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Study Guide: Ramallah: History, Geography, and Governance

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Ramallah: History, Geography, and Governance Study Guide

Historical Foundations and Governance

Ramallah functions as the administrative capital of Palestine and is situated in the northern region of the West Bank.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ramallah serves as the administrative capital of Palestine and is located in the northern West Bank.

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The earliest architectural remnants discovered in Ramallah date to the Crusades period.

Answer: False

Explanation: Architectural remnants in Ramallah include masonry from the era of Herod the Great (37-4 BCE); however, no complete structures predate the 11th-century Crusades.

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Modern Ramallah was founded in the 16th century by an Arab Christian clan known as the Hadadeens, who are descendants of the Ghassanids.

Answer: True

Explanation: The founding of modern Ramallah in the 16th century is attributed to the Hadadeens, an Arab Christian clan with lineage tracing back to the Ghassanids.

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Ramallah was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1517 and subsequently became part of British Mandatory Palestine.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ramallah's historical trajectory includes incorporation into the Ottoman Empire in 1517 and becoming part of British Mandatory Palestine.

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In October 2000, Ramallah was the site of an incident involving the attack on two Israeli army reservists who had taken a wrong turn.

Answer: True

Explanation: On October 12, 2000, an incident occurred in Ramallah where two Israeli army reservists were attacked and killed by a mob after taking a wrong turn.

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The Oslo Accords resulted in the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Ramallah's Mukataa in December 1995, transferring control to the Palestinian Authority.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Oslo Accords led to the Israeli army's withdrawal from Ramallah's Mukataa in December 1995, transferring civilian and security control to the Palestinian Authority.

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Electricity was introduced to Ramallah in 1939 by the Jerusalem Electric Company.

Answer: True

Explanation: The introduction of electricity to Ramallah occurred in 1939, facilitated by the Jerusalem Electric Company.

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The Palestine Broadcasting Service, established in Ramallah in 1939, was later renamed 'Jerusalem Calling', not 'Palestine Calling'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Established in 1939 by British Mandatory authorities, the Palestine Broadcasting Service in Ramallah was later renamed 'Jerusalem Calling'.

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After 1981, the Israeli Civil Administration (CA) managed services in Ramallah, such as issuing travel and construction permits.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following its establishment in 1981, the Israeli Civil Administration (CA) managed civilian services in Ramallah, including the issuance of travel and construction permits.

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During the First Intifada, Ramallah residents organized home schooling sessions in response to Israeli-imposed school closures.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the First Intifada, Ramallah residents organized home schooling sessions to counter Israeli-imposed school closures, symbolizing civil disobedience.

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In 2002, the Mukataa compound in Ramallah was not completely destroyed by the Israel Defense Forces; it was partially demolished.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2002, Israeli military operations resulted in the partial demolition of the Mukataa compound in Ramallah, separating Yasser Arafat's building.

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Some Palestinians expressed concern that concentrating PA offices in Ramallah might undermine Jerusalem's status as the capital.

Answer: True

Explanation: Concerns were raised by some Palestinians that the centralization of Palestinian Authority offices in Ramallah might signal an intent to establish it as the capital, potentially diminishing Jerusalem's status.

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Archaeological findings near Ramallah include ancient rock-cut tombs and the site of Tell en-Nasbeh, which is possibly the biblical Mizpah.

Answer: True

Explanation: Archaeological evidence near Ramallah includes ancient rock-cut tombs and the site of Tell en-Nasbeh, potentially the biblical Mizpah.

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After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Ramallah was not annexed by Israel; it was annexed by Transjordan.

Answer: True

Explanation: Post the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Ramallah, along with the West Bank, was occupied and annexed by Transjordan.

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The Mukataa in Ramallah served as Yasser Arafat's administrative center and is where he was buried.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mukataa functions as the Palestinian Authority's headquarters in Ramallah and was the administrative center and residence of Yasser Arafat, who is also buried in its courtyard.

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Ramallah was captured by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967, transferring control from Jordan.

Answer: True

Explanation: Israel captured Ramallah during the Six-Day War in 1967, thereby transferring control from Jordan.

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What is Ramallah's primary administrative function within Palestine?

Answer: It is the administrative capital and the capital of the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate.

Explanation: Ramallah functions as the administrative capital of Palestine and serves as the seat of the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, establishing it as a primary center for Palestinian governmental and regional administration.

