Exploring Life in Palestine: Palestine, a region of profound historical and cultural significance, has been at the heart of human civilization for millennia. It is a land where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life, creating a tapestry of stories, resilience, and heritage. Known for its historic cities, sacred landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes, Palestine offers a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of history, religion, and contemporary struggles.

Among its many treasures, the city of Hebron (Al-Khalil) stands out as a living testament to Palestine’s enduring legacy, with its ancient streets, historic sites, and a population whose spirit remains unbroken despite the challenges of occupation. Beyond its historical and religious importance, Palestine is vibrant with culture, creativity, and hospitality.

From its bustling markets to its aromatic cuisine and from the olive groves dotting its hillsides to the warm conversations over shared meals, Palestine invites visitors to immerse themselves in its rhythm of life. The youth, in particular, are a driving force in shaping its future, engaging actively in political, cultural, and social arenas. Whether it’s exploring the craftsmanship of embroidery in Hebron, experiencing dynamic cities like Ramallah and Bethlehem, or simply sharing tea with locals, Palestine offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of its people and their unwavering spirit.

1. About Hebron, Palestine

Hebron/Khalil is the largest city in the West Bank, located south of Jerusalem (30 km), and features two universities – Hebron University and Polytechnic University. Khalil is one of the oldest and continuously inhabited cities of Palestine and is known for its famous historic sites, including the tomb of Abraham, The Russian Orthodox Church, and Abraham’s Oak Holy Trinity Monastery.

Hebron – Holy City in Palestine

These sites make Khalil one of the holiest places for all three world religions – Islam, Judaism, and Christianity – and particularly appealing to Israeli settlers who have taken over half of the city. For this reason, you will also be able to get your personal impression of Palestinian-Israeli relations.

Brief History of Hebron

In its early history, Hebron was under Byzantine rule, after which it fell prey to the Crusaders. The Ayyubids, Mamelukes, Ottoman Empire, and an Egyptian General laid claim on Hebron in succession. In recent history, Khalil was occupied by the British forces, by the Jordanian kingdom, and finally came under Israeli occupation. It is now divided into H1 (Palestinian Authority) and H2 (Israeli Authority).

Palestinian Youth in Hebron, Palestine

The youth is very informed, politically active and well-versed in social media. They will never pass up a chance to talk to you and engage foreigners! Khalil also features different organizations with young local volunteers who are actively participating in shaping their society.

From poetry nights to hanging out in nearby recreation parks in the evening or just meeting friends on the streets – Khalil offers a variety of aspects of city life. Men and women tend to socialize separately. Khalili’s – the inhabitants of Khalil – have a great sense of humor and have developed a true joking culture. They are also warm and inviting.

Olives, grapes, figs, jasmine, and roses grow in the backyards of the multistory limestone houses – the number of stories will give an idea of how many sons live in the house. Get to know different family cultures!

What is Hebron Famous For?

The city’s surrounding landscape is breathtaking, with the white lime-stone buildings towering majestically over the city below. Khalil is famous for its quarries, its glass and ceramic manufacturing, its production of olive wood, and its shoe industry. It is also close to other cities like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Nablus for the occasional weekend away.

Embroidery Products in Hebron, Palestine

You will also find beautiful embroidery products carefully crafted by local women. Don’t be afraid to bargain! You can best learn a language through an array of sensory impressions and interactions with the local residents.

2. Internet and IT In Palestine

Internet and IT In Palestine: The Palestinian telecommunications industry is relatively advanced. PalTel is the only operator in Palestine and provides advanced, efficient, and reliable services throughout most of Palestine.

There are two mobile operators work in Palestine: Jawwal Mobile (059), and Wataniya (056). Should visitors communicate with local numbers on a regular basis, local SIM cards are widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores.

Internet in Palestine

Palestine has 3G availability, and wifi is generally efficient and reliable. This service is available in many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and hostels.

What About the Power Supply in Palestine?

