IFPB delegations provide the opportunity to meet with many groups and individuals working on the ground for peace and justice. You will *not* be merely a tourist!
I got to meet and stay with families, visit important sites, and hear (and discuss and criticize!) many perspectives. We met with dialogue groups, grassroots organizations, individual activists, and civil society leaders. We visited kibbutzim and refugee camps, cities and villages. There were excellent guides to explain what is happening, as well as the opportunity to simply be there and see it with your own eyes.
The group debriefings were also valuable after a tough day, and the delegation leaders were outstanding... supportive and knowledgeable.
Some difficult moments were offset by lighter moments... Hebron left me angry and speechless. But Jaffa and Al-Quds were uplifting, in a bittersweet way. Some relaxation time was built in, which was sometimes necessary to unwind and recuperate from some of the more emotionally draining encounters.
Through shared meals and shared experiences, our group forged some nice bonds and we continue to keep in touch afterward.
Finally, IFPB helps to prepare you to tell others about what you've experienced (if you choose). They encourage their delegates to reach out and put their experiences to use after they return home, and they provide guidance in that area.
All around, if you're interested in doing something to help resolve the situation in Palestine, IFPB is a fantastic organization to go there with. I highly recommend their delegations.
