Thanks so much for the helpful tips and suggestions for my upcoming work in Egypt.
Last year I had an op-ed piece published in USA Today about the value of understanding the Holy Land. I proposed that finding a way to humanize and give dignity and security to all its residents would be the best thing for Israel’s national security interests. This generated an amazing amount of feedback, both angry and encouraging. And this inspired me to produce a TV show with the same intent that my Iran TV special had: Take a troubled and complicated land that is embroiled in tension (or worse) with our government and treat it as a travel destination. It’s not hammering away at the typical divisive issues, but simply trying to understand the heritage and history of the people who live there. And it’s for viewers to see the value in visiting as a curious tourist who, rather than taking sides, simply wants to learn from a firsthand experience.
Our Iran experience was hugely gratifying. I’m hoping our Palestinian experience will be the same. In April (after Egypt), I’ll be in Israel and the West Bank to scout for two new TV shows: one on Israel and one on the Palestinian Territories. I’ve got a pretty good idea of what to feature in the Israel show. But I’m excited to learn about the West Bank as a tour guide.
There are a million video projects that take sides on the Israel/Palestine issue. The world doesn’t need a Rick Steves TV show piling it on that way. I simply want to feature the West Bank (no Gaza) as a tourist destination…to see its sights and learn about the age-old culture of its people. To humanize and better understand it.
If you have travel experience in the West Bank, what are some facets–cultural and geographic–that I should be sure to weave into my script? If you have a favorite guide who is Palestinian, I’d love the contact information.
Thanks!
Rick,
I commend you for tackling this very complex issue. In October, we just returned from a visit to Israel. Our tour was with Gate1 Travel. This was a non denominational tour. We were extremely impressed with our tour guide Noem, who is Jewish, originally from Moracco. He was extremely carefull to provide non judgemental information. I scenced that he was eager for understanding on all sides. I was so impressed with his friendlyness to the many Palestinians we passed as we walked through the Old City. He knew many by first name. He was so knowlegable about the history and current conditions. I think he could be a real asset to your vision. I’m sure he could be reached through Gate1 Tavel. I will be looking forward to the new program.
Sheila
Kudos to you for doing this, Rick.
My husband and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Israel in October, so I was thrilled to see that you’ll be sharing more about this region with your viewers. One of the highlights of our trip was a day tour of Jerusalem’s Old City led by Green Olive Tours (www.toursinenglish.com). The organization specializes in the West Bank and offers a variety of tours throughout the region. I really appreciated the perspective our guide Mohammad Nabulsi offered, sharing his personal story and taking the care and time I wish all guides would. Finding a true “neutral” perspective proved challenging in this complex region, but I appreciated this company’s ability to present its point of view in an informed, personal, and respectful manner. Happy travels!
What I think is so smart is that Rick talks about the history and both sides of the issues that divide our world. A great example is his show on Iran which featured the common people. Most of the people throughout the world all want the same thing: peace.
So I’m looking forward to watching Rick’s show about Israel and the Palestinians.
Thanks Rick for all you do to bring people together!
Der Doppleganger
WEDU Tampa
JLRMG @ VERIZON.NET
If there was any place in dire need of humanizing, it’s Palestine. This is so needed Rick, can’t wait to see both shows!!
It behooves you to pay a visit to Taybeh, a small village near Ramallah that’s home to the only microbrewery in the Middle East, and perhaps the last majority-Christian zone remaining in the West Bank.
Dear Rick & team,
I think this is a great idea. It is high time someone sheds a light on the many faces of Palestine!
I’ve just moved back home to the US after living in Ramallah for nearly four years, during which time I traveled extensively around the West Bank, Israel, and briefly to Gaza.
I am more than happy to offer some suggestions or insight for your trip preparation. Please feel free to get in touch via email.
Best of luck!
Fabulous!!! I am thrilled to see this happening! I am a newly certified tour director and – sadly – was advised to take the West Bank OFF my resume as “destination knowledge” for fear that it might jeopardize my chances of working professionally. I have traveled to over 40 countries on 6 different continents and the Palestinians provided me with THE best hospitality ever.
Some places to visit besides the usual Ramallah and Bethlehem:
Taybeh! Drink the beer, visit the factory, ask about their famous Octoberfest. Visit the mayor – Daoud Khoury and his brother Nadim Khoury – the owner of the beer factory. (I can give you the contact number of another Khoury whose family runs the most highly rated B&B in the area, if you need. He can also act as a great fixer should you need one. He knows everybody in the WB!)
Also highly suggested is to visit one or more of the refugee camps. Not sure if this would be suitable for airing, but what incredible insight you will gain! (I can put you in touch with the cultural directors of several of these camps – AIDA, Balata and Dheisheh – if you would like.)
Take a tour along the Separation Wall.
If you go at the right time, visit an Olive Harvest or Olive Planting.
Jericho.
Nablus.
Jenin.
Hebron (if you have the stomach)
Bil’in – a wonderful little village known for their weekly protests. (I can also put you in touch with some members of the non-violent Palestinian protest movement, several of whom have been jailed for their activism.)
The Judean Desert.
Please feel free to contact me should you need further information or contact numbers!
Again – THRILLED that you are doing this!
Simone Davis (SimoneDavisTD@hotmail.com)
I know you always hear what a wonderful travel guide you are and I agree with them. I have spent some time in just a few places you have traveled and always love your segments, videography and sense of place. I did spend some time in Israel last summer a while back I traveled to Rome and Israel with Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik and Pittsburgh Rabbi Aaron Bisno. The experiences in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem was remarkable for me. Though I was working as video journalist, I did get to experience some of the people and the culture. I just wish I could have spent more time with the people. My summer trips to Israel and Poland last year were also incredible. If you are even passing thru Pittsburgh, let me know.
This is fabulous news. i have to concur with Simone, ” THE best hospitality ever. ”
Palestinians are overwhelmingly generous and just.. fun. They know how to celebrate life.
Just a quick logisitcal tip…. When I was in Israel last November I decided to take an unsceduled trip over to Bethlehem. All the locals I asked told me to just take bus 21. I went to the Israeli bus station in Jerusalem and took bus 21 and wound-up riding-around residential neighborhoods in west Jerusalem. Turns-out there is a Jewish/Israeli bus station a couple miles west of the old city, then there is an Arab/Palastinian bus station just outside Damascus gate. You must go to the one outside Damascus gate to get to Palastine from Jerusalem. On the plus-side, I met some fantastic locals on my erroneous adventure in west Jerusalem and got to see the daily lives of average Israelis living in Jerusalem; it was time well-spent (even though it wasn’t intended) In fact, I’m still facebook friends with an Israeli college student I met on the bus : )
For background, as well as entertainment, see this 2012 French film, The Other Son. To quote Rotten Tomatoes: a tale of two young men — one Israeli, the other Palestinian — who discover they were accidentally switched at birth, and the complex repercussions facing them and their respective families.