Ein Sarah Street in the city of Hebron, West Bank, Palestine is the main commercial location of downtown Hebron. It not only serves as the connection between the Excellence Center’s old and new offices, it’s also the hustling, bustling lifeblood of the city. Though much can be written on the history and prominence of this city center, a few vibrant experiences jump out upon first visit.
1. Al Hussein Bin Ali Stadium
Found right in the heart of Hebron and on Ein Sarah Street, this large sports venue (capacity 8,000) is recognizable at the city’s middle ground. In fact, it’s right next door to the Excellence Center’s new offices. Some cities have a civic plaza or town square. Hebron has Al Hussein Bin Ali Stadium.
2. Goods for Sale!
As the commercial hub of the city, Ein Sarah Street has the widest variety of goods, services, food and beverages available. The produce is fresh. The appliance and hardware stores are plentiful. The toy stores are colorful and inviting. The shawarma competes with falafel as the dish of choice. The clothing stores and tailors abound.
Whether it’s a delicious cup of qahwah (coffee), a tasty falafel for only 3 shekels ($0.85), the latest Adidas or Nike fashions or a finely crafted traditional Oud, it can be found on Ein Sarah.
3. Face after Smiling Face
“Salem! Ahleen! Peace. Welcome.” There is a general sense of invitation and affability between residents and visitors alike. Hospitable people in a welcoming land.
And the conversations will go further. Ahmad with a broad smile introduced himself to Excellence Center volunteers, asked (with genuine interest) where they were from and invited them to join him sometime for qahwah and a shisha (smoke) at his house up the road. “Ask for Ahmad, my friends.”
4. Hear that Horn. Watch that Step!
Traffic abounds on Hebron’s busiest street. Cars wiz past the busy shops and restaurants creating an intense conversation all their own. Things grind to a halt at many of the intersections and roundabouts – the standing traffic and horns occasionally joined by a random horse drawn cart. Like everything else in Hebron, there’s a free flowing energy on the streets that is as unmistakable as it is undeterred.
5. The Evening Azan
One remarkable feature around Ein Sarah Street and throughout Hebron is the power and presence the Azan announcing the Maghrib or prayers at sunset. Sounding from the minaret just below Ibn Rushd Dayira – the civic center circle – this call is haunting and beautiful as it reaches out over the streets of Hebron and to the citizen’s throughout. While the speed and intensity of the day gives purpose to this vibrant city, the Azan, particularly at sunset, speaks to its heart.
There are many more sights, smells and experiences to note when visiting Ein Sarah Street and the heart of Hebron for the very first time. What’s unmistakable is a city’s history and energy. Hebron is alive and thriving on any given day, and Ein Sarah Street showcases that energy.