The power supply in Israel and Palestine is a single phase, 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets have three-pin holes, but almost all of them function with double-pin European plugs. Both transformers and adaptor plugs may be needed for small appliances such as shavers and travel irons.

Phones and Internet

You will see many people using the latest smartphones. Like people everywhere, young people are keen to have the latest gadgets, fashions, and accessories. The availability of a phone signal is as prominent anywhere else in the developed world. You’ll most likely receive a text message on arrival to the country telling you the rates for calls and texts.

If you are staying a while, it will most likely be more cost-effective to buy a local SIM card, available from several stores in the city center, which you can use to make and receive cheap international calls. Take a cheap Nokia handset with you, and you can keep your smartphone for the internet and use the cheap phone for local SIM calls. Moreover, it will be indestructible and undesirable for the taking, and the battery will last forever.

Final Remarks 

You will find wifi at the Excellence Center and at most of the other locations you would expect, for example, cafes, so you can use the internet and make WhatsApp calls. Such IT support is strong and reliable in Hebron. Enjoy your stay!

3. Infrastructure in Palestine

Infrastructure in Palestine: If you are considering coming to Palestine to volunteer, intern, visit, and/or learn Arabic, you may have some anxieties about the infrastructure:  How will I travel around? Will my mobile phone work?  In fact, visitors to Palestine may be surprised to encounter modern buildings with bright lights of giant advertising screens and see local people driving new cars and using the latest smartphones.

Of course, this country has a long and eventful history, resulting in many contrasts and some differences from the ‘Western’ world, but this article will offer reassurance that the infrastructure is more than sufficient to make for a comfortable stay.

Travel in Palestine

Roads in Palestinian cities, including Hebron, are generally busy, especially during rush hour.  Depending on where you call home, you may consider that not all the roads are well-surfaced and driving habits are more casual than you are used to, but there is nothing much to shock anyone familiar with some parts of Southern Europe.  You may find your pavement ends and must cross the road to pick it up again. Visitors from the UK must, of course, remember that in Palestine, people drive on the right – in common with most of the rest of the world!

Taxis in Hebron, Palestine

In Hebron, taxis are cheap and plentiful.  Most often, people share taxis that are making point-to-point journeys, picking up and dropping off en route.  A shared journey within the city is extremely cheap – unlikely to cost more than a couple of shekels.  If you wish to take a taxi from door to door, you can.  It will cost relatively more, but still, most likely cheaper than home.

Shared taxis (often in the shape of mini-buses) are available to many other destinations in the West Bank and can be boarded at the central bus station on the upper floors of a shopping mall/car park.  Shared Arab taxis to Jerusalem depart from a different place, not far away. 

Electricity and Water in Palestine

Regarding electricity, Palestine uses European-style round two-pin sockets (as well as the local three-pinhole format), so depending on where you are coming from, you may need to bring an adaptor for your phone charger! 

You may find hot water to be a scarce commodity. Unlike northern Europe and North America, buildings tend not to be centrally heated but rather built with thick walls to be well insulated against hot and cold.  If you visit in winter, bring warm clothes!

Conclusion

Palestine, including Hebron, is a place of many contrasts.  There are some dilapidated and derelict buildings, and you may see models of cars that have long disappeared from the streets of Western Europe.  Horses and carts are still used to carry vegetables to the market.

Overall, however, Palestinian cities are bright, busy, bustling, and full of life.  Yellow taxis are everywhere and very cheap.  You will be able to use your phone and the internet.  There is generally water and electricity, and the food is delicious and cheap.  People are friendly and helpful and always interested and happy to meet foreign visitors.

4. Traveling Inside Palestine

Traveling Inside Palestine: Due to the small size of Palestine and the restrictions placed by the Israeli occupation on freedom of movement within the Palestinian Territories, taxis are the more reliable mode of public transport to travel in Palestine. There are no public railways, metros, trams or public buses in the West Bank and Gaza as there are in Israel.

