Lifechanging Experience in Palestine

My time at the Excellence Center was life changing in so many ways. When I first made plans to join the Medicine and Healthcare volunteer program, I only planned to stay for a little over two weeks. As I neared the end of my time, I knew there was still much more I needed to learn from Palestine and its people. I ended up extending my stay by another eight days, and I am so grateful that I did. Every moment I spent in Palestine was so enriching and wonderful. My only regret is that I could not stay even longer.

First and foremost, I am so grateful to the Palestinian people for welcoming me everywhere I went. From Hebron, to Bethlehem, to Jericho, to Al-Fawwar refugee camp, the hospitality and generosity was unmatched. One must be prepared to accept lots of tea, coffee, and sweets from locals! Often I was invited to lunch at people’s homes after meeting them only once. There is a strong sense of community and safety everywhere in Palestine. It is evident that everyone feels a responsibility to take care of one another, especially guests.

Visiting Palestine was both culturally and spiritually enriching. There are so many cultural and historic sites to see across the land. Every region has something - the only problem was deciding which places to visit during my limited time in the country! However, the Excellence Center goes above and beyond when it comes to arranging tours, especially within Hebron. Not only do you get to tour fascinating places, but they also provide lots of background information and opportunities to interact with locals. This is unlike many ultra-curated, “touristy” experiences in the Holy Land, which tend to avoid the realities of the occupation and apartheid and how these systems affect the lives of real people.

As a volunteer with the Medicine and Healthcare program, I also bore witness to the realities of medical apartheid in Palestine. In most areas of the West Bank, Palestinians are not allowed to build hospitals or clinics, even on land that they own. The Excellence Center connected me with the Palestinian Medical Relief Society and the Green Land Society, which have offices based in Hebron and send mobile clinics to areas where there are no medical facilities. I also spoke with many healthcare professionals who told of how, even in areas with medical facilities, resources are limited, including several crucial medications which are blocked from being imported into the West Bank. And yet, Palestinians are among the most resilient and resourceful people, finding ways to take care of each other in spite of all these barriers.

I came to Palestine and the Excellence Center expecting the experience of a lifetime, and yet I could never have been prepared for just how awesome it would be. I already hope to return someday. Everything about the experience - the Arabic lessons, the tours, the volunteer opportunities - was top tier. I gained new stories, friends, and perspectives, but I also gained a new home and family. To anyone with an open mind and adventurous spirit, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Excellence Center. You will never be the same.