“Gideon’s Directory“: It is a brilliant idea to release a digital version and let the general public browse through it. It’s not just any guide, I saw it before in the movie “Once I Entered a Garden”, but it was briefly introduced there. When I browsed through it, I was stunned. It’s a rare and valuable historical asset. You can learn a lot from it about that period, about the thriving culture that existed at the time, and most importantly, about the shared way of life, freedom of movement, and the atmosphere of reconciliation that prevailed between the countries of the region and their residents. And to give the guide a place and expose it to the world at such a broad cultural event in Venice… So exciting, congratulations to you, and good luck to your friends at the exhibition. (A feedback we received from a resident of Taybeh)
The Dalil is a bilingual (French and Arabic), voluminous tome of 878 pages. It contains information on cities and towns, sites, the economy and businesses in three neighbouring countries: Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. At the time, the borders between these countries enabled free passage of people and goods. Thus, even as the Great Arab Revolt (1936-1939) against the oppressive British Mandate authorities was unfolding in Palestine, the guidebook’s Arabic section provides listings for Arab, Jewish and mixed towns such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Haifa, Acres, Bethlehem, Gaza, Hebron, Lydda, Nablus and Ramat Gan. The French section also includes places such as Petah Tikva, Nazareth, Jericho, Hadera, Rehovot, Ramallah, Bnei Brak, Safed and Ramle. (An excerpt from the article “Of Dashed Hopes and Shattered Dreams” by Ehud Ein-Gil)
Gideon’s Directory (Dalil Jad’oun)
Click here to browse Dalil Jad’oun (This will take you to the title page of the French section of the Dalil. To go directly to the Arabic section, click the right-pointing arrow at the bottom of the page).