During the incoming YES students’ pre-departure orientation this summer, the students met with YES alumni to discuss how to share Palestinian culture during their time in the United States. The alumni encouraged the students to make Palestinian food and introduce it to their host families and friends.

In response, the alumni began preparing a recipe book of famous Palestinian dishes to present to the YES students before they depart for the U.S. They gathered notes and recommendations from their parents and grandmothers to put together a collection of recipes for traditional Palestinian dishes. They also researched the origins and history of each dish to include in the book. The book includes recipes for maqluba, mujadara, stuffed grape leaves, eggplant munazaleh, rummaniyeh, tabouleh, falafel, musakhan, shakshuka, and konafeh.

This activity was a great way to show what the YES program is all about. By sharing Palestinian recipes, the alumni are helping the incoming students bring a piece of their culture to their host families in the U.S. It’s a hands-on way for students to share their traditions and start conversations about their culture.