The Siraj Center was one of three finalists at the Tourism for Tomorrow awards in Abu Dhabi. The keynote speaker at the awards was President Bill Clinton. Siraj was selected from more than 130 applicants worldwide, and was recognized for its outstanding work in bringing the benefits of tourism to local communities throughout Palestine.
A multi-national group cycled all the way from Jenin to Jerusalem, passing through Nablus, Taybeh, Jericho, Bethlehem, and Hebron before then they finished their tour in the Old City.
An American delegation from the US, led by Pastor Jeff Wright and his wife Janet,
visited Palestine again this year.The group met with Israelis and Palestinians, Jews, Muslims and Christians to engage in dialogue and to hear different perspectives on the conflict.
A group of American students from Boston College came to learn more about the
social and political challenges facing Palestine. The visited major towns including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, Nazareth and Jaffa, as well as touring the Negev desert.
An Italian delegationhiked along the Nativity trial, beginning at Nazareth where they toured the Church of the Annunciation and the House of Mary.
A small American delegation visited Palestine as part of a cultural and political tour organized by the Siraj Center. The group toured cultural sites including Bethlehem and Hebron.
A Belgium group completed a walk along the northern segment of the Masar Ibrahim (Abraham’s Path) in Palestine. They group began their journey in Nablus, exploring the old city before staying overnight with local families in the village of Awarta.
An American delegation, including the parents of murdered US activist Rachel Corrie, visited Gaza between November 3rd and November 11th, just a day before Israel’s brutal attack on the strip. Their visit was an expression on solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza who live under siege.
It is our pleasure to announce that the Siraj Center- the Palestinian Center for Rapprochement between People has been highly commended for the Responsible Tourism Award for Best Engagement between People and Culture, 2012.
Inspired by the call of Palestinian Christians, a delegation of Christians Churches from Canada came to Palestine on pilgrimage, visiting all the holy sites and meeting with the people of Palestine.
An American delegation visited the West Bank to express their solidarity with Palestinian olive farmers. The group visited Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Nablus and Jenin, learning first hand about everyday life and culture in Palestine.
A French group visited Palestine as part of a cultural tour organized by the Siraj Center. The group toured cultural heritage sites including Bethlehem, Hebron, Jerusalem, as well as the north of the West Bank. The delegation enjoyed Palestinian culture, food, and hospitality.
A multinational delegation walked the entire Nativity Trail from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The delegation started with a day tour in Nazareth, visiting the Church of Annunciation, the House of Mary, and the Sea of Galilee.
A Bike Palestine group cycled all the way from Jenin to Hebron, finishing their tour in Jerusalem. The group cycled through a huge variety of landscapes, visiting historic and heritage sites along the way and enjoying Palestine’s food, hospitality, and culture.
In partnership with the Freedom Theatre in Jenin, the Siraj Center organized the first Freedom Bus - Play Back Theatre ride. The participants learned about life in Palestine under occupation through an exploration of different issues, such as water and land confiscation.
An delegation of academics from Ireland spent a week in Palestine, visiting the universities of Bethlehem, Birzeit, and Al Najah and meeting with their Palestinian counterparts at these institutions .
An international group of hikers completed a walk along the northern segment of the Palestinian Heritage Trail in Palestine. They group began their journey in Nablus, exploring the old city before staying overnight with local families in the village of Awarta.
Siraj Center hosted a delegation of artists from America, organized by the Fellowship of Reconciliation USA. The delegation painted murals in the towns of Hebron, Nablus and Jenin, in solidarity with the Palestinian people living under Israeli occupation.