Painting "Playing for Return" (2020) from the "The Flute and the Goldfinch" series - by Palestinian artist Fayez Al-Hasani

Painting "Playing for Return" (2020) from the "The Flute and the Goldfinch" series - by Palestinian artist Fayez Al-Hasani

 https://x.com/Boudicca61AD/status/2102201352726220955/photo/1

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1910, Bethlehem, Palestine 🇵🇸 The Greek Orthodox monastery of Mar Saba overlooking the Kidron Valley ☦️

1910, Bethlehem, Palestine  The Greek Orthodox monastery of Mar Saba overlooking the Kidron Valley 

Pals

@palsofnations

 

1910, Bethlehem, Palestine  The Greek Orthodox monastery of Mar Saba overlooking the Kidron Valley 

 

Founded in 483 by Sabas the Sanctified, the Monastery of Mar Saba is regarded as one of the oldest continuously inhabited monasteries in the world and today is home to approximately 20 monks.

 

It preserves the relics of Saint Sabbas, whose spiritual legacy shaped early Christian monasticism in the Holy Land. 

 

Mar Saba was also the residence of John of Damascus, a central theological figure during the Iconoclastic Controversy. 

 

The monastery holds particular significance in the historical development of Orthodox liturgy. 

 

The monastic Typicon (the order and structure of worship services) established by Saint Sabbas became the liturgical standard for the Eastern Orthodox Church, as well as for the Eastern Catholic Churches that follow the Byzantine Rite, profoundly influencing Christian worship traditions to this day.

 https://x.com/palsofnations/status/2027308076110372870

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‘Olives are everything for us’: West Bank farmers prevented from harvesting by settler violence... About 70% of town’s olives are inaccessible without risking a potentially fatal clash with Israeli settlers

Mahmud Hassan, the mayor of As-Sawiya, pointing to inaccessible olive groves. Photograph: Jason Burke/The Guardian

Jason Burke and Sufian Taha in As-Sawiya

Mon 3 Nov 2025 05.53 EST

Around As-Sawiya, rolling hills covered in fields and orchards rise to a horizon sharp against a pristine blue sky. It is a stunning view. But look closer and it becomes clear why the few thousand residents of this small town in the north of the Israeli-occupied West Bank say they are under siege – and why the olives are still heavy on the trees two weeks after the official date of the beginning of the annual harvest.

From the highest point in As-Sawiya, Mahmud Hassan, the mayor, points out the olive orchards on the other side of the highway below the town. They lie on land owned by local families but are now impossible to reach without risking a potentially fatal clash with Israeli settlers who live in settlements around the town, or with Israeli security forces, he says. In all, about 70% of the town’s olives are currently inaccessible.

“Our olives are everything for us: the backbone of our economy, in our homes, on our tables, in our culture. These last years have brought nothing but misery to us,” says Hassan, 68.

The situation is the same across much of the West Bank. Since the beginning of October, the Palestinian Farmers’ Union (PFU) has logged more than 50 incidents of violence or destruction.

The UN has recorded more: 86 olive harvest-related settler attacks resulting in casualties, property damage or both, including several incidents reported in the days before the official start of the season on 9 October. More than 3,000 trees and saplings have been damaged and 112 Palestinians injured, including 50 by settlers.

“Incidents entailed attacks on farmers inside or on their way to olive groves, theft of crops and harvesting equipment, and vandalism of olive trees,” the UN said. “In total, 50 villages and towns have been affected,” an increase on last year’s harvest when there were 80 incidents in 48 villages and towns that led to the injury of 50 Palestinians.

Records kept by the PFU show incidents of violence have soared fourfold, from three or four daily before the war in Gaza. The most recent attacks are “not random, but deliberate efforts to undermine Palestinian rural life”, the PFU said in a statement.

 The Israeli settlers in the West Bank are supported by far-right ministers, part of the country’s ruling coalition, the most rightwing in Israel’s history. Last month, a bill introduced by far-right lawmakers applying Israeli law to the West Bank, a move tantamount to annexation... READ MORE  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/03/olives-settler-violence-west-bank-farmers

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Seder Plate [2006] poem by Susan Eisenberg

Seder Plate poem from Susan Eisenberg's 2006 book of Poetry BLIND SPOT

"Surif is one of the beautiful Palestinian mountain towns located 25 km northwest of the city of Hebron. It also rises about 600 meters above sea level. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, and famous for the cultivation of olives, figs, almonds, grapes, pears, appricots and other fruits." Ibtisam Suleiman

Travel Palestine

Surif is one of the beautiful Palestinian mountain towns located 25 km northwest of the city of Hebron. It also rises about 600 meters above sea level. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, and famous for the cultivation of olives, figs, almonds, grapes, pears, appricots and other fruits.

Ibtisam Suleiman

#landscape #mountains #nature #fruits #cultivation #hebron #palestine

In the vibrant tapestry of Palestine, Christians and Muslims intertwine as friends –each Christian cherishing a Muslim companion, and every Muslim embracing a Christian confidant. (NABLUS TAMREYAH recipe) in This Week in Palesitne

 

https://thisweekinpalestine.com/nablus-tamreyeh/

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Nablus Tamreyeh

By Rawan Asaad

In the tapestry of spiritual observances, Christians worldwide, alongside their brethren in Palestine, embark on the solemn journey of Great Lent, a forty-day odyssey of abstinence from all animal products. Coincidentally, Muslims also engage in fasting during the sacred month of Ramadan. Amidst these hallowed moments, we unveil the recipe for Nablus Tamreyeh – a delectable confection void of animal derivatives, bearing the mantle of veganism, exuding lightness, vitality, and an unmistakable Palestinian essence.