Transportation in Palestine

Palestinian taxis are divided into three main types: Firstly, as in most countries, private taxis travel between cities and to and from the particular locations of the passenger’s choice. Second are shared (yellow ‘service’ minivan taxis), which travel within cities and which will generally travel to and from a particular location of your choice.

Both of these types of taxis can be hailed in the usual manner, by waving your arm at the side of the road and informing the driver who stops of the place you want to go.

Thirdly, shared (yellow ‘service’) taxis also travel between cities. These shared taxis arrive in and depart from the main taxi stations only. Like shared taxis which travel only within cities, intercity taxis have no set schedule. This type of taxi tends to depart only when the taxi is full.

Are Palestinian Taxis Permitted Access to Israel?

Shared (‘sherut’) and private (‘munit’) can be found in Israel and Palestine. However, while Israeli taxis are able to travel freely between Israel and Palestine, Palestinian taxis are not permitted access to Israel – another circumstance of the occupation. Visually, the difference between the two is that the Palestinian taxi is yellow with a white number plate, while Israeli taxis are white with a yellow number plate.

Taxi Meter System in Palestine and Israel

Taxi services in Israel and Palestine do not function on a meter system, so knowing the fair price for your trip is important. As a tourist, it’s likely assumed you’ll not know the fair price of a ride and might, therefore, be charged more. It’s important to be prepared to barter with the driver if you think you’re not getting a fair price.

Taxi in Palestine – How Expensive Is It?

Intercity shared taxis are the cheapest mode of transport in Palestine because they offer the least control over travel for passengers. Prices vary according to the destination, as well as the length of the journey. Ramallah to Hebron should cost around 28 NIS (8$) or from Ramallah to Nablus 20 NIS (6$). Hebron to Bethlehem should cost 16 NIS.

Private Taxi in Palestine – The Price

Private taxis, on the other hand, are much more expensive than shared taxis. A private taxi to Bethlehem from Hebron should cost around 80NIS. A private taxi is a good option for a day trip to a particular area; however, if sightseeing spots are far apart, a car would therefore be useful for the entire day. Private taxi drivers often offer this touring service, but bartering, again, is recommended.

Another benefit of private taxis is that many run after seven in the evening when most shared taxi services close. There are also some private taxis on Friday, the Muslim holy day, when shared taxis are hard to get by. Likewise, in Israel, during Shabbat on Friday evenings and Saturdays, bus services and shared taxis are rare or unavailable.

Final Remarks

When planning travel in Israel and Palestine, bear in mind that the majority of shops, cafes, restaurants, and tourist spots are closed on Fridays in Palestine and that Shabbat affects the opening hours of some Israeli organizations and institutions. Such preparation will ease your travel concerns while here.

5. Business Hours and National Holidays

Business Hours and National Holidays in Palestine: When traveling or planning travel in Palestine, it’s important to keep a note of regular weekly business hours and their potential disruption based on national holidays.

Fridays in Palestine

On Fridays, the predominantly Muslim areas, which is to say, the vast majority of the West Bank, close all day. Expect heavy traffic and crowds in marketplaces on Thursday evenings in these areas as everyone prepares for Friday celebrations. Businesses are normally open from around 8 am to 9 pm. Governmental institutions are open from 8 am to 3 pm.

Christians in Palestine

Christians only make up about 2.5% of the West Bank population, so Sunday closing of Christian-owned businesses, which are concentrated in Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem’s Old City, shouldn’t leave too many affected.

Life in Israel on Saturday?

On Saturday, all Israeli shops, offices, and places of entertainment are closed for the Shabbat. Public transport is restricted on Friday evening as well as Saturday daytime, though buses and other means of transport become available again after about six in the evening on Saturday.

In addition to navigating these potential weekly disruptions to plans, it’s a good idea to take note of annual events and holidays.

In the winter period, expect Christian businesses to be closed for Christmas and another, less widely celebrated public holiday for the Islamic New Year on November 26th. Businesses also mostly close for Independence Day, which falls on the fifteenth of November, and features many public speeches at local schools and universities, accompanied by the occasional peaceful demonstration.

