besan.palestine

Stories can be told using various tools. Since ancient times, stories were told visually using tapestries hung on castle walls. Today, stories of Palestinian culture are told through the intricate weaving of embroidered thread. Unfortunately, preserving culture can be a costly ordeal, a situation familiar to the founder of Taita Leila. In Arabic, Taita is a … Read more

Meet Shadan, the yogi determined to spread this mindful practice across the Arab world– so that everyone, irrespective of opportunity, can enjoy its benefits. Can you tell us about your first yoga class? Was it in Palestine? My first Yoga class was when I was around 5 years old with my mother at home, she … Read more

Since the signing of the Interim Agreement in 1995, Palestinian dependence on Israel for purchase of natural resources such as water and gas has only increased, old water-wells continue to dry up as Israel denies permits for new ones, and most solid waste is either dumped on random sites or burned. And while the Israeli … Read more

Ruba Shamshoum, a jazz artist from Nazareth, sits down with BuildPalestine to share her crowdfunding experience and tell us more about her debut album, Shamat, which she has both written and composed. Can you tell us a bit more about yourself and how you found yourself in Dublin? I was an English literature major in … Read more

We all know what to do when life gives you lemons. But what about when life gives you ashes? We just got back from our first trip to Gaza, and were overwhelmed by the determination and hope of each person that we met. We received a consistent message from everyone: young graduates need opportunities. With … Read more

Middle East social entrepreneurship and tourism…how do you do both, and can you even do both? Our answer is a simple yes! We’ve compiled a list of the coolest organizations to check out when you’re in the Middle East. We’re focusing on Palestinian social enterprises and organizations, and featuring a couple more in Jordan, and … Read more

Drive through the Palestinian countryside and you’ll find houses caved in on themselves. Yellowed stones tumble onto the earth, flowers pushing through the crevices. Painted tiles have faded in vibrancy and iron clad windows have rusted a burnt orange. What were once homes now lie as memories. In 1991, architect and scholar Suad Amiry set … Read more