Nablus city lies some 66 km to north of Jerusalem and is with its approximately 130,000 inhabitants is the second largest (after Hebron) city in the West Bank with an ancient history. It is regionally famous for its native sweet knafeh and traditionally well-known for its soap industry (soaps made with pure olive oil). Before the current Intifada, Nablus was the major commercial, industrial and agricultural center in the northern West Bank, but invasions, checkpoints, and curfews have severely damaged the city's economy and infrastructure.
The tour will make a first stop at Balata to visit the Refugee Camp and some of its organizations. Proceeding to Nablus city, we will visit the famous he Old City (Al-Kasbah), a large residential and market area featuring many old buildings and lively street scenes, though a significant portion of the Old City's cultural heritage has been damaged by Israeli forces rampaging through the city during the last few years. The tour further includes stops at:
- a soap factory,
- If the Israeli army permits, the tour will pass the checkpoint to the Samaritan community living on the nearby Mount Gerizim (the site of their ancient temple). They stem from one of the 12 biblical Israeli tribes, speak and pray in Hebrew and believe in the writings of the Torah. The Nabulsi Samaritans consider themselves Palestinians and are fully integrated in the daily life of the Palestinian society, go to Palestinian schools and universities, and work together in Nablus and surrounding areas.
