Destination: Palestine

This is clip #4 of a 10-part series of interviews I did while producing our public television special Rick Steves’ The Holy Land: Israelis and Palestinians Today. Considering the impact of American policies on the daily lives of both Israelis and Palestinians, this is my attempt to introduce you to some people in both camps whose voices might otherwise not be heard.

Kamal Mukarker (kamal_mukarker@hotmail.com) was a wonderful guide and fixer for our film shoot — and is now a good friend. As we filmed in the lounge of our Lutheran-run hotel in Bethlehem, Kamal shared with us his take on life — and tourism — in the West Bank. Since working with Kamal, I’ve recommended many Americans to hire him for their own trips, and they’ve also had wonderful experiences. (I’d happily to pay the cost to hire Kamal for anyone in the Trump Administration who might like to balance their understanding of the challenges of this region by hearing the Palestinian narrative firsthand.)

This is clip #2 of a 10-part series of interviews I did while producing our public television special Rick Steves’ The Holy Land: Israelis and Palestinians Today. Considering the impact of American policies on the daily lives of both Israelis and Palestinians, this is my attempt to introduce you to some people in both camps whose voices might otherwise not be heard.

Old rusty keys are found in refugee camps throughout the West Bank. They are the keys the residents of hundreds of Arab villages took with them when they fled their homes in 1948, expecting to return shortly. In this clip, we meet the director of a Palestinian refugee camp discussing the symbolic power of the key. Land for Palestinians is a complicated and very human challenge that deserves a thoughtful response from American leaders.

There’s no doubt, our new presidential administration will bring lots of changes. And one change that has been in the news lately is our relationship with Israel, and with the Palestinians. Not long ago, I traveled in both Israel and Palestine to produce a one-hour public television special called Rick Steves’ The Holy Land: Israelis and Palestinians Today. My goal was to offer a “dual narrative” look at the region, considering the challenges in that part of the world from both an Israeli and a Palestinian perspective. Today that special — which you can stream online for free, in its entirety — feels particularly relevant.

One regret I had in producing our Holy Land show was that a lot of fascinating material wound up on the cutting-room floor. We filmed several insightful interviews with both Israelis and Palestinians that have never been available online…until now. Over the next 10 days, I’ll be sharing 10 different interviews with people I met in the Holy Land. Considering the impact of American policies on the daily lives of both Israelis and Palestinians, this is my attempt to introduce you to some people in both camps whose voices might otherwise not be heard.

First up: While we ate a fast-food lunch in a West Bank settlement shopping mall, we met a smart, young, professional Jewish couple with a big family. They were not only willing to talk with our camera rolling, but they were well-spoken and expert at articulating the Israeli case.

For my holiday season gift to you, I’m sharing three exciting glimpses of why I love traveling in Europe — and beyond. Over the last two days, we’ve covered remote and sacred slices of Europe. Today, we’re focusing on a wild sort of travel, venturing into the Judean Desert of the West Bank, in Palestine.

These images share the joy I get from my work. Along with my 100 workmates here at Rick Steves’ Europe, I’m working harder than ever. And knowing that because of our hard work, thousands of our travelers (whether taking our tours, watching our TV shows, listening to our radio programs, or reading our guidebooks) are inspired to get out of their comfort zones brings me great satisfaction. In a sense, our writers and guides here at Rick Steves’ Europe are all about helping travelers take home the very best souvenir: a broader perspective.

Happy dreams of exciting travels…

-Rick

(By the way, for an hour of this kind of travel, be sure to watch our new special, Rick Steves’ The Holy Land: Israelis and Palestinians Today, on your local public television station.)

If you can’t see the video below, watch it on YouTube.