{"id":6101,"date":"2017-04-19T15:18:37","date_gmt":"2017-04-19T11:18:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=6101\/"},"modified":"2025-11-07T20:27:01","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T18:27:01","slug":"visiting-hebron-troubled-city-palestine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visiting-hebron-troubled-city-palestine\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting Hebron: The most troubled city in Palestine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/visiting-hebron-abraham-mosque-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/visiting-hebron-abraham-mosque-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/visiting-hebron-abraham-mosque-1024x684.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-6140\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>That moment when you realize that the Mosque and Synagogue of the Cave of the Patriarchs, one of the holiest sites for both Jews and Muslims, are separated by bulletproof glass, you realize that you are in quite a tense place but, the truth is that you are in Hebron: the most troubled city in Palestine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"convertkit-form wp-block-convertkit-form\" style=\"\"><script async data-uid=\"966cc0f59d\" src=\"https:\/\/exceptional-creator-2216.kit.com\/966cc0f59d\/index.js\" data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" data-no-defer=\"1\" nowprocket><\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Visiting-Hebron-2-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Visiting-Hebron-2-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Visiting-Hebron-2-685x1024.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-6143\" style=\"width:458px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">Visiting Hebron: The most troubled city in Palestine<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background has-link-color wp-elements-aa4b21c2c92179f72765c56eae568f08\" style=\"background-color:#dbe2da\"><strong>Remember that COVID travel insurance is mandatory for traveling to both Palestine &amp; Israel<\/strong><br>I strongly recommend <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=hebron_troubledcity_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong>: COVID-19 coverage + 5% discount<br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=hebron_troubledcity_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">5% discount if purchasing via this link<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article is aimed at travelers interested in visiting Hebron, so I have tried to give an objective opinion about the conflict, based on what both Palestinians and Israeli settlers told me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What&#8217;s my actual opinion? If you would like to discuss it further with me, please leave a comment below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hebron\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hebron<\/a><\/strong>, the largest city in the West Bank, is located in the south of the region. In case you didn\u2019t know, Palestine is divided into two regions: the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, both separated by the state of Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hebron is home to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cave_of_the_Patriarchs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cave of the Patriarchs<\/a><\/strong>, the place where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah are buried, Abraham being the most important figure and considered a Prophet by Muslims. The Cave of the Patriarchs is the second holiest place for Jews and the fourth for Muslims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7\">Do you want to visit Hebron with a passionate, professional local guide, who will tell you everything about the political situation? <br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/jerusalem-l97\/full-day-tour-of-hebron-the-city-of-abraham-t23582\/?partner_id=51CMUEB&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=joan%40againstthecompass.com&amp;placement=content-middle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6137\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/visiting-hebron-cave-of-patriarchs-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/visiting-hebron-cave-of-patriarchs-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/visiting-hebron-cave-of-patriarchs-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Visiting Hebron - The Tomb of the Patriarchs\" class=\"wp-image-6137\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em><span style=\"color: #808080;\">The Synagogue<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The city of Hebron has one peculiarity, which is that it is the only city in Palestine where Jewish settlements are within the city center itself. It&#8217;s quite a critical situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And why is that so? In order to understand it, we should look back at its history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A piece of (very short) history<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The history of Hebron is complicated but, summarizing, Jews have been present in this city from Biblical times, and Muslims have also lived there for many centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the middle of the 19th century, there were just a few Jewish communities and Hebron was deeply Islamic, with a tradition of hostility to Jews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to Zionism, the number of Jewish people kept increasing, however, in 1929, the Arabs committed a massacre, killing around seventy Jews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The survivors were forced to leave Hebron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1967, after the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Six-Day_War\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">6 Days War<\/a><\/strong>, Hebron came under Israeli control. From then, given its strong religious symbolism, the Israeli Government started to build settlements within the Old City itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">Read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/palestinian-scarf-kuffiya-factory-hebron\/\">The art of the Palestine &#8211; Visiting the kuffiyah factory in Hebron<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6107\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/jeiwsh-settlement-hebron-main-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/jeiwsh-settlement-hebron-main-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/jeiwsh-settlement-hebron-main-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"The Jewish settlement of Hebr\u00f3n\" class=\"wp-image-6107\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\">The Jewish settlement<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"s1\">Visiting Hebron: The situation nowadays<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Israel has been building settlements for more than 50 years, to the extent that, today, the city is completely divided. H1 is the area controlled by the Palestinians (80%) and H2 is the area controlled by the Israelis (20%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"s1\">If you own a passport which doesn\u2019t belong to a Muslim country, it\u2019s possible to visit both sides. Otherwise, it won&#8217;t be possible for you to visit the settlements and synagogue.