Law & Human Rights Internship in Palestine (1-12 Weeks)

Hello, my name is Alex, and I'm from the United States. I had the privilege of participating in the Lawyers in Palestine program, where I spent an unforgettable month in Palestine. My time there was nothing short of incredible.

The people were overwhelmingly kind even in these hard times, always ready to lend a hand and make sure I was well taken care of, happy, and enjoying my experience. The hospitality here is unmatched. Throughout the program, every day was filled with new learning and adventures.

I met numerous lawyers, attended court sessions, and even visited hospitals and schools. I had the unique opportunity to sit in on a class at the College of Law at Hebron University, where I was able to engage with the Dean and other students. Beyond my academic experiences, the Go Palestine team organized excursions to Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah, and other smaller cities around Hebron. I also met with various human rights organizations that gave me valuable insights into the complexities of the Israeli occupation and Palestinian law. One of the things that stood out to me most was the legal system in Palestine.

There is such a fascinating and intricate mix of laws at play Israeli law, British Mandate law, Jordanian law, Sharia law, and civil law. It was eye-opening to see how all these different legal frameworks interact, and the Go Palestine program made sure I had the chance to meet experts from each area to understand how they shape the daily lives of Palestinians. Throughout my stay, I always felt safe.

Even when traveling through checkpoints, I was well-informed about the procedures and knew exactly what to expect. I would encourage everyone to visit Palestine, and if you're unsure about how to go about it, I highly recommend the Go Palestine program. They made me feel like family, and they will do the same for you.

I spent two weeks in Hebron, Palestine, and the experience was unforgettable. The people here are incredibly welcoming, and their kindness is something I’ll never forget. I’ve learned so much about Palestinian culture, picked up some of the language, and seen how their legal system works, which is very different from what I know in the UK.

During the program, we met local Palestinian lawyers and learned about their jobs. We also visited courts to watch how cases are handled and spoke with different NGOs and human rights groups. This was an eye opening experience, helping us see how the law is put into action and how these groups support the community.

I felt safe throughout my time here. Palestine, and Hebron in particular, is beautiful, and I felt secure and always welcomed. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to discover the true beauty of Palestine and see its unique legal system.

I was eager to visit Palestine and found Go Palestine while looking for programs. The program included visiting the Old City, Al-Fawwar camp, various human rights organizations, the court, and allowed us to meet with lawyers and activists. We even organized a workshop and discussion with law students from Hebron University at the legal clinic.

What amazed me was how, despite living under occupation and not having a legislative council, local legal professionals showed incredible creativity and resilience. I met many people with innovative ideas for improving their society. Hebron is a great city, and I’d recommend visiting Palestine and especially Hebron to experience and understand the local culture and community.

I’m Lucas from Spain. After spending the last two years in Jordan studying Arabic, I wanted to keep improving my Levantine dialect and learn more about human rights in Palestine, especially in the West Bank. Two months ago, I joined a program in Hebron, which I found to be the most interesting city in the West Bank, despite worries about the occupation and the current situation.

Exploring both parts of the city, one controlled by Israel and the other by the Palestinian Authority was very intersting. The center gave me a comforting routine with organized tours and meetings that provided deep insights into local culture, history, and current issues. Highlights included visiting Shuhada Street, the Keffiyeh factory in the West Bank, and meeting professors, lawyers, and activists.

My program was special because I documented the center’s activities with photography and videos, which made my experience more diverse. I also taught English and helped with the center's website. The staff was flexible and supportive, making my time in Hebron very fulfilling.

Palestinian hospitality is amazing, and I strongly recommend accepting invitations for coffee or meals they give a real taste of the local culture. I never felt unsafe in Hebron; the locals were welcoming and respectful, although I understand that women might face different challenges. Overall, it was an incredible experience that deepened my understanding of the region and its people.

I don't know where to start. My experience at the Human Rights Internship has been amazing. Every day begins with a delicious Palestinian breakfast, followed by meetings with local human rights NGOs to learn about the situation in Palestine, especially during the Gaza war. Teaching English to children aged 7-12 was wonderful, and it was inspiring to see how a little help can make a big difference for them.

I also took Arabic classes with Mohammad, who is a very informative teacher. Living with a host family enhanced my learning experience even more. Despite what I had heard, Hebron feels safe and welcoming. Palestinians are very friendly people and very generous . I would highly recommend this program, and I'll definitely come back to Palestine!

I’m a 65 year old woman, who traveled solo in April, 2024 to Hebron in the middle of an unjust war. And I had the most incredible experience of my life with “Go Palestine.” I only wish I could have stayed longer than a week…which I will definitely do the next time. I felt safer in Hebron than in my hometown of Chicago. (But be careful crossing the street here!) Every day was packed with activities from visiting cultural and humanitarian organizations, to learning Arabic, to teaching English, to group cooking a local dish. My favorite part was visiting the nearby refugee camp. But that was because of the people. And I have never met a more welcoming people than the Palestinians. From my arrival day, when I got lost (but it’s in my nature to get lost.) A group of teen boys came up to me and helped me lug my two suitcases to the Center. And when I tried to give them a little money for helping me, they were aghast and refused! (What teenage boy wouldn’t like a little money for a soda or ice cream?) Super respectful men, women and children were always asking if I needed help, or wanting to practice their English with me. And the wonderful local family that I stayed with, were always watching out for me. Everyone who was working or volunteering at the center were amazing. Even though I was the oldest one there, they made me feel very welcome, and a part of the group. I highly recommend it to anyone of any age, gender, religion or nationality. It’s affordable and I learned more in my one week of immersion education, than I would have learned in a year of online research. It’s still difficult to truly know what’s it like to live as an everyday Palestinian, but I imagine that it would not have been much different from life in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942. Except that now the oppressed, is the oppressor. And the worst part…is that in 1942 the world had “an excuse” for not knowing.…but in 2024…there’s no excuse.

I'm Alex from Australia, and my time in Palestine, particularly Hebron, has been nothing short of incredible. Every day brought a new adventure, from exploring the beautiful country to experiencing the warmth and hospitality of its people despite the ongoing war in Gaza.

The Go Palestine center holds countless cherished memories for me. It was a hub of new friendships and eye-opening experiences, offering a unique window into Palestinian life. Throughout the Law internship program, I had the privilege of delving into the intricacies of the Palestinian legal system, visiting courtrooms, and meeting with lawyers. Additionally, my visits to various human rights NGOs provided valuable insights into their crucial work with the Palestinian community.

What struck me most during my stay was the rich tapestry of Palestinian culture and the genuine kindness of its people. From delving into the nation's history to immersing myself in its vibrant traditions, Palestine continually surprised and enchanted me.

Contrary to common misconceptions and the current situation, Palestine is a remarkably safe and welcoming destination. Throughout my time here, I felt entirely at ease, surrounded by stability and warmth, debunking stereotypes perpetuated by the media.

I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing Palestine firsthand, regardless of your background or location. Its beauty, culture, and hospitality are unparalleled. Participating in programs like the one offered by the Go Palestine center offers a unique and enriching perspective on this remarkable country and its people.

At first, I didn't intentionally choose to come to Palestine. I thought it was a very dangerous place, but it's actually quite different from what I imagined. Not only is it very safe here, but the people are also very friendly. I even celebrated an unforgettable birthday here. The two weeks I've spent here have been very fulfilling. Through conversations with locals, I've gained a deeper understanding of the real situation in this country and the lives of the local people. I believe this experience will be of great help to me in both my personal life and work.