When you travel to a certain country, you might wonder how people’s treatment will look like, to which extent they accept internationals and how they react when they see foreigners who come from every corner in the world.
Some countries are not used to host so many internationals which might lead to two results either they will not like to have internationals on their country and they prefer more to isolate themselves. The other type of people who also used not to have many internationals because of reasons that prevented them from coming whose will treat you in a good way where they will be warm, hospitable and nice to you during your time there.
The second type of people is simply the Palestinians. Palestine was and still a destination for many people in the world for group of reasons. For example, those who come to Bethlehem –Nativity Church as pilgrims or those who come to enjoy the summer time in the Mediterranean Sea Coast or as volunteers in one of the Palestinian organizations or for medical tourism by taking advantage of water and mud of the dead sea in Jericho city and much more.
Why Palestine is not used to have so many internationals?
It is known that the Palestinian borders are fully controlled by Israel which decides who enters and who does not. Added to this, Palestine does not have its own airport. These two facts result in Palestine having less numbers of visitors compared to other countries that have control over their own borders, where visitors can visit more easily. Nonetheless, this makes Palestinians more eager to host internationals who come from different countries around the globe and they do so with open arms.
What is known about Palestinian people?
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.
Palestinians trust people very quickly and they enjoy meeting with internationals from all over the world and spending time with them. In addition, one more fact you must know that Palestinian people give without asking or expecting anything in return, it is part of the Palestinian culture that encourages people to be as generous as they can with their guests.
What might I expect as an international visitor from Palestinian people?
Palestinians are eager to show internationals Palestinian culture and engage with them in many different family and cultural activities, which will make your trip to Palestine full of amazing memories and enjoyable moments. Not only will they wish to show you Palestinian culture but also they are equally very keen to learn of other peoples’ cultures and get to know about their daily habits and how they spend their time.
During your time here, people who are eager to help you enjoy your journey to Palestine will surround you. You might hear them saying “Hello” or “Welcome to Palestine” or “How are you?” or help you to find what you are looking for, as a sign of hospitability and eagerness. They want to make sure that you feel totally comfortable and welcome on their land and among their people no matter from which country you come from.
Do Palestinian families host internationals ?
The answer is simply yes. Many Palestinian families want to host internationals and treat them as if they are part of the family and your host family will want to make you feel comfortable being with them. They will give you all the possible help that they can.
Moreover, being a guest in Palestine means that you will have a special place in the family and the community. For example, in Palestinian culture it brings shame to you if you let your guest wash the dishes or to pay money when you are with a family in a café or restaurant. Even your sleeping arrangements will be the best that the family can offer.
What things might not be expected ?
There some things you might not expect when you deal with people there. For instance, you might be asked to eat more than others when you are invited for a lunch or a dinner. This is totally normal, do not be bothered by this behavior and do not think that people here enforce others to do what they want them to do. This is part of their ingrained hospitality and generosity.
In addition, you may visit a friend’s house and compliment them on the picture on the wall. Be very careful how you do this in Palestine as wherever possible, you will be presented with the item that you have admired and to then refuse it would be hurtful. This is another unique aspect of Palestinian generosity. Keep your compliments general. Instead of saying that you love that dress that your friend is wearing – just say, ‘you look lovely today’, and in the home, ‘you have a lovely home’ rather than complimenting any item in particular.