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Which historical period is represented by the earliest masonry found in Ramallah, considering that no complete buildings predate the Crusades?

Answer: The period of Herod the Great (37-4 BCE)

Explanation: Architectural remnants in Ramallah include masonry from the era of Herod the Great (37-4 BCE); however, no complete structures predate the 11th-century Crusades.

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Who founded modern Ramallah, and in which century did this founding take place?

Answer: The Hadadeens (Arab Christian clan) in the 16th century

Explanation: The founding of modern Ramallah in the 16th century is attributed to the Hadadeens, an Arab Christian clan with lineage tracing back to the Ghassanids.

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Following which major conflict was Ramallah occupied and subsequently annexed by Transjordan?

Answer: The 1948 Arab-Israeli War

Explanation: Post the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Ramallah, along with the West Bank, was occupied and annexed by Transjordan.

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What significant event involving Israeli reservists occurred in Ramallah on October 12, 2000?

Answer: Two reservists were lynched by a mob after taking a wrong turn.

Explanation: On October 12, 2000, an incident occurred in Ramallah where two Israeli army reservists were attacked and killed by a mob after taking a wrong turn.

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How did the Oslo Accords impact the Mukataa in Ramallah?

Answer: The Israeli army withdrew, and the Palestinian Authority assumed control.

Explanation: The Oslo Accords led to the Israeli army's withdrawal from Ramallah's Mukataa in December 1995, transferring civilian and security control to the Palestinian Authority.

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What happened to the Mukataa compound in Ramallah during Israeli military operations in 2002?

Answer: It was partly demolished, and Yasser Arafat's building was separated.

Explanation: In 2002, Israeli military operations resulted in the partial demolition of the Mukataa compound in Ramallah, separating Yasser Arafat's building.

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What concerns were raised by some Palestinians regarding the concentration of Palestinian Authority offices in Ramallah?

Answer: It indicated a strategy to establish Ramallah as the capital, potentially at the expense of Jerusalem.

Explanation: Concerns were raised by some Palestinians that the centralization of Palestinian Authority offices in Ramallah might signal an intent to establish it as the capital, potentially diminishing Jerusalem's status.

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What is the significance of the Mukataa in Ramallah?

Answer: It serves as the official headquarters for the Palestinian Authority and Yasser Arafat's former residence.

Explanation: The Mukataa functions as the Palestinian Authority's headquarters in Ramallah and was the administrative center and residence of Yasser Arafat, who is also buried in its courtyard.

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Which of the following is a notable Palestinian political leader associated with Ramallah?

Answer: Jibril Rajoub

Explanation: Jibril Rajoub, a significant Palestinian political leader, is associated with Ramallah.

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What historical event led to Israel's capture of Ramallah in 1967?

Answer: The Six-Day War

Explanation: Israel captured Ramallah during the Six-Day War in 1967, thereby transferring control from Jordan.

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When was electricity first introduced to Ramallah?

Answer: 1939

Explanation: The introduction of electricity to Ramallah occurred in 1939, facilitated by the Jerusalem Electric Company.

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What was the Palestine Broadcasting Service, established in Ramallah in 1939, later renamed?

Answer: Jerusalem Calling

Explanation: Established in 1939 by British Mandatory authorities, the Palestine Broadcasting Service in Ramallah was later renamed 'Jerusalem Calling'.

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Which entity was responsible for managing civilian and day-to-day services in Ramallah after 1981, including the issuance of permits?

Answer: The Israeli Civil Administration (CA)

Explanation: Following its establishment in 1981, the Israeli Civil Administration (CA) managed civilian services in Ramallah, including the issuance of travel and construction permits.

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Geography, Climate, and Demographics

Ramallah is situated approximately 10 kilometers north of Jerusalem at an elevation of approximately 872 meters.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ramallah is geographically positioned in the central West Bank, nestled within the Judaean Mountains. Its location is approximately 10 kilometers north of Jerusalem, at an elevation of roughly 872 meters above sea level.

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Ramallah experiences a climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, which is not typical of a tropical monsoon climate.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ramallah's climate is classified as Mediterranean (Csa), characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, with occasional snowfall.

