Supporting the local economy: Your proactive way to help Palestine: Understanding the dynamics of Palestinian life is not an easy task. If you appreciate the people and the country and want to help them when you are here, there are a few things you could do as a visitor in Palestine. During Apartheid times, South-Africa used boycott tactic successfully and, in the words, of Ronnie Kasrils, a prominent South African politician, “I see the segregation in the West Bank and Gaza as infinitely worse than apartheid”.
By the simple act of coming to Palestine, you are helping the Palestinians
Acknowledging the existence of a Palestinian country and culture is already of great support. Also, by coming and exposing your culture to the locals, you are bringing a very valuable source of learning and knowledge about other countries in the world. It is a 2 way exchange of course!
Buy Palestinian products
Ask the shopkeepers where the fruits come from. If he doesn´t know tell him you won´t be buying anything until he finds out. Here is a list of produce that come from Palestine: Nuts (looz), Grapes, Strawberries, Medjool Dates, green chickpeas (hummus Akhdar), small sweet cucumbers (fa´ous & Harroush) , Sour cherries (Karaz), Sour Apricots (Mistakawy), Sour Stick (hummeed), Plum (Arasiya).
Don´t hesitate to “educate the locals”!
With all due respect, one has to understand that Palestinians don´t always have access to all the information. Also, the conflict has lasted for so long that often they aspire to having a “normal life” and access to a wide range of products is part of that desire. All goods from outside Palestine, have to transit via Israel so it is difficult to establish with 100% accuracy where they come from.
In Hebron: Visit the old city and buy from the few shops that are still open.
There are various reasons why it is very advisable to visit the old city:
- The selection of products, gifts, souvenirs is just excellent. You will find original keffiyehs made in Palestine (as opposed to China), ceramic, soaps, traditional embroidery and much more.
- The ancient bath museum has been renovated and is hidden gem. It is much bigger inside than first anticipated from the outside. It is not in working order because the water supply has been cut off by the occupying forces but it is easy to imagine what it once was. A member of staff will take around and guide you through its history.
- You will find out that shopkeepers have kept their shops open despite the sometimes “harsh” conditions as an act of pacific resistance against the occupation so don´t hesitate to do your shopping there. It is perfectly safe especially with visitors around and they will be very happy to see you and speak to you in English or Arabic if you can.
So see you very soon here in Palestine, tea and coffee awaits you and the tradition “Ahla w sahla” (Welcome!) which you will hear many many times during your visit.