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"s1\">The full itinerary takes 5 or 6 hours approximately, going slowly and including a lunch break and visiting the Cave of patriarchs (from both sides).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7\">Do you want to visit Hebron with a passionate, professional local guide, who will tell you everything about the political situation?<br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/jerusalem-l97\/full-day-tour-of-hebron-the-city-of-abraham-t23582\/?partner_id=51CMUEB&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=joan%40againstthecompass.com&amp;placement=content-middle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">H1 &#8211; The Palestinian side<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the old city of Hebron, what used to be a busy market, full of joy and happiness, is today nothing but a semi-abandoned area, whose inhabitants can\u2019t avoid expressing their hatred of the settlers, every time they meet a foreigner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6121\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-abandoned-old-city-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-abandoned-old-city-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-abandoned-old-city-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Abandoned Old City Hebron\" class=\"wp-image-6121\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">The Old City soul used to be a busy place but, today, it\u2019s just an abandoned street<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6113\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-old-city-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-old-city-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-old-city-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Visiting Hebron - The Old City souq\" class=\"wp-image-6113\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The Old City souq<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the Old City is covered by a metal fence, to protect the street and the people from settlers throwing garbage at them, from their houses. After the fence was built, the settlers started throwing bleach, eggs, and excrements as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6111\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-protector-fence-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-protector-fence-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-protector-fence-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"The fence that protects from the settlers violence in Hebron\" class=\"wp-image-6111\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The fence that protects from the settler\u2019s violence<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6119\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-garbage-settlers-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-garbage-settlers-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-garbage-settlers-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Garbage Hebron settlers\" class=\"wp-image-6119\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The garbage the settlers throw at the Arabs, piled on the fence<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Arab buildings situated in front of the Jewish buildings are also a target for the settlers and, for this reason, their balconies and windows are protected with strong metal bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some Palestinians claim that, occasionally, the settlers have even thrown Molotov cocktails at them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6127\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/arabs-hebron-1024x864.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/arabs-hebron-1024x864.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/arabs-hebron-1024x864.jpg\" alt=\"Arabs Hebron\" class=\"wp-image-6127\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>The Arabs were forced to protect their windows from the settler\u2019s violence<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Israeli Army doesn\u2019t do anything to prevent this sort of violence from the settlers. However, they have the right to shoot at any Palestinian who attempts violence against any settler, even if it&#8217;s in self-defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many streets in the Old City were just abandoned, and business and shops were closed, either because they were afraid of the settlers or because the Israeli authorities blocked them, for security reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">Read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-lebanon\/\">Lebanon 15-day itinerary<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6109\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-wall-separation-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-wall-separation-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hebron-wall-separation-1024x684.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-6109\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The Israeli authorities blocked streets to build Israeli settlements. Behind this wall you find the Jewish settlement<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Abraham\u2019s tomb &#8211; Neutral zone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After the H1 itinerary, you find a checkpoint to access Abraham\u2019s tomb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6135\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/abrahams-mosque-check-point-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/abrahams-mosque-check-point-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/abrahams-mosque-check-point-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Abraham\u2019s mosque checkpoint\" class=\"wp-image-6135\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>To enter Abraham\u2019s Mosque, the Palestinians need to go through strict checkpoints<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Abraham&#8217;s tomb is literally located between the synagogue and the mosque, so it&#8217;s visible from both sites. However, in 1994, an American Jewish entered the mosque and opened fire, killing 24 Palestinians, during prayer time on a Friday in Ramadan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was a real act of cruelty that moved the entire