Ramalah

Ramallah, and its neighbour al Bireh were once two separate villages but now they have grown together to form one large conurbation of over 60,000 people. Since the Palestinian Authority (PA) took office in December 1995 Ramallah has developed as the place where one can find the administrative and political heart of Palestine. The city has cooler summer temperatures, due to its elevation, along with fresher air and so developed as a popular place to spend the summer. The Palestinian Parliament meets here and it is a vibrant and lively city. The old Crusader church was built here to reflect the tradition that Ramallah was where Mary and Joseph realised that the 12 year old Jesus had been left behind in Jerusalem. The newer Catholic Church has the dedication of the Holy Family in the light of this biblical event.