A Muslim Palestinian walked into Jerusalem and established a store called 'Alabama - The Heart of Dixie'.

It sounds like a joke, but it ain't.

As I walked along the narrow David Street leading from Jaffa Gate to the Wailing Wall in the middle of ancient Jerusalem, the character of the place overcame me. The narrow streets are filled with stores selling Jewish, Muslim, and Christian gifts and souvenirs. Smells of Jasmine, rosewater, and Saffron greeted me as I watched locals and tourists alike haggle over prices. I bought a small Jerusalem cross for five Shekels - asking price was twenty-five.

The place beckons to a time where all three monotheistic religions shared stories and heroes.

This is where the Old and new Testaments were born. It is where the Quran played an essential role. It is where the Torat was penned. It is also where a storeowner named Hani Imam says, "Roll Tide" about fifty times a day.

Among stores filled with Jewish Menorahs, Christian olive wood crosses, and Muslim prayer rugs, a store named 'Alabama - The Heart of Dixie' stands out. University of Alabama logos are printed on mugs, t-shirts, plates, hats, car tags, and everything you could think of. An Alabama-red wooden sign with a 'Welcome to Bama Country' greets you at the door. Inside, a signed picture of coach Nick Saban is hanging on the door with a Sharpie-written note: "To Hani, Roll Tide, Coach Saban."

Palestinian born Hani Imam studied Engineering at the University of Alabama and lived in Tuscaloosa from 1984-1994.

"I went to school in Alabama, and I am a big Alabama fan. My family and I love Alabama football and are very proud of Coach Saban and the program," Imam said, "No one expects an Alabama store here, but everyone loves it."

I asked Hani how often people from Alabama and the United States came into his shop.

"I have to say 'Roll Tide' a few times a day. In the summer, I say it around fifty times. They love it here, they walk in all happy and shocked," Imam said.

The store is filled with trinkets from silver and gold jewelry to olive wood crosses to framed Roman glass fragments to ancient coins. Imam also sells t-shirts with the Alabama logo along with the state's name in Arabic and in Hebrew.

Imam fell in love with Alabama football when he studied at the University. Upon returning home to Jerusalem, he decided to continue the tradition by opening a store dedicated to the state.

His store does turn heads.

It is nestled between a store that sells Middle Eastern spices including Cumin, Sumac, and Cardamom; and one that sells leather goods with engraved Jerusalem scenes.

The National Championship game took place while I was in Israel.

"I did not have the chance to watch the game, but my brothers updated me, they texted me during the game. I am happy we won, it went down to the wire but we still won," Imam said. He followed that statement with a loud 'Roll Tide'.

Reconciling the conflict among Israeli's, Christian, and Muslims may not be Imam's main goal - there is one thing he is passionate about and hopes his store makes happen.

"It boils down to all of us getting along. When I lived in Alabama, people were very nice to me. I think people should put their differences aside and just get along," Imam said.

Next time you walk along the narrow Jerusalem David Street filled with smells and colors of an era gone by, look for a store with a sign that says, 'Alabama - The Heart of Dixie'.

That is where the spirit of Alabama lives, along with the spirit of peace.

For more visit www.alabamanewscenter.com