time visitors is ingrained in the Palestinian mentality. When you visit someone's home in Bethlehem, Ramallah, or Hebron, you can expect to be served bowls of Mediterranean hummus and other tantalizing Mediterranean culinary samples.

You'll be served the most aromatic coffee or tea you've ever tasted. Sweets made with nutmeg, dates, and honey will almost certainly be served to you. Shopkeepers may offer you a meal, and in nearly every conversation with a Palestinian, you'll hear "ahlan wa sahlan" at least once, if not three, four, or five times!

The media may portray the region as hostile and anti-foreigner, but personal experience suggests otherwise. Many Palestinians welcome the opportunity to speak with foreigners and share their experiences and viewpoints. Enjoy the abundant Palestinian hospitality and use it to build bridges, listen to people's lived experiences, and gain a better understanding of Palestinian life and culture.