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In 1922, Ramallah's population of 3,104 was not majority Muslim; Christians formed the majority.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1922, Ramallah's population was 3,104, comprising a Christian majority (2,972) and a Muslim minority (125).

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Historically predominantly Christian, Ramallah is now predominantly Muslim due to emigration and migration patterns.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically a predominantly Christian town, Ramallah's demographic composition has shifted due to Christian emigration and Muslim migration, resulting in a predominantly Muslim population today, though Christians remain a significant minority.

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In 1967, Ramallah's population exceeded 12,000, but Muslims did not form the majority of inhabitants; Christians constituted slightly more.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1967, Ramallah's population was 12,134, with Christians forming slightly over half of the inhabitants and Muslims comprising the remainder.

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The population of Ramallah was estimated at approximately 2,000 in 1896.

Answer: True

Explanation: The estimated population of Ramallah in 1896 was approximately 2,061 individuals.

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The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) recorded Ramallah's population at nearly 39,000 in its 2017 census.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) recorded Ramallah's population at 38,998 in its 2017 census.

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Ramallah is located at the Palestine grid reference 168/145.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ramallah's location is identified by the Palestine grid reference 168/145.

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Ramallah receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 615 mm (24 inches).

Answer: True

Explanation: Ramallah receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 615 mm (24 inches).

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The Arabic name 'Rām Allāh' does not translate to 'City of Peace'; it translates to 'God's Height'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Arabic name 'Rām Allāh' translates to 'God's Height'.

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According to Ottoman tax registers from 1596, Ramallah had a larger Christian population than Muslim.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ottoman tax registers from 1596 indicate that Ramallah comprised 71 Christian households and 9 Muslim households.

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In the 21st century, the Christian population in Ramallah is estimated to be around 25%, not 50%, of the total.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the 21st century, the Christian population in Ramallah is estimated to constitute approximately 25% of the total.

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The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) recorded Ramallah's population at 27,460 in its 2007 census.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) recorded Ramallah's population at 27,460 in its 2007 census.

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The name 'Ramallah' originates from Arabic and means 'God's Height', not 'God's Mountain'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Arabic name 'Rām Allāh' translates to 'God's Height'.

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Ramallah experiences a climate characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, not hot, dry winters and mild, rainy summers.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ramallah's climate is Mediterranean, featuring dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

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Describe Ramallah's geographical setting.

Answer: Positioned in the central West Bank, within the Judaean Mountains, at a high elevation.

Explanation: Ramallah is geographically positioned in the central West Bank, nestled within the Judaean Mountains. Its location is approximately 10 kilometers north of Jerusalem, at an elevation of roughly 872 meters above sea level.

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What is Ramallah's Köppen climate classification, and what characteristics does it typically indicate?

Answer: Csa - Mediterranean; hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

Explanation: Ramallah's climate is classified as Mediterranean (Csa), characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, with occasional snowfall.

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In 1922, what was the religious composition of Ramallah's population of 3,104?

Answer: Majority Christian (approx. 2,972), minority Muslim (approx. 125).

Explanation: In 1922, Ramallah's population was 3,104, comprising a Christian majority (2,972) and a Muslim minority (125).

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What historical demographic shift has occurred in Ramallah concerning its Christian and Muslim populations?

Answer: The Muslim population has increased, making it the majority, while Christians remain a significant minority.

Explanation: Historically a predominantly Christian town, Ramallah's demographic composition has shifted due to Christian emigration and Muslim migration, resulting in a predominantly Muslim population today, though Christians remain a significant minority.

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What was the population of Ramallah in 1967?

Answer: Approximately 12,134

Explanation: In 1967, Ramallah's population was 12,134, with Christians forming slightly over half of the inhabitants and Muslims comprising the remainder.

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What is the approximate average annual rainfall in Ramallah?

Answer: 615 mm (24 inches)

Explanation: Ramallah receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 615 mm (24 inches).

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What does the Arabic name 'Rām Allāh' translate to?

Answer: God's Height

Explanation: The Arabic name 'Rām Allāh' translates to 'God's Height'.

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What was the population of Ramallah according to the PCBS census in 2007?

Answer: 27,460

Explanation: The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) recorded Ramallah's population at 27,460 in its 2007 census.

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What is the Palestine grid reference for Ramallah?

Answer: 168/145

Explanation: Ramallah's location is identified by the Palestine grid reference 168/145.