Ramadan in Palestine

Ramadan in Palestine takes place in the early Summertime, on the ninth month of the Muslim Calendar. Muslim-owned cafes and restaurants will likely be closed during this time or have very limited opening times. Markets will be open in the evenings, and supermarkets will likely close early. In the more conservative Muslim areas, such as Hebron, it’s advisable to avoid eating or drinking in public in the daytime during this period.

6. Currency and Money in Palestine

Before the First World War, Palestine was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, which used the Ottoman lira. From 1920 to 1948, the currency used in Palestine was the Palestinian pound, which had the same value as the Pound Sterling.

In 1948, the British Mandate came into power, and the currency was replaced by the Israeli Shekel in the areas that had been occupied by the Israeli Forces. The Jordanian Dinar was used in the West Bank, and the Egyptian pound in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Shekel is Used in the West Bank and Gaza Strip

Since the Six Day War in 1967 and up until now, the Israeli Shekel has been the primary currency used in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, especially since the signing of the Paris Protocol in 1994, which makes the Palestinian economy dependent upon the Israeli economy. The Israeli Shekel is symbolized by this sign (₪). It is divided into 100 agoras or agora (cents). The currency code for the Israeli Shekel today is “NIS” for New Israeli Shekel

In addition to the Shekel, the Jordanian Dinar and the American Dollar are also used in Palestine in some circumstances, such as when buying houses, land, cars, and all high-value properties.

It is no problem to come to Palestine carrying American Dollars, Euros, and pounds sterling. In Palestine, there are many exchange agencies, agents, and banks where you can easily convert your money to NIS.

For up-to-date exchange rates, visit the following website: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

Generally, there are 3.5 to 4 NIS to the U.S. dollar and 4 to the European Euro. Banks are open from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. ATMs are open 24 hours. The major banks found in Palestine are the Arab Bank, the Bank of Palestine, the Cairo Amman Bank, and the Bank of Jordan.

Most stores do not accept credit cards. The best way to cover your daily expenses is to use an ATM card, as shown above; otherwise, you have enough cash on you for your entire trip. ATMs are readily available in most places in Palestine.

Final Remarks

Be aware that the Bank of Jordan, the Arab Bank, and the Cairo Amman Bank only give money in Jordanian dinars, which must be further exchanged into NIS. It is worth mentioning that Western Union has many offices in Palestine, which allow you to send or receive money quickly.

7. Weather In Palestine

Weather In Palestine: Traveling to any country involves knowing what kind of clothes you must bring that are appropriate for the local weather. Here, we will discuss the types of clothing appropriate to the weather in Palestine during all its glorious seasons.

The location of Palestine, situated on the eastern Mediterranean coastline and adjacent to the Sinai Peninsula and the Jordanian desert, plays an important role in the weather of Palestine. Its position is directly responsible for Palestine’s enjoyable moderate and mild climate.

Winter in Palestine spans about three months, and the temperature sometimes falls to zero; however, it does not usually snow in Palestine, having done so only twice in the last several years.

Hot Summer in Palestine

Summers in Palestine are hot. July and August are the hottest months in Palestine. The Temperatures may reach 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) and even higher on some days. Although the summer is hot, the evenings are cool. Evenings are popular for enjoying the milder temperatures after a hot day. A sweater or light jacket may be comfortable for evenings.

The climate during the remainder of the year is mild and moderate. Rainfall in Palestine is very limited, with the rainiest months occurring from November to February.

Every year during April, May, and the middle of June, Palestine faces hot, dry, sandy, and dusty khamseen winds originating in the Arabian Desert. During the winter Palestine experiences seven hours of sunshine, while there are about 13 hours of daylight during the summer.

Final Remarks

If you travel to Palestine during the summer, we recommend wearing light clothes and a light jacket or sweater for the evening. If you visit Palestine in winter, warm clothes are required outdoors and indoors since heating systems are not widely used in Palestine.

