JERUSALEM, May 26, 2017 (WAFA) - US Consul General Donald Blome launched a hiking journey across the entire West Bank this week as he follows the 321 kilometer Masar Ibrahim Al-Khalil trail.
According to a press statement issued Thursday, the US Consulate General in Jerusalem said the journey, which will span from north of Jenin to the Old City of Hebron, provides the opportunity to explore the unique culture and natural beauty of the West Bank while encouraging tourism and sustainable development.
The inaugural hike kicked off on May 14 in Rummana village northwest of Jenin, famous for its hilly landscape and olive trees dating back to Roman times. It ended in Burquin village at a community center renovated recently with support of USAID.
This first segment covered18 kilometers and will be followed by 21 sequential hikes the Consul General will walk to complete the Abraham path in the coming year.
Blome was joined by local officials and members of the Masar Ibrahim Al-Khalili organization as he explained his reasons for launching the journey: “This journey is all about exploring the connection of the people with the land – deep roots formed through nature, culture, art, and agriculture.”
Masar Ibrahim Al-Khalil (MIAK) is a non-profit community-based tourism initiative in and around different Palestinian localities that works closely and jointly with local communities to cultivate their resources, capacities, and the opportunity for a better life.
K.F.
