Hebron

Hebron is the 2nd holiest site in Judaism after Jerusalem and 1 of the 4 holy cities of Islam. This is where Abraham settled and purchased the caves that are now known as the tombs of the biblical patriarchs and matriarchs (see another post).
Hebron is an important economic engine in the West Bank due to it's limestone quarries, agriculture, pottery, glassblowing and dairy products.
Politically, Hebron is described as a microcosm of the Israel/Palestinian issue. Administration of the city is divided between the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli military. The people are divided and rarely interact. It seems that there is much distrust and even fear of the other here. I found that most sad.
The 1st picture looks over the city from high in the Israeli section of town. The large building is the tomb of the patriarchs and matriarchs (see another post). The small Israeli section is below and to the left of the tomb building. The rest is Palestinian, much of which can be seen in the 2nd picture.
The 3rd picture is Beit Hadassah. This is now a cultural center that had previously been a charity and clinic for all the people of the region.
The 4th picture is in the casbah and old market in the old city of Hebron. This is part of the Arab occupied sections of Hebron.
The 5th picture looks up from a street in the casbah that doesn't have a roof. Notice the wire mesh that is placed to catch objects falling from above.
The last picture is is a shop in the casbah that is being expanded and renovated into a museum. That is a mill used to grind sesame seeds for tahini and sesame oil. The entire process will eventually be shown.Leggi altro