Jenin

Jenin is a 4,000-year-old city in the north West Bank now populated by Palestinians.

Understand
The name of Jenin is derived from the biblical Ein Ganim and means the spring of gardens. Surprisingly many people in Jenin speak German, which is probably due to the Cinema Jenin.

Further information can be acquired from:

Get in
The is right in the centre.

The most logical way to enter would be to fly into Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel, take a taxi or mini-bus to Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, from there at one of Arab bus stations take bus 18 to Ramallah (₪6.50, less than an hour), cross into Ramallah and take a shared taxi from the central bus station to Jenin (₪35, 1.5-2 h).

From Nablus one can take a service (shared) taxi for ₪15 or a bus for ₪10.

To the Israeli side of the border, taxis from Nazareth cost ₪150 and from Afula ₪40-50. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Nazareth to Afula for ₪10.90. From Afula there another bus (#52) to the border for ₪7.40. You then cross on foot and take a (shared) taxi or hitchhike the rest of the distance.

Get around
Walking is a practical mode of getting around, taxis can be hired as needed, especially when visiting the interesting sights of the West Bank around.

See
The following popular sights of the West Bank (read here) can conveniently be visited along the road south to/from Jenin when arriving/leaving (even when hitch-hiking): St. George Church (Burqin), Tel Dothan and Arraba village. Furthermore, Umm Al Rihan forest and Zababdeh village of the West Bank are close by and worth a visit.

Buy
Be sure to take advantage of the great bargains that can be found in the many shops. These are great places to find souvenirs!

Eat
There is plenty of Middle Eastern cuisine available; falafel, shawarma, hummus, the works. There are a couple of excellent places near the bus station where the food is made on the spot.



Drink
There are many coffee vendors and you can find alcoholic drinks in Zababdeh village near the city.

Go next
Similar to how to to Jenin, it is also possible to leave. From the central taxi station, it is easy to travel to many locations within the West Bank.


 * Nablus – One of the oldest cities in the world and famous for its kunafa/kenafeh. If you are on a tight schedule and planning to go to Ramallah, you might want to skip the latter for this more exciting Palestinian city.
 * Nazareth – The largest Arab city in Israel and best known as the home of Joseph and Mary.
 * Tiberias – A large Israeli town northeast and great starting point for Galilee and Golan. Easy to reach from Afula.