Seeing in Color

In a world where news and social media create our perception of places and people, this opportunity granted me a clear and colorful portal into the actual world and humanity of a place so often portrayed, but rarely experienced.

During my time, I was blessed with constant generosity of the hosts of the center, with warm hospitality of new friends and strangers alike, with delicious local foods cooked with friendliness, and with the gift of being with the bright and playful children of this land.

Beyond the worries of my parents, and the inconveniences of the checkpoints, living in Hebron felt safe and easy.
Osama and Marwa were incredibly kind, generous, supportive, and welcoming. The center was so often filled with the play and laughter of children and fellow teachers. And though I would never say it to her face, my teacher Duha is an indescribable gift to the center, to the world, and to the language of Arabic; her only flaw is that she needs to wear more colors. (And of course, all would be considered lucky to be graced by the presence of Princess Haya).

Lastly, as a Jew, this opportunity was a precious gift to create simple and powerful exchanges of cultures and lives; in my eyes seeing tiny potent seeds of love and understanding among our dear kin <3