In September of 2003, the House of Palestine was officially accepted as one of the international cottages under the umbrella organization of the House of Pacific Relations.

Their mission is to promote the culture and heritage and friendship of the people of Palestine, by hosting various social activities.  These activities will showcase folkloric dances in the traditional Palestinian costumes, as well as reading poetry, enjoying music, arts and crafts and the authentic food of palestine.

It is the desire that these activities serve as instruments to educate visitors and encourage awareness among fellow human beings.

Cooking class:
The members of the House of Palestine have plans to hold instructional cooking classes at various times during the year.  Participants will hear instructions and participate in cooking various traditional Palestinian dishes, as well as tasting and enjoying the meal and take home the recipes of their favorite dishes.

The House of Palestine does not have a cottage yet, but on designated Sundays they are hosts at the Hall of Nations from 12 noon to 4:00pm.  Guests can view displayed arts and crafts, read informational literature, view videotapes about Palestinian heritage, sample food and ask questions.  Please refer to the Hall of Nations schedule for details and dates.

Lawn Program:
The members of the House of Palestine are hosting their annual lawn program in the month of August every year. 

The entertainment is provided by folk dancers, a band of Arabic drum and oud, and sometimes they have a fashion show of costumes and dresses.

Tables are set up to display artifacts and books, as well as traditional dresses and clothes to be viewed by the visitors to the park.  A coffee “jelseh” (seating) is setup on the grass in the lawn area, featuring a woven carpet topped with large embroidered pillows, and serving coffee from a gold coffee pot in tiny cups for a visual taste of Palestinian hospitality. Visitors can also have their name written onto a card in the artistic lettering of the Arabic language.

Food:
The foods served are traditionally falafel, hummus, chicken shawerma sandwiches, moujadara, grape leaves and tabouleh.  The deserts are a variety of freshly made specialties and Arabic Lemonade.

For the Ethnic Food Fair the menu is the same as it is for the lawn program.

For the December Nights the menu is also the same plus hot mint tea and Arabic coffee.

Children Club:
Once every few months, the House of Palestine hosts a children's club at a local park or the home of a member. Children of different backgrounds are invited to interact through various educational activities designed to enrich their understanding of Palestine culture and the Arabic language. Additional activities include interactive games, story book readings and painting.

Dance Class: 
The House of Palestine plans to periodically provide dance lessons for children and interested individuals.  The instructor will teach the basic steps of Debkeh, which is a Palestinian folkloric dance.

Language Class:
A class that will offer the teaching of the Arabic language is planned for children after regular school hours.  The age limit and frequency of these classes have yet to be decided.

History of Ancient Palestinian Art:
The history of Palestinians traditional costumes and crafts dates back to a period that spanned four thousand years.  It eventually influenced the development of the arts and crafts of other emerging civilizations such as Ottoman Türkiye and medieval Europe.

Trying to find an answer of how this type of art could have developed to such a degree of intricacy and sophistication, came by looking into the history of art and archeology.  Interpreting the ancient symbols and patterns gave clues to how this intricate work emerged.

The embroiderers lacked reading and writing skills, and used their creativity by choosing motives and patterns that were copied from generation to generation.  It served like a language thru art.  This way the ancient patterns and the art of creating beautiful costumes survived into our modern times. 

Population:  In the Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem and the West Bank alone the population is estimated to over three million. There are over nine million Palestinians worldwide.
Capital City: East Jerusalem
Language:  Arabic
Religion:  Christianity, Judaism and Islam the people of Palestine practice Islamic, Jewish and Christian faith.
Economy: The Palestinian economy depends on tourism and agriculture.
Export: Stone and marble, fruits, olive oil, olives, ceramic pottery and embroidery

Source: House of Palestine