Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
As for the broader role of women in Palestinian society, they pointed out that
there were more women than men in higher education, and feel that they can do
anything they want, if they work hard. Still, the consensus was that a woman's role
is generally to raise children and run the family, while the man's role is to be out
making the money.
The number one sight in Ramallah is the tomb of Yasser Arafat. While he certainly
has plenty of detractors, this Palestinian statesman, who led the PLO from 1969 to 2004,
is without a doubt the father of modern Palestine. Call him what you like—people here
celebrate Arafat as the man who did more than anyone else to raise awareness of the
Palestinian struggle for independence. I found that, while many Palestinians believe Ara-
fat squandered some opportunities for peace that they would love to have now, nearly all
respect him as an important leader who committed his life to forging a free Palestinian
state.
