Palestine

Ratings
Overall
5
Growth: 5
Support: 5
Fun: 5
Housing: 5
Safety: 5
Review

I’m a 65 year old woman, who traveled solo in April, 2024 to Hebron in the middle of an unjust war. And I had the most incredible experience of my life with “Go Palestine.” I only wish I could have stayed longer than a week…which I will definitely do the next time. I felt safer in Hebron than in my hometown of Chicago. (But be careful crossing the street here!) Every day was packed with activities from visiting cultural and humanitarian organizations, to learning Arabic, to teaching English, to group cooking a local dish. My favorite part was visiting the nearby refugee camp. But that was because of the people. And I have never met a more welcoming people than the Palestinians. From my arrival day, when I got lost (but it’s in my nature to get lost.) A group of teen boys came up to me and helped me lug my two suitcases to the Center. And when I tried to give them a little money for helping me, they were aghast and refused! (What teenage boy wouldn’t like a little money for a soda or ice cream?) Super respectful men, women and children were always asking if I needed help, or wanting to practice their English with me. And the wonderful local family that I stayed with, were always watching out for me. Everyone who was working or volunteering at the center were amazing. Even though I was the oldest one there, they made me feel very welcome, and a part of the group. I highly recommend it to anyone of any age, gender, religion or nationality. It’s affordable and I learned more in my one week of immersion education, than I would have learned in a year of online research. It’s still difficult to truly know what’s it like to live as an everyday Palestinian, but I imagine that it would not have been much different from life in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942. Except that now the oppressed, is the oppressor. And the worst part…is that in 1942 the world had “an excuse” for not knowing.…but in 2024…there’s no excuse.

Would you recommend this program?
Yes, I would
Year Completed
2024
Media
Photo Upload