Edition 1

From the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem to the gold leaves of the Dome of the Rock, from the astonishing views of the Mar Saba monastery to the quietness of the local olive trees, Palestine has so much to offer that showcasing all its richness seems impossible! And yet, despite the challenge, this is the mission that Positively Palestine has given itself, with the support of Germany and the European Union, implemented hand in hand with GIZ, the German Cooperation Agency. We value this initiative that comes at the right time to fill a gap, by putting together and under a magnificent light pieces of information that are too often scattered and known only through specialized networks. So, whether you are a pilgrim eager to visit and pray in the Holy Land, a professional hiker whose ultimate challenge is crossing Wadi El Qelt, an old-stone lover searching for the secrets of the past or a simple tourist who wants to discover this magnificent part of the Middle East, we hope that Positively Palestine will help you discover and understand the magic behind the landscapes. On your way to Palestine and to East Jerusalem where its heart lies, deep in the Old City, do not forget to meet warm-hearted and hospitable Palestinians. There is no trip without personal encounters. Meeting the vibrant and welcoming people of Palestine, listening to their stories of a past between legend and history and a present marked by the daily struggle under occupation and hope for a better future while sharing a piece of local bread, some tea or a typical knafé, will be a most rewarding experience. Positively Palestine will be a most useful guide and a beautiful key to discover this wonderful country, and its people. As the great traveller from the XIVth century AD Ibn Battuta once said “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”. Upon your return home, I am confident that Palestine will remain in your heart and your mind as an unforgettable experience.