Palestinian Exam Party

  • This morning we awoke to the sounds of... daytime fireworks. 
  • Jerusalem's Facebook message boards were filled with confused people asking why there was so much noise. The reason: school.
  • Education is one of the values most prized in Palestinian society, so kids study hard to become doctors and engineers (every family has one).
  • The Palestinian Ministry of Education releases all grade 12 tawjihi exam results Saturday at 8AM via SMS.
  • So people in the West Bank and East Jerusalem set off fireworks to celebrate good results, though early birds started lighting them before 5.
  • COVID-19 lockdown restrictions have made this even more challenging, but it’s a celebration that everyone can enjoy from their home. (neighbours were partying in their yard, so when we passed by, we honked melodically in respect.)
  • This year, girls dominate with the top 13 spots in arts and most of the top ten in science, including 1st place.
  • According to Israeli media, those without access to fireworks fired guns in the air.
  • Also, there were so many fireworks this year, the cities of Ramallah and Nablus were full of smoke.
  • Still, one wonders if they could next time delay the fireworks until 8PM and enjoy some in the evening? Just a thought.
Location: Jerusalem

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