world. Since then, the security checkpoints have become just insane and Jews can&#8217;t enter the mosque and Muslims can&#8217;t enter the synagogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Abraham&#8217;s Tomb, which is the area shared by both religions, is separated by a bulletproof window. This place is just crazy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7\">Do you want to visit Hebron with a passionate, professional local guide, who will tell you everything about the political situation? <br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/jerusalem-l97\/full-day-tour-of-hebron-the-city-of-abraham-t23582\/?partner_id=51CMUEB&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=joan%40againstthecompass.com&amp;placement=content-middle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6139\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/visiting-hebron-abraham-mosque-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/visiting-hebron-abraham-mosque-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/visiting-hebron-abraham-mosque-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Visiting Hebron - The Abraham\u2019s mosque\" class=\"wp-image-6139\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Abraham\u2019s mosque<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6133\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/abrahams-tomb-military-security-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/abrahams-tomb-military-security-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/abrahams-tomb-military-security-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Abraham&#039;s tomb military security\" class=\"wp-image-6133\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Inside the synagogue itself, the military presence is high<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6131\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/abrahams-tomb-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/abrahams-tomb-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/abrahams-tomb-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Abraham&#039;s tomb - bulletproof window\" class=\"wp-image-6131\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Abraham\u2019s tomb and the bulletproof window, which separates the mosque from the synagogue<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"convertkit-form wp-block-convertkit-form\" style=\"\"><script async data-uid=\"966cc0f59d\" src=\"https:\/\/exceptional-creator-2216.kit.com\/966cc0f59d\/index.js\" data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" data-no-defer=\"1\" nowprocket><\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">H2 &#8211; The Jewish side<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Jewish side is of less interest than the Palestinian for the simple reason that it\u2019s just a residential area. The streets, which used to be busy, have become mere transit roads for the military.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On these streets, there are still a few Arab families living. To protest against that, some Jews painted the star of David on each one of their doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6123\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/closed-street_-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/closed-street_-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/closed-street_-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Arab houses stamped with the star of David\" class=\"wp-image-6123\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>This street was closed for military transit purposes. A few Arabs still live there and, as a sign of protest, the settlers stamped their houses with the symbol of David<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you wish to have a broad and generic opinion about the conflict in Hebron, I suggest you talk to any settler living there and let them tell you their side of the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since they\u2019ve received a lot of international criticism, many of them will be happy to share their version with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Basically, they will talk to you about the 1929 massacre, when Arabs killed over 60 Jews. The Jews have inhabited Hebron since Biblical times and Abraham\u2019s tomb is one of the holiest places for their religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They have the right to live in Hebron and banning them from living there would be the equivalent of banning Muslims from visiting or living in Mecca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6105\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/jeiwsh-settlement-hebron-praying-1024x634.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/jeiwsh-settlement-hebron-praying-1024x634.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/jeiwsh-settlement-hebron-praying-1024x634.jpg\" alt=\"A Jewish praying in the Jewish settlement of Hebron\" class=\"wp-image-6105\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>A Jewish praying in the Jewish settlement<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>They also say that the Israeli Government and Jewish Institutions in New York are offering 20 million USD to every Palestinian family who leaves their house in the Old City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the Palestinians refuse it for two reasons: Firstly, they claim that, according to the Quran, if they accepted, they would go straight to hell for helping the enemy. Secondly, because if they did, they would have to leave the country because all Palestinians would exclude them from their society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-6129\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/arabs-hebron-check-point-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/arabs-hebron-check-point-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/arabs-hebron-check-point-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Hebron checkpoint\" class=\"wp-image-6129\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>The checkpoint for those few Arabs who live in the Jewish settlement<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s the actual truth?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like a good Palestinian friend of mine once told me, the reality is so complex that we will never be able to know the real truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More information about visiting Hebron<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Don\u2019t forget your passport!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Tours<\/strong> &#8211; <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/jerusalem-l97\/full-day-tour-of-hebron-the-city-of-abraham-t23582\/?partner_id=51CMUEB&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=joan%40againstthecompass.com&amp;placement=content-middle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GetYourGuide<\/a><\/strong> offers tours which can be booked with just one click and always count with professional local guides. Their Hebron tour is run by a very passionate local dude. