Passion for Equestrian Tradition: Palestinian Jockeys Race Near Hebron Amid Rising Land Pressures

Palestinian jockeys gather to race in Al Majd, located west of the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, showcasing a vibrant tradition amid challenging circumstances.

Jockeys make their final preparations at the starting gate as children celebrate after a race near Hebron. Open land for these races is increasingly scarce in the West Bank, largely due to Israel's expansion of illegal settlements.

Despite the limited space, breeders continue to raise Arabian horses in small urban spaces and makeshift stables. A boy holds a trophy won by his family's horse, highlighting how horse culture serves as one of the rare forms of recreation for Palestinians in the West Bank, helping to tie communities to their ancestral roots.

Palestinians from urban areas and rural villages gather to watch the races, where a victorious jockey celebrates after winning. However, the increasing scarcity of open land in the West Bank continues to threaten this cherished horse culture.