As the occupation of Palestine garners increasing global attention, a growing number of volunteers from around the world are finding their way to this historic and culturally rich land. Despite the compelling reasons to travel to Palestine and contribute, Palestine is often perceived as a dangerous place, leading friends, family, and well-meaning acquaintances to advise against such a journey. The reality, however, is often starkly different from these perceptions. Volunteering in Palestine can be an immensely rewarding experience, offering numerous benefits that extend far beyond the typical volunteer stint.
The chance to immerse oneself in the vibrant Palestinian culture, to witness firsthand the resilience and hospitality of its people, and to make a meaningful impact on communities in need are just a few of the reasons why this opportunity is so valuable. If you find yourself hesitating, let us provide you with compelling reasons why volunteering in Palestine is an excellent choice, one that promises to enrich your life in ways you might not have imagined.
Is Palestine Safe?
Before we talk about the advantages of volunteering in Palestine, it is necessary to address an issue that scares many foreigners away from Palestine: safety. If you have followed Western media outlets about the situation in Palestine, you likely have a grim view of daily life in Palestine. This outlook may make you reluctant to come here – even for a good cause. While it is undeniable that the occupation is visible in almost every aspect of daily life and often expresses itself in the form of violence, foreigners are not subjected to treatment like Palestinians. Foreigners are not hated or persecuted on either side of the conflict but welcomed by both sides. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that foreigners come and see the occupation with their own eyes.
Israelis do not want to come across as evil in foreigners’ eyes, so they will not harass you. You, therefore, do not have to fear the occupation yourself. Moreover, when you live in Palestine and volunteer with the community, you will always have people around who will help you and look after you, whether the people who work at the center or your host family. Finally, it is essential to realize that, despite the occupation, Palestinians generally lead an everyday life like everywhere else in the world – they go to school, work, and cafes and go shopping. As long as you use your common sense and avoid protests and clashes, you will be in no more danger than in any other country.
What are the Benefits of Volunteering in Palestine?
Making a Difference
What is most important and valuable about volunteer work is that it can profoundly impact the living circumstances of the Palestinian people. Palestinians lack many basic things, such as quality education, future perspectives, a stable tourism industry, water resources, etc. Volunteers may be able to lend a hand in all these aspects of life. Teaching English, for example, makes children better prepared for going to university or acquiring an internationally oriented job.
People who study international law have an opportunity to see the status of human rights in Palestine, and they can use their knowledge and expertise to raise awareness about the lack of human rights. Spreading the word about Palestine – both the reality of the occupation and the beauty of the country – may attract tourists, which boosts the Palestinian economy. In all ways, foreigners who come here add to the Palestinian cause. Even seeing that foreigners are coming to Palestine gives Palestinians the hope that their cause is not forgotten and that public opinion is changing.
Learn About the Occupation
Maybe you learned about the occupation of Palestine during your studies, or perhaps you heard about it in the news. However, witnessing the occupation up close and seeing how it manifests in daily life teaches content you cannot learn from books or newspapers. You will gain new perspectives and insights into the conflict through such visits. In addition, the Palestinian people you meet will tell their histories; maybe they have been expelled from their lands, and perhaps many members of their families live now in the diaspora in countries all over the world. Talking to people from all walks of life and seeing the different ways Palestinians live broadens and deepens your understanding of the conflict. After your time in Palestine, you will be able to inform others of what is going on here.
Through Volunteering in Palestine, You Will Learn About it
Occupied by Israel, atrocities are committed every single day in Palestine. Daily life in Palestine can be complex, and the stories you hear are often melancholy. But life here has many good things to offer, too. As a volunteer, you will be able to travel around the country and explore its treasures. Palestine is the holy land for all three monotheistic religions, and whether you are religious or not, the ground certainly feels sacred.
Many places in Palestine give you a glimpse of the immense history of this land. You can visit the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, the Dead Sea in Jericho, and the Old City of Hebron. Besides visiting the major tourist sites, Palestine is rich in beautiful natural areas with flowers, plants, and olive trees, where you can hike as far and long as you desire. Also, there are beaches where you can swim in the sea and cities where you can party.
Learn About Palestinian Culture
Another bright phenomenon about life in Palestine is its rich and old culture. From food and weddings to funerals and family relations, every part of daily life is influenced or determined by Palestinian traditions and habits. Therefore, it is a valuable experience to see how people live in different ways and think about matters like life, death, and love. Moreover, being confronted with a different culture leaves you with questions about your own, and searching for the answer to such questions is necessary for knowing how you want to live and what is important to you.
Growing as a Person
Volunteering in Palestine will make you grow as a person. Living in an unknown country will force you to get out of your comfort zone, speak with strangers, visit places you do not know, live in a house that is not familiar, and so on.
Working Experience
Depending on the program you will do here, you will gain working experience in a particular field. Whether you would like to work in the human rights field, with refugees, as a teacher, or something else, starting as a volunteer is an easy way to get familiar with the area and discover if this is indeed what you want. Furthermore, prospective employers always appreciate the experience as a volunteer, so doing volunteer work looks good on your resumé. Finally, as with any work experience, you will discover your strengths and weaknesses in the work that you are doing, and this will help you in your career path.
Host Family
Being a volunteer in Palestine might lead to you living with a host family. There is no better way to learn about Palestinian culture than to live with Palestinians. They are famous for their warmth and hospitality, and becoming part of the family ensures that you will experience that hospitality at its best. Furthermore, you will learn how important family ties are in Palestine, as families are the only (and arguably the best possible) social safety net that exists here. Relatives visit each other often so that you will meet the whole extended family. Food is integral to Palestinian culture. Food and home-cooked meals with your host family are other advantages of volunteering. Last but not least, living with a family gives you ample opportunities to practice your Arabic – regardless of whether you are a beginner or advanced – and you know what they say: practice makes perfect.
Concluding Remarks On Volunteering in Palestine
The advantages of coming to Palestine as a volunteer are numerous. First of all, through volunteering, you will be able to make a tangible difference in the lives of Palestinians who are suffering under Israeli occupation. Secondly, living in Hebron and possibly with a host family, you will learn about the occupation of Palestine in a way that books or newspapers cannot teach you. Thirdly, you will explore this beautiful country that has many known and hidden treasures. Fourthly, you will get the chance to learn about the rich and old Palestinian culture.
Fifthly, by doing volunteer work in Palestine, you will learn a lot about yourself, which will help you for the rest of your life. Sixthly, volunteering is an excellent way to start your career as, for example, a teacher, because you will gain skills. In addition, it looks good on your resumé. Last but not least, volunteering in Palestine will give you the chance to live with a host family, which will contribute to getting the most beautiful and productive experience in Palestine possible. We hope to welcome you to Palestine and for you to experience all these advantages for yourself.
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