Journey Through Palestine - Travel Documentary

Palestine means a lot of different things to many people, and may not be the most obvious travel destination. It is often associated with conflict and political unrest, overlooking the fact that it’s also a beautiful and fascinating region, with a vibrant culture, incredible historic landmarks, spectacular natural scenery, inspiring religious sites, tasty food, and friendly, welcoming people.

On this journey, I’m traveling through the Holy Land, a region important to the three main monotheistic religions, and known today as Israel and Palestine.

In this first episode, I’m exploring the West Bank, the largest and most accessible part of Palestine. From stunning natural scenery to intriguing historic sites. From the busy streets of Ramallah to the narrow alleyways of Nablus’ old city. From religious landmarks in Hebron and Bethlehem to the ancient ruins of Jericho. Along the way, I meet some of the people that call this land home, and sample the local cuisine.

I’ll do so from a traveler’s perspective, focusing on the positive stories and things to do. But here and there I also mention the conflict between Israel and Palestine, since it has impacted the lives of many people in the region. For those interested in the politics and modern history of the region, however, I recommend to read, watch, and listen to as many different sources as you can.

This is my first long trip after the pandemic started, and I’m grateful for the chance to travel again. It’s also my second visit to the region. While much of the footage is from the end of 2021 (including the ‘vlog style’ parts), I’ll also use some background material from 5 years earlier.

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Copyright of all footage: Hoffer Media

Here’s a brief overview of the content in this video:

We start this journey in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, with its impressive Church of the Nativity at its core. After visiting the church, I explore the streets around it, meeting people and eating food in the bustling bazaar. There are many other places worth your time in and around Bethlehem, including the Milk Grotto, an olive oil factory (press), Shepherd’s Fields, and the Mar Saba monastery, surrounded by arid mountains.

Hebron is the next stop, a city in the South of Palestine, and (among other things) famous for its glassblowing factories, and also the Tomb of the Patriarch, or Ibrahimi Mosque. The streets around this place are divided between the local Palestinian community and Israeli settlers. As a tourist, you can visit both areas. At the end of the day, my guide Salwa takes me to a traditional Palestinian restaurant, where we eat some delicious food.

We continue this trip in Jericho, regarded as the oldest city in the world. Located next to the Dead Sea, it’s also one of the lowest cities on our planet, and can get very hot in Summer. Other sights to visit around Jericho include the Dead Sea, Nabi Musa, Qasr-al-Yahud, and St George’s Monastery, built into a cliff in Wadi Qelt.

Getting lost in the narrow alleys of Nablus’ old city was among my favorite things to do. There’s a surprise waiting for you around every corner, and perhaps the best one was the Al Aqsa kunafeh store, which is said to make the best version of this Palestinian dessert, which is popular around the Middle East.

We finish this journey in Ramallah, a young and dynamic city, attracting people from around the region to find work and get educated. It’s a commercial hub with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and provides a different perspective on this part of Palestine.

[katrb]

Such a nice video, my prayers for the people in Palestine 🇵🇸 🙏🏻

[faridazna]

Prayers are the people of Palestine. Thank you for showing the beautiful homeland Palestinian people.

[jheevanp]

As an avg Indian whose knowledge about Palestine was news articles, I never in a 100 yrs would have thought this place is so serene and welcoming. I want to visit Palestine soon. Hope the war stops soon.

[vikramrghanekar]

Lovely documentary. What I love the most, is the mild manner with which you approach your destinations. There is no hint of self promotion or aggression which otherwise is pretty common in most vlogs on YouTube. You give due importance and respect to the things you see, the people you meet. Thank you for giving us window into these uncommon destinations like Palestine here. Please do continue making more such travelogues.

[infinityandbeyond]

Thanks, Stef. I feel elated and filled with awe watching beautiful and spiritual places in Palestine. I never knew Palestine was so beautiful. All Thanks to you, Stef, this is the most beautiful travel video of Palestine I have ever seen. May peace be bestowed on the amazing and beautiful people of this region, and I pray for a peaceful tomorrow.

[Valerie-dnvg]

Beautiful country and people ❤. They seem so nice and welcoming! Hello from California 🥰 . #FREEPALESTINE 🇵🇸🙏🏼♥️

[paulinemuthoni]

I never knew Palestine 🇵🇸 is this beautiful 😍😍it breaks my heart. Seeing them fighting 💔 I hope they'll have peace 🙏🙏this city is magical ✨️ 💖 🥰😍😍

[muralidharan]

മനോഹരമായ പാലസ്തീൻ പാലസ്തീൻ ജനതക്കു വേണ്ടി പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കുന്നു

[nal_er]

The people of Palestine were so friendly. The food was incredible!

[Sorriyabanadouri]

I pray most of these lovely people are still alive. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free🇵🇸❤️

[lindapadilla]

Sooo beautiful! My heart is broken for this part of the world 😢

[marleenneil]

I’m thankful to accidentally happen upon this video; thank you. It’s a piece of art🙏

[UPynyarLawka]

Thank you so much, May be peaceful all the Palestine people, animals &birds from Myanmar.😊

[fardous]

Our support to Palestinian brothers and sisters has always been and will be inshaAllah, love to you all the way from Bangladesh 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇵🇸🇵🇸💗💌

[shams]

Love this Documentary 😊..prayers for beloved Palestinian innocent people and children!!

[youneselk]

They deserve peace and freedom ❤
They teach us too many things 🇵🇸✌
Thanks for sharing 🙌

[UnaLatinaViviendoEnpalestina]

How are you friend I from Colombia 🇨🇴 but living in Palestine (Nablus)😊 welcome everyone.
Thanks for your documentary👏👌

[irenajurzak]

Thank you Stef for a beautiful video of Palestine . I’ve never seen anything like this before.
Thanks again for a wonderful job!

[farooqsiddiqui]

I love Palestine I wish to visit all these most beautiful places thanx to upload a very informative video
💖 from Karachi Pakistan 💖

[isratkarim]

So beautiful country and other religions people can live peacefully here ❤