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/jerusalem-l97\/full-day-tour-of-hebron-the-city-of-abraham-t23582\/?partner_id=51CMUEB&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=joan%40againstthecompass.com&amp;placement=content-middle\" style=\"border-radius:11px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>How to get in<\/strong> &#8211; There are direct buses from several big cities, including Jerusalem (16ISL &#8211; 8$), Bethlehem (8ISL &#8211; 4$) and Ramallah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Is it safe to visit?<\/strong> &#8211; Yes. Violence is occasional and it would never target foreigners. Besides, the weapons used are bleach and excrements rather than bullets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is it possible to visit Hebron on a day trip?<\/strong> &#8211; Yes. It&#8217;s possible to visit Hebron on a day trip if your intention is to just do the main itinerary. However, Hebron has many interesting sites, such as the Palestinian Kafiyya factory, Abraham&#8217;s monastery or enjoying the multiple restaurants serving traditional Palestinian food. Visiting these places would require additional time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where to eat<\/strong> &#8211; Around the Old City, you&#8217;ll just find Arab fast food. The area containing all the restaurants serving traditional food is far away from the city center. These are the coordinates:<em> 31.5550231,35.0997087<\/em>. However, unless you spend the night in Hebron, you won&#8217;t have time to go there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to stay in Hebron<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Backpacker&#8217;s Hostel &#8211;<\/strong> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/ps\/friends-hostel-area-b-hebron.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=hebron_visit_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Friends Hostel.Area B<\/span><\/a><\/strong> &#8211; Located in the center of Hebron city, this property has a separate dormitory rooms for male and female and 1 private room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/ps\/friends-hostel-area-b-hebron.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=hebron_visit_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100l36N5\/pubref:hebron_visit_en\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fpwa%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FFriends-Hostel-Area-B%2FHebron%2F301759%3F\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe7549\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Hostelworld<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>NGO Hostel<span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"> &#8211; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100l36N5\/pubref:hebron_visit_en\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FLamar-Hostel%2FHebron%2F267326%3F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Lamar Hostel<\/span><\/a><\/strong><span style=\"color: #0068b3;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100l36N5\/pubref:hebron_visit_en\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FLamar-Hostel%2FHebron%2F267326%3F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"> <\/a><\/strong><\/span>&#8211; This hostel is owned by the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee (HRC), an organization which aims at providing with decent housing to Palestinians living in the Old City. If you stay here, you will help to improve the life of the many Palestinians suffering in Hebron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100l36N5\/pubref:hebron_visit_en\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FLamar-Hostel%2FHebron%2F267326%3F\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe7549\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Hostelworld<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.couchsurfing.com\/people\/modawood\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Couchsurfing at Mo&#8217;s<\/span><\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; Mo is a Palestinian who has hosted over hundreds of people in Hebron. He was more than happy to be included in my guide Meeting Mo was one of the highlights of my trip!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to check our <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-palestine-travel-west-bank\/\"><strong>travel guide to Palestine<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As well as all our Palestine articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-gaza\/\">A City Guide to Gaza<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/palestinian-scarf-kuffiya-factory-hebron\/\">A Guide to Kuffiya Factory in Hebron<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/dheisheh-palestinian-refugee-camp-bethelehem\/\">Palestinian Refugee Camp in Bethlehem<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-know-traveling-palestine\/\">Things to know about Palestine<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e2ecf6\"><em> Si te gusta mi blog y encontraste el art\u00edculo \u00fatil, que sepas que si comprases cualquier servicio a trav\u00e9s de cualquiera de mis links, me llevar\u00eda una peque\u00f1a comisi\u00f3n sin que a ti te suponga un coste adicional. Dichas ganancias son las que me ayudan a mantener este blog con vida.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Visiting-Hebron-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Visiting-Hebron-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Visiting-Hebron-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Visiting Hebron\" class=\"wp-image-6141\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:500px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>That moment when you realize that the Mosque and Synagogue of the Cave of the Patriarchs, one of the holiest sites for both Jews and Muslims, are separated by bulletproof glass, you realize that you are in quite a tense place but, the truth is that you are in Hebron: the most troubled city in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6139,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[191,156],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6101","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-israel-palestinian-territories","category-middle-east"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6101","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6101"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6101\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49361,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6101\/revisions\/49361"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6101"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}