The Ultimate Guide to Volunteering in Palestine – West Bank 2024/2025 s your comprehensive resource for a meaningful and impactful volunteering experience in this historically rich region. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or venturing into volunteering for the first time, this guide provides essential information on obtaining visas, navigating entry requirements, and understanding the cultural landscape.

Discover opportunities that transcend borders and contribute to the community while exploring the beauty and resilience of Palestine. With practical tips, firsthand accounts, and up-to-date insights, this guide is your key to unlocking a transformative volunteer journey in the West Bank for the years 2024 and 2025.

Palestine’s Geographical Location

Situated in Asia along the eastern Mediterranean coast, Palestine is an Arab nation within the Levant region. It shares its borders with Jordan to the east, Lebanon to the north, and is flanked by the Red Sea and Sinai, Egypt to the south. To the west, the Mediterranean Sea links Palestine with Africa, Asia, and Europe, forming a vital connection between these continents.

Strategically positioned in the heart of the Middle East, Palestine has historically served as a crossroads and a gateway to the West for travelers and a hub for international trade. Goods frequently entered Palestine first before continuing their journey to Europe, making it a significant commercial and cultural center.

Looking for Volunteer Opportunities in Palestine?

Consider volunteering with Go Palestine, located in Hebron, in the West Bank region. While you volunteer in Palestine, Go Palestine’s program includes the following provisions: comfortable accommodation, a daily breakfast, guided tours of key historical and political sites in the city of Hebron, visits to Palestinian camps, weekly Arabic language lessons, and a certificate of program completion.

Duration of Volunteering ( one week up to three months)

Volunteer durations for this program are flexible, providing individuals with the opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives for a period that suits their availability and commitment levels. Whether you have a week, two weeks, a month, or even three months to spare, there is a range of options available to accommodate your schedule.

This flexibility not only allows you to tailor your volunteer experience to fit your specific time constraints but also ensures that you can immerse yourself in the community and project activities, fostering a deeper and more impactful engagement during your chosen timeframe.

Is there a specific date to volunteer in Palestine?

No, there isn’t a specific date to volunteer in Palestine. The duration, the days you want to come for, is entirely your choice. You can come any time during the year and decide whether to start at the beginning of the week, in the middle, or towards the end. When to start and when to end is entirely up to you.

Place of volunteering	Hebron (H1 – Under Palestinian Control), Palestine
Program Fees	Starting From $250 – American Dollar
Age	18-75 Years Old
Minimum Duration	1 Week
Maximum Duration	12 Weeks – Three Months
Starting/Ending Dates	Flexible – Anytime
Application Deadline	No Deadline
Program Language	English
Days off	Two days including Fridays
Educational Degree	Not Required
University Credit	Available

Whether you’re seeking a short-term commitment or a more extended period of service, the program strives to offer a variety of options to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of potential volunteers. This adaptability underscores the program’s commitment to making volunteer opportunities accessible and accommodating to individuals with varying availability, ultimately maximizing the positive impact on both volunteers and the communities they serve.

Learn Arabic Language During Volunteering

We offer two classes every week, each lasting 1.5 hours. Combined, these classes give you 3 hours of immersive Arabic language learning. This helps you understand Arabic culture and communication better.

Improve English Through Friendly Conversations

Our main goal is to help you speak and understand English. We have friendly conversations with students of all ages and genders to help them become better at English. We believe that improving their conversation skills can open up more opportunities in life and connect them with people from different places.

Live with a Palestinian Host Family

Staying with a Palestinian family is a unique opportunity. It helps you learn the language and understand the culture and daily life of your hosts. You’ll get a window into their traditions, values, and hospitality, which enriches your learning experience. It’s a chance to build connections and appreciate Palestinian life even more.

Explore Refugee Camps on Day Trips

We organize day trips to refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem. These trips let you see the lives of refugees up close. Spending time in these camps helps you understand their challenges and resilience. It’s an eye-opening experience that broadens your horizons, builds empathy, and deepens your understanding of these locations.

City Tours in Hebron

Our program includes day tours in Hebron. You’ll explore key areas, each with a unique story. These tours let you learn about the city’s history and contemporary life. You’ll also visit local factories to understand the local economy and craftsmanship. This offers a comprehensive experience, helping you appreciate the culture and life in Hebron.

Cook Authentic Palestinian Dishes Together

In our program, you’ll have a culinary adventure. You’ll actively participate in preparing authentic Palestinian dishes. It’s a chance to learn and bond over cooking while enjoying the flavors of the region. This experience helps you connect with the community and create lasting memories.

