Galilee Today

Galilee Today Alternative Tours


Rediscover the Arab-Palestinian Galilee

It is not an exaggeration to claim that the Galilee is the most beautiful part of the Holy Land with its natural scenery, wonderful climate, rich archeological and historical sites, and colorful cultural life.
According to UN Resolution181, most of the Galilee is designated as part of the Palestinian state, which until now has not been established. In 1948, the newly founded state of Israel occupied the whole Galilee after destroying many villages and uprooting many inhabitants. For more than half a century, Israel has attempted to change the Arab character of the Galilee and to obliterate its Palestinian landmarks and features. Israel implemented the so-called “Judaization of the Galilee,” which in effect means the confiscation of Arab land and the continual building and development of Jewish settlements.
In spite of this, the Palestinian character of the Galilee has not disappeared. You can still find remnants of the land’s Palestinian roots under the ruins of the destroyed villages, which is still visible on the ground, challenging the occupation.
Therefore, we in the Galilee consider it very important and urgent for friends and visitors to see first hand the other Galilee—the Arab-Palestinian Galilee—making alternative tours available throughout the region, including the Upper, Lower, Eastern and Western areas of the Galilee.

What can these tours offer?

· Visit beautiful landscapes, including traditional Arab villages surrounded by deep valleys, winding streams and high mountains, some with views of the Mediterranean Sea or the Sea of Galilee.
· Visit archeological sites dating from the Canaanite era through to the Roman, Islamic, Ottoman, and Crusader periods. Tours may include the holy places of the three monotheistic religions: Nazareth, Qana, Tiberia, Safad, Acre, Sakhnin, Deir Hanna to mention a few.
· Visit the destroyed villages of 1948, illustrating the contrast between these and the Jewish settlements built on the ruins of former Arab-Palestinian homes. The names of these destroyed villages were often stolen and used as the names of the new settlements. Examples include: Iqrit, Ber’im, Gabsieh, Saforia, Mia’ar, Sohmata, and many others.
· Visit the unrecognized Bedouin villages which the state of Israel deprives of basic necessities, such as electricity, water, and schools. Israel also forbids the Bedouin communities to build new homes, forcing them to leave their lands.
· Visit the villages of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, the northernmost past of the mountains of Galilee, with the opportunity to speak with its strong and proud people.



Accommodations

Galilee Today Alternative Tours can also book a room in a Bed and Breakfast located in a pleasant traditional guesthouse in one of the Arab villages at a reasonable price. There is also the possibility of staying with a family for those who wish to practice the Arabic language or to experience the Palestinian way of life.

Good, inexpensive restaurants with traditional, home-style Arab cooking are available for dining.

All tours can be guided in Arabic, English, German, Dutch and Hebrew.

This is an excellent opportunity of particular interest to foreign media professionals and study groups.

Information
For further information, please contact:

Freedom and Culture Tent,
Galilee Today Alternative Tours
P.O. Box 3449
Sakhnin 20173
Israel

Phone: 972 4 6745821
Mobile: 050-9895554

Or by email: aliez48@yahoo.com