Learn Palestine

Palestine sits at the crossroads of three continents — Africa, Asia, and Europe — along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. Its strategic position made it one of the most important places in all of human history.

People have lived in Palestine for over 10,000 years. Ancient Canaanites, Philistines, and Hebrews all called this land home. Through the centuries, it was part of great empires — Egyptian, Assyrian, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic — each leaving their mark on its rich culture.

Jerusalem — known as Al-Quds in Arabic — is one of the oldest and most sacred cities in the world. It holds deep significance for Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Western Wall all stand within its ancient walls.

The olive tree is the most powerful symbol of Palestine. Some Palestinian olive trees are over 3,000 years old — still alive, still producing fruit! Olive oil has been central to Palestinian life for millennia, used in cooking, medicine, and trade. For Palestinians, tending olive trees is an act of love passed from parents to children.

Palestinian food is a celebration of land and family. Maqluba is a famous upside-down rice dish with vegetables and meat. Musakhan is roasted chicken on flatbread with caramelised onions and sumac. Knafeh — a sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup — is legendary across the whole region. Every meal is made with love and shared with community.

Palestinian women have practised tatreez — traditional cross-stitch embroidery — for thousands of years. Each region had its own unique patterns and colours, so you could tell exactly where a woman was from by her dress. It was a living language stitched in thread. Today, tatreez is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Palestinian children grow up with strong ties to family and community. Schools, music, football, and storytelling are central to daily life. Palestinian families are warm and hospitable — if you visit, expect to be offered food before you've even sat down! Despite hardship, Palestinian people are known worldwide for their resilience, humour, and deep love of life.

Palestinian culture is rich with poetry, music, and visual art. Mahmoud Darwish is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century — his words about home and longing have been translated into 35 languages. Palestinian dabke is a traditional line dance performed at celebrations, full of energy and joy. Art is resistance. Art is memory.

The question of Palestine is not just political — it is deeply human. It is about people's right to their homes, their culture, their memories, and their future. Understanding Palestine means understanding justice, dignity, and compassion. Over 140 countries officially recognise Palestine as a state. The story is still being written — and young people everywhere have a role to play.