Jerusalem Market is located at 5002 High Point Road, very near Sedgefield and Adams Farm. The market is full of everything from fresh, plump dates (the largest you will find in Greensboro) to cans of sardines to candies and meats from around the world. Also available are specialty, deli sandwiches, dreamed up by Saliba Hanhan (photographed above). A chemist by training, Saliba must use his knowledge of chemistry- specifically, how flavors combine- to get his sandwiches just right. He takes his time with customers and is very generous with his knowledge about the foods he sells in his store.
Born in Palestine, in 1948, Saliba was part of the Palestinian exodus when nearly three quarter of a million Palestinians fled their homes. After being displaced several different times and to many countries, his family found themselves in Ramallah. In 1952, Saliba attended a Quaker Friends' School there. The Quaker school for girls was established in Ramallah in 1869 and the boys' school opened in 1918. After majoring in chemistry, Saliba returned to teach science and math at the Quaker school where he attended as a child.
It is pure coincidence that Saliba moved to Greensboro and that Greensboro has such a large population of Quakers. He came here because his sister lived here. When he came to visit, Saliba fell in love with the way that, here, you can find greenery, even in the middle of winter. Even turnips and cabbage and greens are growing here in winter and, given Saliba's love of gardening, he knew he wanted to make Greensboro home. He traded his career in chemistry and working in a lab to a career in bringing Middle-Eastern specialty foods to the people of Greensboro. Greensboro is so lucky he stayed. If you are looking for some last minute Christmas gifts, consider putting together a food basket. Salina will help select a great assortment of goodies.
Good for him for lifting himself up out of refugee status, getting an education, teaching, and now making another new life in Greensboro!
Give my regards to Saliba and wish him all the best.
Posted by: Dina | Monday, December 21, 2015 at 05:55 AM
Enjoyed the children who were student at Smith High School! Also I have enjoyed the market! Dr. Pember
Posted by: Ann Piper Pember | Monday, December 21, 2015 at 12:22 PM
Love that place! I always enjoy trying something new, but the falafel wrap is my favorite!! Saliba is wonderful.
Posted by: Elaine Griffin | Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at 12:08 AM
Saliba looks like quite a character!
Posted by: William Kendall | Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at 11:12 AM