My name is Allie, and I am a graduate student studying Media Studies in the United States. My time working with the Palestine Center in Hebron has been exceptional. For three months, I have worked at the center. Because of my extended trip, I was able to participate in several of the Palestinian Center’s programs, including the Media Program, the Conflict Resolution Program, and the Palestinian Refugee Program.
I am very thankful to be able to gain a more holistic view of the reality in Palestine through each of these programs. For the programs, we met with experts in each field and conducted field visits to relevant organizations in and around the city of Hebron. We work for five days each week at the center and have two days off per week. Though the week is scheduled ahead of time, it is common for plans to fall through or need to be rearranged, so I encourage all potential volunteers to be flexible! I have learned to embrace a “go with the flow” attitude here.
I took weekly Arabic lessons and taught English a few times each week. My students were engaged and quick to learn and always came to class excited. My Arabic teacher was highly educated and spoke fluent English and we became very good friends!
I was invited to speak at a university in Bethlehem at a media conference. I attended cultural symposiums and movie screenings all over the West Bank. I ate amazing food (my favorite Palestinian dish is maklouba) and gorged myself on kunafa (the best dessert in the world). I learned so much about Palestinian culture and was able to talk at length to my students, professors, and others about culture exchange.
I want to emphasize how safe Hebron is. I never once felt fearful or threatened and as a woman, I was comfortable walking around the city by myself, even at night. Though you often hear of clashes in the news, I never felt threatened as a tourist in Hebron nor anywhere else in Palestine. Furthermore, Palestinians are extremely welcoming and love to meet tourists. I have been invited to many peoples’ homes for dinner, which has allowed me to integrate more deeply into Palestinian culture and lifestyle.
Everyone who works at the center is incredibly kind and welcoming. Meeting volunteers from all over the world was exciting. We frequently had group dinners at the center and became so close that we celebrated my birthday together as well. I am so sad to be leaving the center but entirely sure that I will come back soon to see my Palestinian friends here! I highly recommend volunteering at the Palestinian Center in Hebron!
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How to apply or ask for additional information?
To apply to any of our programs: Please email Mr. Tamimi at info@gopalestine.org. Please type the name of the chosen program in the subject line. We will then contact you back!