Explore Beyond Hebron: Two Days Off Weekly

We understand the importance of exploring the region. That’s why we give you two days off each week to venture beyond Hebron. You can discover other enchanting places in Palestine, such as Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah, Jericho, and Jerusalem. These days off are designed to give you the freedom to travel, learn, and create memories beyond Hebron, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching experience.

Who Can Volunteer?

Volunteers aged 18 to 75 are welcome, with those under 18 requiring parental consent to apply. Prior experience is not a prerequisite, as programs are inclusive of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Is prior experience a requirement for volunteering in Palestine?

Volunteering in Palestine does not require prior experience. Our volunteer programs are inclusive and cater to individuals from diverse backgrounds, irrespective of whether they have any previous experience. Our emphasis is on creating a supportive environment that allows everyone to contribute, learn, and make a meaningful impact, regardless of their prior expertise.

What matters most to us is your enthusiasm and dedication. Our team is committed to guiding and supporting you throughout your volunteer journey in Palestine. Whether you are an experienced volunteer or someone eager to embark on their first volunteering experience, we invite you to join us in making a positive difference in this remarkable region.

Program Name	Duration	Fees starting from
Volunteer in the West Bank	From 1 Week up to 12 Weeks	$250 (American Dollar)
Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees	From 1 Week up to 12 Weeks	$250 (American Dollar)
Volunteer with Palestinian Children	From 1 Week up to 12 Weeks	$250 (American Dollar)
Volunteer at Local Schools in Palestine	From 1 Week up to 12 Weeks	$250 (American Dollar)
Volunteer English Teaching in Palestine	From 1 Week up to 12 Weeks	$250 (American Dollar)
Volunteer in a Palestinian Hospital	From 1 Week up to 12 Weeks	$250 (American Dollar)
Volunteer as Articles Writer in Palestine	From 1 Week up to 12 Weeks	$170 (American Dollar)

What visa do you need to volunteer in Palestine?

To volunteer in Palestine, obtaining an Israeli tourist visa allowing a stay of up to 3 months is necessary. Acquiring a volunteer visa directly in Palestine can be challenging.

Visa Requirements for Volunteering in Palestine

If you belong to a country with an exemption agreement with Israel, you can acquire a tourist visa upon arriving at either Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge border crossing. Typically, citizens from countries like the United States and European nations are granted three-month visas upon arrival, valid for a 90-day period.

However, if your home country does not have an exemption agreement with Israel, it is essential to obtain a visa from the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country before your visit. It’s worth noting that Israel now issues visas on a separate card containing a barcode to avoid passport stamps, as some Arab countries do not accept Israeli passport stamps. Ensure to verify whether your native country participates in a visa exemption agreement.

Click HERE to Check If You NEED To Obtain A Visa! 

What if your passport isn’t suitable for an airport tourist visa?

Regrettably, individuals from countries such as Pakistan and India must obtain a visa from the Israeli embassy in their respective countries if they wish to volunteer in Palestine. This process can be particularly challenging as Israel maintains control over all entry points. Consequently, securing a visa becomes a prerequisite even before initiating the volunteer application.

Unable to join us in Palestine for any reason?

If you can’t go to Palestine but want to help Palestinians by teaching English online, the “ONLINE Teaching English to Palestinians” program is perfect for you. In this program, you can have one-on-one English lessons with Palestinian students and, at the same time, learn Arabic from one of our qualified instructors.

The ONLINE Teaching English to Palestinians program is designed for people who want to teach English to Palestinians and be part of the Palestinian community. You can use video chat apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Meeting, ZOOM, and others to conduct these online lessons and build meaningful connections.

It’s important to note that Palestine lacks the authority to issue visas, as it does not have control over borders, airports, or similar facilities. Acquiring an Israeli visa for volunteering in Palestine proves to be exceedingly difficult, if not nearly impossible, given that Israeli authorities typically decline such requests.

Is it possible to earn university credit while volunteering in Palestine?

Yes, volunteering in Palestine can indeed offer you the opportunity to earn university credit.

Solo Traveling in Palestine

Embarking on a journey to Palestine, whether solo or with companions, promises a unique and unforgettable experience. While safety is a common concern for travelers, careful planning and the application of common-sense precautions can transform your trip into a fun, thrilling, and worry-free adventure, all while staying within your budget.