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Economic Landscape

Ramallah serves as the primary financial and commercial center for the Palestinian Authority.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ramallah serves as the principal financial and commercial hub for the Palestinian Authority, hosting a concentration of financial institutions, international NGOs, and embassies, with its economy significantly bolstered by international aid.

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Economic growth in Ramallah, evidenced by a construction boom, is attributed to political stability and foreign aid.

Answer: True

Explanation: Economic growth in Ramallah, including a notable construction boom, is largely attributed to relative political stability and substantial financial support from Western donors.

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Ramallah does not have the lowest concentration of high-tech companies within the Palestinian territories; rather, it has the highest.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ramallah hosts the highest concentration of high-tech companies within the Palestinian territories, attracting firms such as ASAL Technologies and R&D centers.

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The Second Intifada, starting in September 2000, led to decreased economic activity and increased unemployment in Ramallah.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Second Intifada, commencing in September 2000, resulted in a contraction of Ramallah's economy, marked by increased unemployment and reduced economic activity.

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Which sector has significantly boosted Ramallah's economy, particularly in the period following the Second Intifada?

Answer: International aid and the presence of NGOs and embassies

Explanation: Ramallah serves as the principal financial and commercial hub for the Palestinian Authority, hosting a concentration of financial institutions, international NGOs, and embassies, with its economy significantly bolstered by international aid.

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What factor is credited for Ramallah's economic growth and its associated construction boom?

Answer: Relative stability and substantial support from Western donors.

Explanation: Economic growth in Ramallah, including a notable construction boom, is largely attributed to relative political stability and substantial financial support from Western donors.

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What distinction does Ramallah hold concerning high-tech companies within the Palestinian territories?

Answer: It has the highest concentration of high-tech companies.

Explanation: Ramallah hosts the highest concentration of high-tech companies within the Palestinian territories, attracting firms such as ASAL Technologies and R&D centers.

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How did the Second Intifada impact Ramallah's economy?

Answer: It caused a decline in the economy, with rising unemployment.

Explanation: The Second Intifada, commencing in September 2000, resulted in a contraction of Ramallah's economy, marked by increased unemployment and reduced economic activity.

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Cultural Heritage and Education

The Quakers established schools for girls in Ramallah during the 19th century, but the boys' school was founded in 1901, not entirely within the 19th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) established educational institutions in Ramallah during the 19th century, notably a school for girls in 1869 and a boys' school in 1901, to promote education.

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The Ramallah Cultural Palace, inaugurated in 2004, is a significant cultural facility featuring a large auditorium and exhibition spaces.

Answer: True

Explanation: Opened in 2004, the Ramallah Cultural Palace functions as a key cultural venue, featuring a substantial auditorium and exhibition spaces, and contributing to the city's cultural life.

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Prior to the 1940s, traditional Palestinian costumes indicated a woman's region of origin and also her economic status.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prior to the 1940s, traditional Palestinian attire served to indicate a woman's economic status, marital status, and region of origin through distinct elements like fabric, color, cut, and embroidery.

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Dresses from Ramallah often featured a cross-stitch embroidery of a palm tree, but typically on the back panels, not the front.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dresses characteristic of Ramallah often displayed a palm tree motif, rendered in cross-stitch embroidery, typically on the back panels.

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Notable figures associated with Ramallah include peace activist Hamze Awawde and political leader Jibril Rajoub.

Answer: True

Explanation: Notable figures associated with Ramallah include peace activist Hamze Awawde and political leader Jibril Rajoub.

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Janet Mikhail made history by becoming the first woman elected as mayor of Ramallah in December 2005.

Answer: True

Explanation: Janet Mikhail's election as mayor of Ramallah in December 2005 was historically significant as she was the first woman to hold the position.

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The Ramallah Cultural Palace is the only cultural center of its kind in Palestinian-governed areas, featuring a 736-seat auditorium.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ramallah Cultural Palace, inaugurated in 2004, is unique as the sole cultural center of its kind in Palestinian-governed territories, featuring a 736-seat auditorium and exhibition spaces.

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Expatriates from Ramallah established significant Arab communities in the United States, particularly in Michigan, often working in the auto industry.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ramallah expatriates have established significant Arab communities in the United States, notably in Michigan, often finding employment in the automotive industry.

