5 Things You Must See in Hebron, Palestine: For those internationals traveling to volunteer or intern with the Excellence Center – and for all visitors to Hebron – a unique and vibrant experience awaits, on every corner and down every street. ‘

Here you may find the 5 Things You Must See in Hebron, Palestine:

  1. Al-Ibrahimi Mosque
  2. Al-The Hebron Old City
  3. H1 / H2 Divide
  4. The Original Palestinian Keffiyeh
  5. Hebron University

There are, however, several historic and cultural locations that in many ways define the city, form its storied history to these pulsing modern times.

  • 5 Things You Must See in Hebron, Palestine
  • 5 Things You Must See in Hebron, Palestine
  • 5 Things You Must See in Hebron, Palestine
  • 5 Things You Must See in Hebron, Palestine
  • 5 Things You Must See in Hebron, Palestine

For all who come to stay, the following stand as must see choices for discovering Hebron, Palestine

  • Al-Ibrahimi Mosque

For all coming to Hebron for the first time, the revered holy site, the Tomb of the Patriarchs / Al-Ibrahimi Mosque is perhaps first in the priorities of what to see in the historic city of Hebron.  As the fourth holiest site in Islam, the Ibrahimi Mosque was originally built as a Christian Basilica, before being converted.

After the 1967 war, Israel took control and divided the site into both a synagogue and a mosque. The tragic Tomb of the Patriarchs Massacre of 1994 leaves a lasting impression and resulting tensions to this day.

Within the hallowed sanctuary, reverent believers gather to pray and commune in the tranquil setting. Said to be the burial site of the three patriarchal/matriarchal couples of the Abrahamic faiths. Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Leah, the venerated holy site should be seen by all who visit the West Bank.

  • The Hebron Old City

Surrounding the Al-Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City of Hebron remains a bustling marketplace. Settled in the Middle Bronze Ages, the metropolitan city of today grew from this ancient nucleus. Traditional Islamic architecture provides the structure that is the Old City, with renovations after 19th and 20th-century earthquakes maintaining the Mamluk and Ottoman characteristics of the original buildings.

Today’s markets include renowned glass and ceramics, fresh fruits and oils, and traditional Islamic clothes & wares. A welcoming exploration for visitors to the city.

  • H1 / H2 Divide

Adjacent to the market and Mosque, however, visitors to Hebron and volunteers with the Excellence Center will immediately be met by a more modern truth, that of the checkpoints and monitored divisions that make up the logistics of H1 & H2 and the reality of the Occupation. Though more somber, these sites are still necessary to see as defining of both modern Hebron and the Occupation itself.

The Excellence Center may arrange visits with Zleikha Muhtaseb, Badee Dwaik of Human Rights Defenders and other notable activists near the heated divide of H1 & H2. A visit to the area is a study of the work of those preserving the rights and dignity of Palestinians, and this work is a must see while in Hebron.

  • The Original Palestinian Keffiyeh

Up on the Hills overlooking the Hebron Old City lies the. The Hirbawi Keffiyeh Factory – the original designer of the traditional Palestinian Headdress made popular by Yasser Arafat and still worn today as a fashion choice for those standing for justice worldwide.

Those visiting Hebron, Palestine including volunteers and interns with EC can tour the factory and then purchase the authentic fashions at tour’s end, opting for either the traditional or more colorful designs from the Hirbawi showroom, the last remaining Keffiyeh production house in Palestine.

  • Hebron University

A few kilometers north the Old City sits Hebron University. Founded in 1971, Hebron University is the largest of Hebron’s three institutions of higher learning and is a good showcase of the bustling youth of today’s modern Hebron as well as a glimpse into the city’s promising future.

Strolling through the campus will also remind visitors to Hebron that students worldwide hold much more in common than we are prone to think. At the center of these grounds, one could be at a university anywhere in the world, with the familiar drive of ambition and determination marching past. Also, most of the students enrolled at the university are young women, representing another strong impression of the city itself – that of the palpable dignity and strength of its female population. Again, Hebron University is poised to lead the way.

The Hebron of today is a thriving economic, educational and cultural destination, with an unparalleled historic past. For those choosing to visit Hebron – including international students, volunteers and interns to the Excellence Center, the above five sites represent must sees during this time of exploration. From these foundations and through daily observance and interaction, all who come will discover a city like no other.