Al Auja - العوجا

Located in the Jericho Governorate in the eastern West Bank, Al Auja is a Palestinian town 230 meters below sea level and just ten kilometers north from Jericho itself. The total area of the town is about 108 square kilometers (107,905 dunams), although of that only about 1 kilometer (832 dunams) has been built upon. Of the rest of the area, over 10% is used for agriculture: Al Auja is known for its bananas, oranges, dates and vegetables that are irrigated from the Al Auja spring.  Al Auja, meaning ‘meandering one,’ is named for the Wadi al-Auja stream that runs alongside it.

Al Auja is a majority Muslim town, and most of the labor force is employed in the Israeli job market. Visitors to Al Auja can see an irrigation house that was used to control the systems of irrigation nearly a century ago, as well as ruins of a mill used to grind sugar during the first century BCE and of a Byzantine church.

Overnight

Type of Accommodation

Bedouin camp

Bedrooms

1

Beds

20

Bathrooms

2 (non-European style)

Showers

2

Internet

no


Notes

When staying with locals, it is recommended that you bring a small gift to share with your hosts. Examples of such gifts are anything your country or region is known for (jams, soaps, etc.), or tea, coffee, chocolate or other candy. You should not bring alcohol or foods containing pork, as most host families are Muslim and both products are forbidden in Islam.

In Al Auja you should be sure to have your own towel and toiletries. Although bedding and mattresses will be provided, you can choose to bring your own sleeping bag if you prefer.

As the overnight in Al Auja will be in a tent, we recommend that you ensure you have insect repellent, antihistamine and any other medicine you may need in case of mosquito or other insect bites.

In villages it is important that you are dressed modestly at all times: this means wearing loose, opaque clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Women should carry a lightweight scarf with which they can cover themselves when entering mosques or other holy sites.

Due to its Muslim population and rural setting, you will not be able to find alcohol in Al Auja.

While well-stocked pharmacies are easily accessible in much of the West Bank, you might not be able to find some desired medicines in small villages. For this reason, we recommend that you bring with you high SPF sunscreen, aspirin or other pain relievers, antihistamine, disinfectant, insect repellent, antibiotics and intestinal antiseptics. You should also have a hat, water bottle, backpack and comfortable shoes with you at all times to ensure your health and comfort while walking.

Example homestay photos:

  

 

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