Alternative Tourism Group: Palestine & the Palestinians

I presume that this mandatory field is required in an attempt to weed out mass Zionist mailings from the ADL and its ilk and propaganda from AIPAC. My review of this book is based on the personal experience of reading it cover to cover (Dec. 2007) while in Jerusalem. The book belonged to a woman from Scotland who was at our hostel. I had looked for an up to date truthful account in New York City bookstores and on the web to no avail. This book is superb. Can't you get it listed on Amazon, or does APAC control access to Amazon? I do not know what other "factual experiences" you want me to list. The woman from Scotland was delayed OVERNIGHT at the border when officials of the Jewish State discovered the book in her carry on luggage, so perhaps travelers should be warned to put it into their CHECKED luggage.

The Alternative Tourism Group (ATG) of Beit Sahour, Bethlehem, Palestine proudly announces its publication of more than just another ordinary tourist guidebook: "Palestine & Palestinians" provides an in-depth, updated journey through the entire range of Palestinian culture: ancient and modern history, archaeology, religion, architecture and politics, including the daily realities of Israeli Occupation. It describes places rooted in Palestinian memory: sites which bear witness to a history and identity created from contact with civilisations of the Middle East, Mediterranean, Europe and Arab Peninsula. It also presents the contemporary tragedy and struggle of a people seeking recognition of their rights and details of their ongoing search for an end to injustice through a viable peace and statehood.

A great variety of documentary material, biographies of culturally significant personalities, poems, popular songs and recommended reading list provide readers with opportunities to broaden their horizons, while many contacts provide a range of possibilities for talks or tours with specialists, or meetings with local people in their homes. The book offers practical information (transport, hotels, cafes, restaurants, museums, hiking routes, cultural centres, etc.) so you may plan your own multifaceted visit, or join one of ATG's organised group activities such as the annual Olive Harvest. As a guidebook, "Palestine & Palestinians" is a comprehensive guide to Palestine, including those parts of Israel where Palestinian culture and traditional hospitality still thrive.

"Palestine & Palestinians" presents a version of justice tourism to enhance the world's increasing interest in the cause of the Palestinian people while providing tools to go beyond misleading stereotypes. The book sets out to facilitate visits to Palestine for tourists who wish to increase their understanding and even work with Palestinians and Israelis towards a just, viable peace. At the same time, it provides enough material for those readers who prefer to travel far and wide in the comfort of their own armchairs. Or it can simply be used as a reliable guidebook for regular visitors.

ATG invites you to discover Palestine and having once discovered it, to return again and again with ever-increasing commitment, dedication and love for our people. Ahlan waSahlan! Welcome!

ISBN No. 9950-319-011-3

Available from ATG at: POB 173, Beit Sahour, Palestine

Email: [email protected]

To the best of my knowledge, the Alternative Tourism Group: Palestine & the Palestinians is the first English-language guidebook to Palestine in years (since Bradt's), as most Israel guidebooks have only very small sections on Palestine. This is a pity, as the area known as Palestine includes some of the most spectacular landscape and beautiful architecture you could wish for. It includes features such as the Dead Sea and historical towns such as Bethlehem, Hebron and Nablus. The book also provides information on local wildlife and nature for this important region for plant life and migratory birds.