The beginning of my research for the Nativity Trail took me to the village of Duma in 1999. Everyone I met there told me that Habib is the person I should talk with. Habib Dawabshe, the father of seven daughters, spends most of his time exploring the wilderness of Palestine. Habib collects wild honey from beehives during the summer and leads hiking expeditions for groups and individuals during autumn and spring. Habib is an expert on the Palestinian world of nature - Palestine’s wilderness as well as its flora and fauna. He knows the names of all the animals and plants - as though they were all his friends. He also knows the medicinal use of the plants and herbs, which comes in handy when someone in the hiking group gets sick. Whenever Habib leads a group, he always brings along his kettle and some tea. He is also an expert in Palestinian hospitality! He collects wood for a fire and prepares food for the hikers while they rest. It is impossible for Habib to rest before he makes sure that everyone has been cared for. Afterwards, he takes the last sip of tea and continues to lead the hikers. Even on the trail he is attentive to everyone’s needs. If someone is unable to keep up with the pace of the hike, Habib asks everyone to go a bit slower.
The Nativity Trail and the Abraham Path Initiative (Massar Ibriahim El- Khalil) would be very different without the expertise and care that Habib brings with him. He is a trusted friend who has facilitated our work and our relationships with people in many of the villages along the trails.

Habib works hard to build trust between villagers in Duma and the surrounding villages and people who walk the Nativity Trail and the Abraham Path, people from all over the world. With his modest English skills he manages to hold conversations with people from various countries. Habib is proud of his Palestinian heritage and always tries to find ways to introduce people to its richness. His home is like a museum where stones that he has collected from various places in Palestine as well as his own creative artwork are on display. One of his artistic talents - creating intricate designs with henna to be drawn on people’s hands - has won him a place of honour at numerous weddings.

Habib Dawabshe, friend, father, hiker, and beekeeper. His humility, simplicity, competence, and creativity combine to make him a unique human being and a model for all Palestinians.