Arab Ar-Rashayida – Abu Ismail Bedouin Tent

Ar-Rashaiyda Village, located in the Jerusalem Wilderness between Bethlehem and Hebron.

In the middle of the Jerusalem Wilderness, nearby the village of Arab Ar-Rashaiyda, the tent of Abu Ismaeel is a place where we can introduce hikers to the Bedouin culture and the legacy of this Bedouin community.  Since 2009, Abu Ismail and his family welcomed guests in their Bedouin tent. He is proud to say that during that time he had the chance to host people of various backgrounds and nationalities, mainly youth groups including students and scouts where they enjoyed the calmness of the area. Abu Ismail’s family and others help him run the place, offer traditional meals, evenings with tea and Bedouin music, accompany groups who like to hike in the area and enjoy 4×4 jeeps rides.

The natural legacy of the place is simply outstanding. The rocky desert stretches for kilometers around the tent. Various trekking paths lead to the spectacular and high cliff overlooking the deep blue waters of the Dead Sea. A place can be especially enjoyed during a sunrise.

Abu Ismail invites everyone who would like to have a real desert experience to come and visit his place. He is proud to repeat what his guests say about the place. For example, one Danish woman, who has visited many places in Palestine, “has never had such experience before and she was very glad”.