Stepping back in time at Gaza's cultural heritage sites
A visit to the historic Al Khader Monastery and Tel Umm Amer in Gaza highlights UNESCO's support to restoring and preserving Palestine's rich cultural heritage.
On 20 April, UNESCO Ramallah accompanied United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Palestine, Lynn Hastings, to visit Al-Khader Monastery and Children’s Library, and Tel Umm Amer, Monastery of Saint Hilarion, in Deir Al Balah, Gaza.
Al Khader Monastery is a place of many legends, and one of the oldest historic buildings in the Gaza Strip. Thanks to the support of Sweden and Switzerland, UNESCO has worked with partners to rehabilitate and breathe life back into the space and it now serves the community as a children’s library.
The library is managed by Nawa for Culture and Arts Association and is helping to enhance access to quality and inclusive education for children in Deir Al Balah.
The Resident Coordinator also visited Tel Umm Amer, the Monastery of Saint Hilarion, inscribed on the Tentative List of Palestine for sites that could be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was the birthplace of Saint Hilarion, considered the founder of monastic life in Palestine. The site contains important ruins and artefacts, and has been undergoing extensive preservation efforts.
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