My Experience with Engage in Palestine, Hebron

My name is Louise, and I’m from Australia. I work in education development and have had had the good fortune to live and work in many countries. Hebron is the friendliest and safest place I have ever been to. I have never felt so welcomed by a community as I have in Hebron, from neighbours, taxi drivers, students, shop keepers to people in the street. This is the most hospitable place I have ever experienced.
I participated in the Palestinian Refugees program and had the privilege of teaching displaced young people in a camp near Hebron. I got to know so many people living in the camp and hear firsthand the stories of their lives and learn a lot about the history and current situation of Palestinians. I also taught in a beautiful village outside Hebron, which has many historical sites. The Palestinian colleagues who supported and helped me in these activities are amazing. They are so knowledgeable about history and the best times I spent here were conversations with the wonderful people I met during my stay. I got to enjoy A LOT of traditional Palestinian food- everywhere I went I was offered delicious food!
My Arabic greatly improved, due to both the clear teaching of my Arabic Teacher at the centre and the willingness of locals to be patient and explain to me what I could say in Arabic. I have lived in Arabic speaking countries before but honestly the Excellence Centre in Hebron is the best place to learn Arabic because of the expertise of the teachers, who make interesting, simple and practical lessons and the friendliness of the locals, most of whom speak some English but who are also really happy to talk with you in Arabic.
The Excellence Centre feels like home, the daily breakfast is delicious, and there is a constant supply of freshly ground coffee! The Excellence Centre has a great vibe, the students studying English are so happy to talk with visitors and also show visitors around, to their favourite café, and the best place to have shawarma. The Excellence Centre is highly regarded by the local community because it makes a real difference in the life of Palestinians.
I was so busy and made so many friends in Hebron I didn’t even go outside to visit any of the usual ‘tourist’ sites! I had the best time just hanging out with the friends I made in Hebron and eating amazing food. I explored the fascinating Old City of Hebron- people on the street and in shops will teach you about their area, the history and the culture. People here are so happy to share with you their beautiful city.
The welcoming culture of Hebron makes it the safest city I have ever spent time in. It feels like everyone in the city wants to help you. There is no crime, I left my phone in a café and it was returned to me. I took taxis off the street, visited strangers’ houses, walked everywhere. The greatest challenge was eating all the food I was offered and finding time to take up all the offers of hospitality.
Come here to learn about Palestine, to make friends and to have an amazing time while also feeling that you contribute positively to the Palestinian community.