3 min readNew DelhiMar 24, 2025 05:15 AM IST
First published on: Mar 24, 2025 at 05:15 AM IST
The willingness of people to help, the array of food, the melting pot of cultures that makes up Delhi — all this and more has been a source of fascination for Dr Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, Counsellor (Political and Media), Embassy of the State of Palestine, New Delhi.
Dr Jazer, who was a journalist for over three decades, is the former Charge d’Affaires at the Palestine Embassy. He has held the post multiple times. The latest stint, which began on October 28 last year, ended on February 7.
Dr Jazer has been living in Delhi for over a decade. He earlier served as the press officer of the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2005. He holds a PhD in Political Science from Jamia Millia Islamia.
Dr Jazer speaks to The Indian Express as part of a series of interviews with diplomats about Delhi — their home.
Excerpts:
One place in the city that you love visiting often.
I’ve been in Delhi since August 31, 2014, the date of my arrival as a diplomat at the Embassy of Palestine to India. I like to visit Connaught Place for shopping, and meeting people from different cultures.
Three things that have stood out in Delhi during your stay.
The willingness of people to help, delicious food, beautiful restaurants and cafes, and the traffic crisis — these three things have stood out for me.
Does pollution in Delhi bother you? How do you and your family deal with it?
Unfortunately, I and several members of my family have been repeatedly exposed to various diseases due to the high pollution levels in Delhi. We wear masks while going out of the house sometimes and we also use air filters at home.
What is different in Delhi than in other major capitals or cities you have served in?
I have never served in any other capital of the world before… this has been my first diplomatic experience. I am proud and happy that I have been to India, a great country that I truly admire.
What can make Delhi a better place?
Perhaps working to reduce congestion throughout the day will be useful to all people in the city.
Favourite food in the city?
The majority of Indian food is acceptable and delicious for me. I prefer traditional Indian grills, Tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and chicken curry.
Memories or encounters in Delhi that you’ll never forget?
I have made so many good friends. Each visit with them to beautiful places has been memorable. I love attending cultural events and all of them made my stay here very special.
Is there anything that you or your family would miss once you say goodbye to this city?
It is difficult to talk about the details specifically. My family and I have had a decade full of wonderful memories. For sure, when we leave, we will miss India with all its diversity, and multiplicity. The hope remains that I will get to visit the beautiful Capital again and again.
If you have to introduce Delhi back home, what will you tell them?
I would say that Delhi is an “ever-moving” amicable city.
Dr Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, Counsellor (Political and Media), Embassy of the State of Palestine, New Delhi (Express) 
Share
