How do I respond to Palestinians’ generosity? : Those whom come to Palestine will defiantly discover the generosity of Palestinians. This feature reflects the culture of Palestinians whom always keen to offer all possible they have. The generosity is not only go with food, drinks and other things but also was during the immigration of Jewish from Europe in the second world war where Palestine hosted them and let them live and work.
Palestinians are very known for being welcoming people and incredibly hospitable, where you might be invited to have a tea or coffee with someone you have just met. They are raised on the philosophy of taking care of their guests whoever they are and to make them feel comfortable as if they had known them for long time or as if they are part of the family.
Many international visitors don’t expect such a thing when they come to Palestine. Western countries don’t use to this kind of generosity where Palestinians give and don’t ask for a return. Many visitors even wonder how they can response to this and which way could be the best to return the favor.
Actually, You do not have to since the generosity is part of the Palestinian culture that appreciate the guests and keen to ensure that they been treated very well during their time in Palestine which make you feel home. It is not a Palestinians thing but also it is one of Arabs values where they are famous of being generous with their guests and it is shame not to be so. Arabs whom still live in deserts host guests for three days where they offer him food, drink and good treatment.
For instance, Palestinian kids been taught to share food with their friends when they eat. It is a shame that you eat alone without inviting the one who is with you to share and not even this but also insist on him to do so. Insistence is totally ok in Palestine, this does not mean that they force you to eat or to drink but it is means that they care about their guests and they want them to feel comfortable and good treated.
As it is been saying among Arabs “Let us try to teach generosity and altruism because we are born selfish”.