My Palestinian Adventure: Beyond Expectations

I'm Linda, a 24-year-old from the USA, and I want to share my recent trip to Palestine, where things are tough due to the Gaza war. Before going, I had some ideas from what I saw on TV, but being there changed everything.

I joined the Teach English in Palestine program at Go Palestine for two weeks, and it was eye-opening. Despite the challenges, Palestine is a beautiful place with stunning landscapes and incredibly friendly people.

I taught English to young adults, and they were super eager to learn, even with everything going on. Ms. Manar and the staff at the Palestinian center were amazing, providing support during tough times.The center became a hub for making friends from around the world. It also connected me with locals trying to build an understanding of the ongoing conflict.

Learning Arabic during this time felt even more special, connecting me to the culture of Palestine. My teacher, Mohammad (Ostaz in Arabic), was excellent and assisted me in enhancing my Arabic skills.

I'm thankful for this trip, as it showed me a different side of Palestine beyond what I initially thought. This experience made me appreciate the strength and resilience of the people in Palestine.

I just hope for a future where there's peace and better times for everyone in the region. I'll definitely come back for a longer time.