Visiting the Old City of Hebron is a must while volunteering at the Excellence Center. It can be experienced as a world of its own since it literally requires walking “into it” and suddenly feeling like you have been transported hundred (or better-said thousand) of years back in time. Its small cobbled streets and arched covered alleyways with small shops of everything from bulk produce, to fruits and vegetables to local arts and crafts is a treat to the senses. The people are also quite friendly and in great need of business, so if you have the time and some money, do spend a bit of it around the Old City.
The Excellence Center organizes walks to the area almost every week for those that are interested in joining and usually coordinates the help of local Arabic and English speakers that guide us along. You’ll be surprised by how knowledgeable some of these people can be and how much they have to say about the history of the area. They will often stop and have coffee or tea with some of the shop owners, including for example Jamal who speaks great English and will share some of his family history in the area.
The Old City of Hebron is considered one of the oldest inhabited cities in Palestine (and the world), thought to be around 5000 years old. It is a holy city for all believers of the three monotheistic religions, Christians, Jews and Muslims alike, because the prophet Abraham is believed to be buried here.
The famous Ibrahimi Mosque, which is also in the Old City is a magnificent (and contested) building, now shared between Muslims and Jews, with separate spaces and entrances for each. It is here that the prophet Abraham is believed to be buried together with other famous figures, Jacob and Isaac, as well as their wives Leah and Sara. A trip into the Mosque is also usually included when volunteers visit the Old City, we recommend going inside and experiencing the beauty of its grandeur.
As mentioned earlier the Old City has been struggling to remain as lively as it once used to be and for this reason, many local organizations like The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hebron and The Hebron Rehabilitation Committee are focusing their work on rebuilding and supporting local merchants.
This has become even more important after the support which came once the area was named a UNESCO world heritage site in 2017. The effect this has had on the area, which has been under continuous rehabilitation for a while is literally bringing life to the area.
Some of our volunteers have noticed the positive changes the appearance of the Old City has had in only a couple of months, making it even more enjoyable to visit. It is a truly beautiful and historical place, UNESCO’s decision has officially made it top notch and not to be missed.
http://visitpalestine.ps/hebron-intro/
http://www.hebroncci.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1650&Itemid=166