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The Ramallah Friends Schools offer students the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate exams (IBE).

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ramallah Friends Schools provide students with the option to undertake International Baccalaureate (IBE) examinations as an alternative to the standard Tawjihi.

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The Ramallah Martyrs Memorial is a landmark representing remembrance and commemoration within the city.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ramallah Martyrs Memorial stands as a cultural landmark within the city, serving as a site of remembrance and commemoration.

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What role did the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) play in Ramallah's educational history?

Answer: They founded schools for girls starting in 1869 and for boys in 1901.

Explanation: The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) established educational institutions in Ramallah during the 19th century, notably a school for girls in 1869 and a boys' school in 1901, to promote education.

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What is the significance of the Ramallah Cultural Palace, inaugurated in 2004?

Answer: It is the only cultural center of its kind in Palestinian-governed areas, featuring a large auditorium.

Explanation: The Ramallah Cultural Palace, inaugurated in 2004, is unique as the sole cultural center of its kind in Palestinian-governed territories, featuring a 736-seat auditorium and exhibition spaces.

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What information could traditional Palestinian costumes convey about a woman prior to the 1940s?

Answer: Her economic status, marital status, and region of origin.

Explanation: Prior to the 1940s, traditional Palestinian attire served to indicate a woman's economic status, marital status, and region of origin through distinct elements like fabric, color, cut, and embroidery.

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Which motif was commonly found embroidered on the back panels of dresses originating from Ramallah?

Answer: A palm tree motif

Explanation: Dresses characteristic of Ramallah often displayed a palm tree motif, rendered in cross-stitch embroidery, typically on the back panels.

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What was the significance of Janet Mikhail's election in December 2005?

Answer: She was the first woman elected as mayor of Ramallah.

Explanation: Janet Mikhail's election as mayor of Ramallah in December 2005 was historically significant as she was the first woman to hold the position.

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What role did expatriates from Ramallah play in the United States, particularly within Michigan?

Answer: They established one of the largest Arab communities, often working in the auto industry.

Explanation: Ramallah expatriates have established significant Arab communities in the United States, notably in Michigan, often finding employment in the automotive industry.

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What alternative educational path do the Ramallah Friends Schools offer in addition to the Tawjihi?

Answer: The International Baccalaureate exams (IBE)

Explanation: The Ramallah Friends Schools provide students with the option to undertake International Baccalaureate (IBE) examinations as an alternative to the standard Tawjihi.

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Modern Development and International Relations

As of 2010, countries such as Germany, Japan, and Norway had established diplomatic missions in Ramallah.

Answer: True

Explanation: By 2010, several countries, including Germany, Japan, and Norway, had established diplomatic missions in Ramallah to engage with the Palestinian Authority.

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Ramallah is twinned with Bordeaux (France) and Oxford (England), but it is also twinned with cities in Belgium and Norway.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ramallah maintains twinning relationships with cities such as Bordeaux (France), Oxford (England), Liège (Belgium), and Trondheim (Norway).

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The development of Israeli settlements like Beit El and Psagot near Ramallah has reportedly hindered, not aided, the city's expansion.

Answer: True

Explanation: The development of Israeli settlements, such as Beit El and Psagot, near Ramallah has reportedly hindered the city's expansion and contributed to its isolation from adjacent Arab villages.

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The presence of Israeli settlements like Beit El has reportedly isolated Ramallah from nearby Arab villages.

Answer: True

Explanation: The development of Israeli settlements, such as Beit El and Psagot, near Ramallah has reportedly hindered the city's expansion and isolated it from surrounding Arab villages.

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The official website for the municipality of Ramallah is www.ramallah.ps, not www.ramallah.gov.

Answer: True

Explanation: The official website for the municipality of Ramallah is www.ramallah.ps.

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Which of the following European cities is NOT listed among Ramallah's twinning partners?

Answer: Berlin, Germany

Explanation: Ramallah maintains twinning relationships with cities such as Bordeaux (France), Oxford (England), Liège (Belgium), and Trondheim (Norway).

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What impact did the construction of Israeli settlements like Beit El and Psagot have on Ramallah?

Answer: They isolated Ramallah from surrounding Arab villages.

Explanation: The development of Israeli settlements, such as Beit El and Psagot, near Ramallah has reportedly hindered the city's expansion and isolated it from surrounding Arab villages.

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