Experience of a lifetime

My name is Jack and I am from the United States. I have a bachelor’s degree in political science from UCLA. I did a little over a month at the excellence center doing the human rights program. Everyday consisted of meeting with Palestinian human rights activists from all aspects of society. I met with women’s rights activists, anti-occupation activists, professors from Hebron University, members of the chamber of commerce, and many other people. I learned so much about human rights in Palestine during my stay here.

In Hebron I lived in the male apartment. It is located in the perfect location, a fifteen minute walk to the center and a 5 minute walk to the old city. The apartment is surrounded by a very nice and hospitable Palestinian family, with very nice kids of love to have fun and play soccer. I spent a lot of my time with a family that I met in the old city, and in many ways they became a host family to me as well.

The excellence center is filled with really great staff and people. Every day Osama organized extremely educational trips for us and if we wanted to see something or meet someone, Osama would help arrange it. I also learned Arabic from Doha at the center. I really enjoyed my classes with Doha. She is very sweet and smart, and during my time with her my Arabic improved greatly. I will miss her very much.

During my time in Palestine I also visited Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Haifa, and Akka, but by far my favorite city is Hebron. The people are the warmest, kindest, most generous, and strong people I have ever met. I made so many Palestinian friends here and I will cherish the memories I have with all of them. In Hebron I always felt safe. For me, even walking at night felt totally fine.

My time in Palestine has been life changing. The people I have met and experiences I’ve had have impacted me in the most positive way possible. I am very sad to leave here but I am already planning my next trip back. I would highly recommend the excellence center to anyone looking to visit Palestine. It truly is a trip of a lifetime.