Palestinians are renowned for their friendliness, enthusiasm, and eagerness to connect with individuals from diverse cultures and countries. Engaging with international visitors not only brightens the day of a Palestinian but also enriches your travel experience. Opting for solo travel can make you more approachable and open to forging new friendships, enhancing the overall fulfillment of your journey compared to traveling with a group.

Can I, as an international volunteer, visit Israeli cities and return to Palestine?

Absolutely, if you get an Israeli visa, you can easily visit places in the West Bank and even take short trips to cities like Jerusalem, Haifa, or Tel Aviv. Then, you can come back to the West Bank without any trouble.

Do checkpoints affect volunteers entering Palestinian territories?

Not at all. Israeli checkpoints don’t pose any problem for foreign volunteers who want to come to Palestine and help out. These checkpoints were unfortunately set up to control the movement of Palestinians, not visitors and tourists, so they won’t get in your way as a volunteer.

Are tattoos generally perceived as offensive in Palestine?

It’s fine to come with tattoos where you might get some attention and questions from locals, but it must not forbid you from coming and visiting Palestine. While tattoos may attract curiosity or spark conversations among locals, particularly in more conservative areas, they should not serve as a barrier to experiencing the rich cultural heritage and hospitality that Palestine has to offer.

Visitors with tattoos are welcomed and encouraged to engage with local communities, learn about Palestinian history and traditions, and forge connections beyond superficial appearances. In embracing diversity and respecting individual choices, Palestine remains an open and inclusive destination for travelers from all walks of life.

Is it easy to travel around Palestine?

Yes, it’s quite easy to travel around Palestine because it’s not very big. You can visit different parts of the country, like cities, countryside, and the coast, all in a short amount of time. Buses, shared taxis, and good roads make it simple to get from place to place. You can enjoy the markets, try local food, and meet friendly Palestinian people. So, if you want to explore and see what Palestine has to offer, it’s not hard to do.

Safety in Palestine

Palestine is a safe destination for tourists, and visitors can enjoy their time there with a sense of security. Despite occasional safety concerns in the news, the Palestinian Authority places a high priority on the safety and security of tourists, ensuring a positive travel experience.

Go Palestine also takes extra measures to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors. They offer excellent services and support throughout your journey, including assistance with any safety concerns, making your trip memorable and trouble-free.

Is it safe for Muslims to visit Palestine?

Yes, it’s safe because Palestine is a Muslim country. If you’re worried about facing Israeli officers as a Muslim, don’t be concerned.

How much does it cost to volunteer in Palestine?

Go Palestine offers budget-friendly fees that cover accommodation, Arabic language lessons, English classes, day tours in the city of Hebron, visits to refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem, shared cooking evenings, and a program completion certificate.

What do the fees include?

Accommodation	Host family or at our 8th-floor apartment Private accommodation is available with extra fees
Meals	Only Breakfast
Local Tours	Local tours in the city of Hebron
Day Trips	To Refugees camp in Hebron & Bethlehem
Arabic Hours	3 hours a week
Arabic type	Standard Arabic or Ammiya (Levantine Arabic)
Activities	Joining social & educational activities
Upon completion of the program	Receiving a certificate & recommendation letter

Arabic Language Skills

Knowing Arabic is not a requirement for volunteers. However, Go Palestine offers Arabic language classes for those interested. You can take advantage of three hours of Arabic lessons per week, with two classes lasting 1.5 hours each, taught by one of their instructors. You can choose to study either Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) or Spoken Arabic Language (Ammyia) when you begin your program.

Arrival Options

You have two choices for your arrival. You can either fly into Ben Gurion Airport or enter via the Jordanian border, both are managed by Israel.

Weather in Palestine

• Winter in Palestine spans about three months duration, and the temperature sometimes does fall to zero; however, it does not usually snow in Palestine. In recent years it has snowed only twice.

• Summers in Palestine are hot. July and August are the hottest months in Palestine. The Temperatures may reach 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), and even higher some days. Although the summer is hot, the evenings are cool. Evenings are popular for going out to enjoy the cooler weather after a hot day. A sweater or light jacket may be comfortable for evenings.

• The climate during the remainder of the year is mild and moderate. Rainfall in Palestine is very limited, with the rainiest months occurring from November to February.

