To show modern Palestine both in its people and its institutions, we popped into Birzeit University. Its campus, at the edge of Ramallah, has an enrollment of about 10,000. With beautiful landscaping connecting modern buildings and a student body that seemed like the future leaders of this young country, the campus was a huge contrast with the intense and chaotic cities.
I’ll continue this Holy Land series until November 21st. Then, to celebrate my homecoming, I’ll give a live, free slideshow lecture on Thursday, November 21st at 7 p.m. P.S.T. in Edmonds, Washington. You can attend in person (registration required)…or watch the live webcast from anywhere in the world (no registration required). Learn more at Rick Steves – Holy Land: Israel and Palestine Today.
Comments
4 Replies to “The Hijab — The Meaning of a Scarf”
Dear Rick,
I’ve been critical about much of your reporting but I just realized why it’s so pro-Palestinian. Your report is on Palestine not Israel. I started counting the number of pro-Pal pix and clips versus Israel/Christian. I finally stopped counting about halfway through (Pro/P 30 pix and 4 clips – I/C 5 pix and 2 clips) when I realized this is a Palestinian travelog with Israel as a secondary attraction. I apologize for thinking it was about seeking a two-state solution.
These women are so beautiful and colorful
I honestly don’t believe that Rick has illusions about single-handedly bringing about a two-state solution but I do like that he is bringing more awareness to a not so often traveled destination and it’s culture and it’s people. It is a complex situation but one that bears exploring. Many church groups travel often to Christian sites in Israel and the West Bank but do they engage with the Palestinian people either with a guide or on their own?
I applaud Rick and hope he offers a trip of his own there to folks willing to broaden their understanding.
Thank you Jim. That is exactly the conclusion that I have arrived at!
Dear Rick,
I’ve been critical about much of your reporting but I just realized why it’s so pro-Palestinian. Your report is on Palestine not Israel. I started counting the number of pro-Pal pix and clips versus Israel/Christian. I finally stopped counting about halfway through (Pro/P 30 pix and 4 clips – I/C 5 pix and 2 clips) when I realized this is a Palestinian travelog with Israel as a secondary attraction. I apologize for thinking it was about seeking a two-state solution.
These women are so beautiful and colorful
I honestly don’t believe that Rick has illusions about single-handedly bringing about a two-state solution but I do like that he is bringing more awareness to a not so often traveled destination and it’s culture and it’s people. It is a complex situation but one that bears exploring. Many church groups travel often to Christian sites in Israel and the West Bank but do they engage with the Palestinian people either with a guide or on their own?
I applaud Rick and hope he offers a trip of his own there to folks willing to broaden their understanding.
Thank you Jim. That is exactly the conclusion that I have arrived at!