In the vibrant tapestry of Palestine, Christians and Muslims intertwine as friends –each Christian cherishing a Muslim companion, and every Muslim embracing a Christian confidant. Amidst the shared bonds of neighbors, colleagues, and acquaintances, let the aroma of this delectable dessert unite hearts. Whether gifted to your Christian companion or your Muslim confidant, delve into its sweetness and watch prayers bloom during these sanctified moments.

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Ingredients

For the dough:

– ¾ c flour

– ¼ c water (more or less as needed)

– a pinch of salt

For the filling:

– ½ c coarse semolina

– ½ c sugar

– 2 c water

– powdered sugar as needed (for decoration)

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Preparation

For the dough:

– Place the flour and salt in an electric mixer bowl, gradually pour in the water while continuously kneading to obtain a soft, nonsticky dough. You can use your hands in the absence of an electric mixer.

– Continue kneading for five minutes using the mixer or ten minutes by hand.

– Divide the dough into eight equal portions.

– Place the dough portions in a lightly oiled bowl.

– Cover the bowl and set it aside to rest for one hour.

For the filling:

– In a pot over medium heat, stir together the sugar, water, and semolina until boiling.

– Continue gently stirring the mixture until it thickens.

– Pour the mixture into a rectangular tray, let it cool, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate briefly (not more than half an hour), until it becomes firm.

– Remove the filling from the refrigerator, and cut it into eight equal pieces.

– On a flat surface lightly greased with oil, roll out each dough portion separately into the thinnest  possible square.

– Place a piece of filling in the center of each dough portion.

– Take a corner of the dough and place it over the filling.

– Repeat folding the dough with the remaining corners until all edges of the dough are closed over the filling, forming a square. (Do not stretch the dough too much over the filling.)

– Press lightly and roll the square with the palm of your hand to make it slightly thinner.

– Repeat with the remaining dough portions.

– In a pot, heat enough oil.

– Place the dough pieces in the hot oil and fry them until they are golden and crispy.

– Remove the pastries from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

---

Sprinkle the pastries with powdered sugar and serve immediately, while hot.

Sahtein!

Wadadad Khoury Salah from the town of Jaffna Qadaa Ramallah now, and when she was young

Wadadad Khoury Salah from the town of Jaffna Qadaa Ramallah now, and when she was young

She is Wadadad Khoury Salah from the town of Jaffna Qadaa Ramallah, an American photographer saw her and admired her for her beauty and decided to take several pictures of her in July 1939, and the beautiful girl appeared in the traditional costume of her town and immediately the photographer returned to his town, he published it in newspapers and magazines The American and the photos are currently preserved in the library of the American Congress. 

 

A few years ago, her picture was displayed in color in the Palestinian Museum in America. Her son recognized her and said that she is still alive, she is over 98 years old and has immigrated to the United States of America..

Palestine Writes [in America] 2023!

 "Palestinians are an ancient indigenous people from a fabled and tortured land. No matter who holds the guns and power over our homeland, our nation is deeply rooted in its soil, which cradles our collective memory, as it does the bones of our ancestors. All of our traditions, our stories, folklore, poetry, culinary forms, superstitions, traditional clothing, architecture, art, and cultural habits were born in that singular patch of earth over the span of millennia. Palestine Writes exists as an artistic and literary space to hold dear and celebrate and share the magnificence of Palestine’s indigenous heritage, particularly as powerful forces work tirelessly to erase us."    https://palestinewrites.org/

Palestine Writes: On circles, keys, and joy as resistance

As a former political prisoner in Egypt, and dissident writer in exile, Palestinian culture and literature have inspired and shaped my work. When I attended the Palestine Writes Literature Festival, my heart came full circle.... READ MORE  

 

Worldmaking in action at Palestine Writes festival

Despite the incessant efforts of the pro-Israel lobby to censor Palestinians and their allies, the festival was a testament to the strength of transnational solidarity between those fighting for liberation around the world, writes Randa Abdel-Fattah... READ MORE

 

 

PRESS RELEASE:

Palestine Writes Was An Immense Moment of Indigenous Agency and Togetherness

 

The 2023 Palestine Writes Literature Festival wrapped up on Sunday, September 24 following five joyful days of Palestinian heritage, stories, art, music, dance, crafts, books, scholarship, food, photography, 123 speakers,  sessions, and a sold out crowd of over 1500 registered in-person attendees, as well as 4890 virtual attendees on Friday....  READ MORE

 

Picnics For Palestine any where any time #PicnicsForPalestine

Today: taking the solidarity for #Palestine outside Parliament

Good Morning from Palestine

Join us in solidarity with the Palestinian people under an illegal oppressive occupation.

Throughout August and September we are asking everyone to head to parks, green spaces or your garden throughout the nation to show your support and solidarity for Palestinians.

Palestinians are subject to a system of oppression and control and one example of this is being forced out of public spaces by Israeli authorities, just because they’re Palestinians and often for something as simple as having a picnic.

To protest Israel’s colonisation of Palestine we ask you to grab your loved ones and head to any green space to show your support for Palestine. Take photos and videos and upload them on your social media using #PicnicsForPalestine to encourage others to take part.

If you’d like to organise or attend a Picnic for Palestine then please email picnic@foa.org.uk you will receive a Picnic Pack which will include:

• Information and ideas on how to organise your picnic
• Palestine Quiz for the picnic
• Palestine bunting
• Palestine flag
• ‘Most Creative Photo’ competition details
• Injustice illustrated booklet
• Free Palestine Stickers
• A4 ‘Picnic for Palestine’ Posters to promote in your area

We look forward to seeing all your picnics!  

https://www.foa.org.uk/events/picnics-for-palestine/