Palestine: A Country Which gives Hospitality its true meaning: They may not be very touchy, they may be a little shy and reserved at times, but one thing anybody who has been to Palestine will tell you about is the generosity and hospitality of the Palestinians. Whether they have little or a lot, they will always greet you with an “Ahlan Wa Sahlan” (Welcome) “Tfaddoloo” (come, sit down).

Perhaps, the fact that the country has been through so much over the years has reminded its people how precious each moment is and the importance of family, friends and visitors.

It is clear when you come to Palestine, that its people realize that you are one of a kind. With so many destinations in the world, whether you would like to volunteer or holiday or both, choosing this one shows you are willing to take a chance and experience something different. And different it is indeed!

As a result, every visitor who comes to Palestine, is treated as an ambassador of this beautiful and wild part of the world. There is an eagerness to learn English, to be able to communicate. There is a sense that the locals are genuinely curious about knowing where you come from and will often tell you of a relative, friend or volunteer who lives there. Psychologist will tell you that is a way to connect by finding common grounds, if so it shows how much they want the visitors at ease.

And so It is very usual for a volunteer and their friends who lives with a guest family to be invited to meals at homes of other family members. Don´t expect complicated protocols, you will share their normal way of life with smiles and laughter that are almost childish to an outsider but all so authentic and genuine.

There are many stories of shop keepers offering you a cup of coffee and tea as you come in. It seems the mere fact of giving is the important thing, it is saying you have come in here, whether you buy or not, I want to feel welcome “Ahlan Wa Sahlan”.

Simplicity and humility are values that you will encounter everywhere you go: a good example of that is the “Abrahimic Hospice” in Hebron where for 800 years, soup made of wheat and sometimes meat is served 3 times daily. “Since then there has never been anyone going hungry in Hebron” says the Director of the Hospice. Some families rely on this help when they can´t make ends meet. The Hospice lives off donation from the locals and the period of Ramadan is by far the time when they are the most generous and lots of other food donations are made to ensure all can enjoy the holy month.

So beware, you mind find that when you come to Palestine, you change your view of what it is to be truly hospitable. Its effortless, it is in the blood, it is a way of life…