After leaving the stunning ancient city of Jerusalem, our next stop was the West Bank. We were aware of the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, but we realized we didn’t fully understand the complexity behind it or why a resolution still hadn’t been found.
With gaps in our knowledge, we eagerly embraced the chance to explore this region beyond its popular sites. What made it special was meeting Israelis and Palestinians living in the West Bank to gain firsthand insights. This experience was an invaluable opportunity to understand a place from multiple perspectives.
Our journey began at the Way of the Patriarchs, an ancient biblical route once traversed by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We saw Roman milestones that have marked the road for centuries. We also visited a 2,000-year-old Mikvé, a Jewish cleansing bath used before temple visits.
A highlight of the trip was meeting an Israeli and a Palestinian from the West Bank. Despite typically living separate lives, they were brought together by a group called Roots. This organization encourages dialogue to humanize both sides of the conflict, emphasizing that multiple truths can coexist. Both Israelis and Palestinians feel a deep ancestral connection to the land, and Roots acknowledges these viewpoints without aiming to solve the conflict. Instead, they focus on fostering communication to lessen hostility and promote understanding.
Together with Roots members, we spent hours discussing the area’s history, unique living conditions, and the everyday realities faced by locals. The West Bank, often isolated by security measures, presents challenges for its residents, yet it remains home to them.
Further exploring the region, we visited Taghyeer, a Palestinian grassroots movement founded by peace activist Ali Abu Awwad. Ali shared his journey, highlighting the power of nonviolent resistance following personal loss at the hands of an Israeli soldier. Taghyeer focuses on community needs, including education, women’s empowerment, and youth leadership. Their work aims to build bridges and promote peace between Palestinians and Israelis.
Before departing, Ali invited us for dinner. We enjoyed a meal of Makloubeh, a flavorful dish of rice, chicken, and vegetables served with fresh salads, bread, and dips. It was a fitting end to a day filled with learning and connection.
Leaving the West Bank, we returned to Jerusalem, thankful for the insights and hospitality we encountered. The experiences with Roots and Taghyeer left a lasting impression, showcasing the potential for dialogue and change.