Human Rights Program

I only came for a week so my experience will be different from those who stay for longer. Having been to The Excellence Center before it was wonderful to be welcomed back by Marwa and Osama. I stayed in a shared apartment with other international visitors and felt safe and comfortable. I think it is better to wander about with others as not everyone responds the same way to foreigners, particularly women. For the most part, the people of Hebron are very welcoming and hospitable and will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. You may run into someone here or there who is less welcoming (more so children you bump into on the street, interestingly). My advice is to work hard at learning the language so that people can see that you care about the people and their culture.

As far as the program itself, each day began with shared breakfast, Arabic lesson, and then an outing to learn more about human rights issues that are affecting Palestinians in Hebron and other areas of the West Bank. Each day offered something new that was eye-opening. I think it is especially important given the state of things currently to see for yourself what the people of Hebron face every day; most of them are eager to share and be heard. I hope to visit again soon and know that I will be welcomed back.