For recent updates, visit the following website:

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/palestine/ramallah

8. Water in Palestine

Water in Palestine: When you travel to Palestine, you may wonder about the water situation because you have read or heard negative things about water availability in the media.

Can you take a hot shower in the morning or on a daily basis? Is the water turned off at different times? Can the water in Palestine be used safely for drinking?

Water Shortages in Palestine

We begin by saying that the water supply and sanitation in Palestine are controlled by the Israeli authorities and that Palestine does suffer from water shortages. Besides that, the groundwater is divided according to the second Oslo Accord.

Palestinians Collect Rainwater

Many people collect rainwater in tanks that are situated on their roofs; however, the collection of rainwater is a limited resource in Palestine. This collection of rainwater ensures the availability of water in the event that the water is turned off during the summer months. Some inhabitants must buy water from tankers in order to meet their daily water needs.

There are about three hundred natural sources, most of which are located in the eastern part of the West Bank. Palestinians have an average water usage of approximately 72 liters per person daily. Ninety percent of small Palestinian communities have less than 60 liters per person daily. Some Palestinians in rural villages may use significantly less than these averages – in some cases, as low as 20 liters per day for a single person.

Some studies have demonstrated that a significant percentage of the households in Palestine believe their water is of good quality.

Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in Palestine?

The tap water in Palestine is safe and drinkable for Palestinians, and they experience no ill effects from using the water for drinking or cooking. For internationals, bottled water is readily available as an alternative water source.

Hot Water in Palestine

The vast majority of Palestinian homes do not have heating systems, which means that hot water is not always available. Every Palestinian home has solar panels that heat the water.

Several years ago, gas or electric heating systems became popular among Palestinians, making hot water available in winter. Hotels have hot water available daily, especially the international chain hotels, such as many of those in Ramallah.

9. Local Time

Local Time in Palestine: Palestine time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). Like many other countries, Palestine implements Daylight Savings Time (DST), whereby clocks are advanced by one hour at the beginning of Spring and turned back one hour in the Autumn.

Time Difference Between Palestine and the USA

Palestine is seven hours ahead of Washington D.C. (Eastern Standard Time) in the USA. The same time difference holds true for Australia. In Europe, time differences range between one and two hours; for example, the United Kingdom is two hours ahead of Palestine, and Germany, Italy, Spain, and France are one hour ahead.

Time Difference Within Asia Relative to Palestine

The difference between the rest of Asia and Palestine is greater. For example, China and Malaysia are five hours ahead of Palestine, whereas there is a three-hour time difference from Kazakhstan. India is two and one-half hours ahead of Palestine’s time.

There are countries that have no time difference with Palestine; for example, countries such as Russia, Finland, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria all share identical times with Palestine.

Time Differences Among Palestinian Cities

Are there time differences among cities in Palestine? Interestingly, the answer is yes, but the difference is minimal – a few minutes, more or less – since Palestine is small in terms of area. For the most recent updates, visit the following website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Palestine is a vibrant testament to resilience, history, and cultural richness. Despite facing immense challenges, the spirit of its people, especially the youth, continues to drive the nation forward, blending ancient traditions with modern creativity. Cities like Hebron embody this dynamic, where history and daily life intersect, offering visitors a chance to explore its landmarks and the enduring strength of its culture and people.

From the olive groves to the lively markets, every corner of Palestine tells a story of perseverance, community, and hope. Moreover, Palestine’s unique blend of heritage and modernity offers an unforgettable experience for anyone willing to engage with its history, traditions, and people.

It is a land where the past and present coexist, inspiring both reflection and action. As Palestine moves forward, the collective efforts of its people, particularly its younger generation, promise to shape a future that honors its rich cultural legacy while addressing the challenges of the present. Whether through shared meals, vibrant art, or political activism, Palestine remains a beacon of enduring spirit and timeless beauty.

Get Further Information About Exploring Life in Palestine

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