By: Emi, Japan
“This is now my third stay in the West Bank. When I first came in 2023, I stayed in Bethlehem and visited Hebron only for a day as a tourist. I didn’t spend enough time there to form any lasting impression.
When I returned to Hebron in February 2025, almost no tourists were around due to the circumstances at the time. Just walking down the street made me stand out. Yet every person I passed greeted me with a warm smile and a heartfelt “Welcome!” Whenever I looked the slightest bit lost, someone immediately came to help.
I was quickly captivated by the people of Hebron, and I realized how special this place truly is. I promised myself that I would come back again soon. Even after I returned to Japan, I found myself thinking about Hebron every day—missing it, longing to return. Nine months later, as soon as I received my paid leave, I booked a flight and came back for my third visit.
During my last stay, I taught English to children in a refugee camp in Hebron. They were so charming and full of life that I promised them, “I’ll come back for you.” To keep that promise, I again chose to work at the camp this time. When I arrived, the kids who remembered me ran up and hugged me. They feel almost like my own children—so precious and impossible not to adore. Their English has improved even more since my last visit, and they were all so eager to learn. I can only pray that they will continue to receive the good education they deserve.
What made this stay different from my previous two was living in an apartment with other volunteers. Before, I had always stayed with a local family. This time, three cheerful and warm-hearted girls who had already been living there for a few weeks welcomed me into the apartment. They embraced me like family from the moment I arrived. We all came from different countries, yet we share the same purpose and the same feelings that brought us to the West Bank. We could talk passionately about Palestine for as long as we wanted—an experience that was both comforting and deeply moving.
And it wasn’t only their company that made my stay in the apartment so enjoyable. The wonderful host family lived right next door to us. They constantly looked out for us, made sure we lacked nothing, and offered us such warm hospitality that every day felt exceptional. I could happily live in that apartment forever.
I also loved my Arabic lessons at the center. In Japan, I usually study Arabic on a language app, but apps can’t correct my pronunciation or writing. Having one-on-one lessons this time helped me discover many of the mistakes and weak points I have. Since there is almost no place in Japan to study Levantine Arabic, learning directly from a local teacher here was incredibly valuable. When I return to Japan, I’ll try my best to continue studying Levantine Arabic so that I can improve before I come back to Hebron again.
Soon I will have to leave and return to my country. But I know I will come back to Hebron again before long. I know when I get back to my ordinary life in Tokyo, I will think of my days here, miss this place deeply, and long to see the people of Hebron once more.
I’ve traveled to many countries and cities around the world, but I have never known a place with kinder people than Hebron. I want to keep coming back and call this place my second home.”
