Human Rights Internship at the Excellence Centre in Hebron

My time at the Excellence Center in Hebron was a truly meaningful and enriching experience. I stayed for about one month as part of the Human Rights Program, and from the very beginning I felt warmly welcomed into both the center and the local community.

Being there during Ramadan made my stay especially unique. I was often invited to join Iftar meals, which were not only veryyy delicious but also a beautiful way to connect with people and experience daily life more closely. Even though the rhythm of the city changes during Ramadan and things are generally less busy, the Excellence Center continued to organize a wide range of engaging activities that made my time both full and rewarding.

Through the center, I had the opportunity to meet many different people and explore Hebron in a very personal way. I visited places such as local markets, typical factories, local artists, and different neighborhoods across the city.

Spending time in the H2 area in particular gave me a much deeper understanding of what it means that Hebron is divided, and how closely nearby settlements affect the everyday lives of Palestinian residents. What made these experiences especially impactful was learning directly from people who are living under these conditions.

Alongside this, I was able to teach English in camps around Hebron. The students were incredibly kind, motivated, and welcoming, and teaching them was both enjoyable and eye-opening. I also took Arabic lessons during my stay, which added another meaningful layer to my experience. My teacher, Joomana, created such a fun and relaxed atmosphere that learning never felt like a task, but something I genuinely looked forward to.

The accommodation provided by the center was very comfortable, which made it easy to feel at home during my stay. At the same time, the sense of community among the volunteers was something I deeply appreciated. Everyone was kind, open-minded, and supportive, and sharing this experience with them made it even more special.

Overall, my time at the Excellence Center gave me not only valuable insights into human rights and daily life in Hebron, but also genuine human connections that I will carry with me. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone – students, travelers, or anyone interested in understanding more about the region. It is a unique opportunity to connect with the warmth and openness of Palestinian people and to learn in a way that goes far beyond what you can find in books. To sum it up: I can’t wait to come back!!