Important Information before Coming to Palestine

Palestine Living Expenses	Approx. 50-70$ a Week
Weekend in Palestine	On Friday
Food in Palestine	The West Bank engages primarily in heavier meals involving the use of bread, rice, and meat, and coastal plain inhabitants frequent fish, other seafood, and lentils.
Wifi Access in Palestine	At houses, cafes, restaurants – Almost everywhere
3G Service in Palestine	Available since Jan 2018
The official language in Palestine	Arabic – Palestinian Dialect (One of the Levantine dialects)
Currency in Palestine	Mainly Israeli Shekel (NIS). Jordanian Dinar & American Dollars are also used in buying Real estate and land.
Transportations in Palestine	Yellow Taxies & Orange Mini-Vans
Weather in Palestine	Summer (25-30°C), Winter (0-9°C)
Nearest Major Airports to Palestine	Ben Gurion Airport in Israel if you travel via Israel Alia International Airport if you travel via Jordan

What does your weekly schedule look like?

We at GO Palestine are keen to make your weekly schedule diversified, rich, and organized. Thus, it will contain a number of educational, social, and fun activities that will make your experience in Palestine special and unique.

Breakfast starts at 9:30 am

The day at our center starts with a special Palestinian breakfast at 9:30 in the morning and ends at approximately 10:15. Our breakfast contains a number of ingredients, including Palestinian thyme (Zaatar), labneh, tomato and cucumber slices, falafel, hummus, mortadella, olives, yellow cheese, jam, pita bread, boiled or fried eggs, and French fries. The ingredients are changed (among the mentioned ingredients) from time to time to diversify the breakfast.

The Content of the program starts at 10:30

The content of your program begins at 10:30 in the morning and continues until 1:30 or 2:00 in the afternoon. This includes teaching conversational English to Palestinians (school students, university students, and community members). This differs depending on the program you are joining, please read the program’s description.

Lunch Break starts at 2:00 pm

At two o’clock in the afternoon begins the lunch break, which lasts for an entire hour. You can buy lunch from a restaurant next to the center. There are a number of restaurants nearby, which provide meals such as shawarma, falafel, and fried chicken as well as traditional Palestinian meals such as Maqluba, Hebron’s Qidreh, Chicken Mansaf or Lamp Mansaf, and other meals. There are also a number of supermarkets/malls nearby where you can buy what you need and cook yourself in the center.

Arabic Language Classes (MSA and Levantine/Colloquial)

Weekly, you will get two Arabic language classes for an hour and a half each. These classes are taught by one of our skilled/qualified teachers. Arabic language classes are held at different times, either in the morning or, in most cases, in the afternoon. The student can choose whether to study Modern Standard Arabic, Colloquial Arabic (Ammiya), or both.

Day Trips to Refugee Camps in Bethlehem & Hebron

Once every week, a day trip is organized to the refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem, as well as to areas of political importance whenever the opportunity arises. These trips will give you the opportunity to learn about the conditions of the Palestinian refugees, talk to them and learn their stories. These trips depart at 10:45 am from the center and end approx. at 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon.

Local Visits to Learn about the Landmarks of the city of Hebron

Once every two weeks, local visits are organized to the historical and economic landmarks of the city of Hebron. This includes a visit to the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City, and Al-Shuhada Street as well as visiting a number of factories in the city, such as keffiyeh, glass, and ceramic factories.

Prepare & Cook a Traditional Palestinian Dish

Once every two or three weeks, all our volunteers, interns, and Arabic language’ students join together to prepare and cook a traditional Palestinian dish. This includes preparing appetizers, frying vegetables, cooking rice, chopping chicken or meat, and stuffing some vegetables depending on the dish to be cooked that day.

Free Time starts at 16:00 or at 16:30

After your time in the center is over, you have free time where you can hang out with other international participants and/or locals you met during your stay in Hebron by going to a café or coffee shop or going to a park and enjoying your time in the evening. There are many cafes and parks not far from the center, as the center is located on one of the most lively streets in the city.

What is the application process?

• Request the application form by emailing us.
• Fill out and submit the application.
• Invite you to attend a video interview via Skype/WhatsApp.
• Receive and complete the confirmation form, contract, and invoice for payment.
• Sign the contract and make payment to reserve your place in the program.
• Receive an orientation booklet and travel guide.
• Contact the center using the provided coordinator’s contact number.

Documents you’ll receive from us!

How to request more information or apply for the program?

To Volunteer in Palestine, email Mr. Tamimi at info@gopalestine.org with “Volunteer in Palestine” in the subject line. In the email, express your interest, ask any questions, and request an application. We will respond to your email shortly.

Let’s Chat!

WhatsApp or Signal : +972-598172071

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Let’s welcome you to Palestine!

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