By: Marc- France

I was part of the September 2019 Summer camp of Zajel of Youth Exchange Program. It was the first time for me in a middle-eastern country and I believe I couldn’t have chosen a better way to discover this part of the world than with this Youth Exchange program.

After landing in Tell Aviv and spending a day in the city, the adventure began when the taxi went to pick me and my girlfriend, who joined as well, at our hotel. Not a strange, dodgy taxi but a secure, private one. We then picked up a few other members, and drove toward Palestine.

Quickly, the modern, Americanized city of Tel Aviv fades to let the country side take over; a wide landscape made of rocks and sand bathed in a soft yellow sunlight. As we drove, the authentic decor of the Promised Land became more visible, and between us the barbed wires along the fences.

Part of the scenery, Palestinian workers approaching a checkpoint to re-enter the West-bank, where we’re going too.

After passing the checkpoint, we stopped along a side-road to change taxi and take a Palestinian one. We then pursued and drove straight to Nablus city. The sun set and when the taxi finally stopped is was dark already. The door opened and we were wrathfully welcomed by the local volunteers, our first encounter with Palestinian people, all smiling and surrounding us. It was chaotic and wonderful at the same time.

After a few hours resting in a park and getting to know each other, international and local volunteers, we got accompanied to our flats – one for boys and one for girl. Two well-accommodated flats with many rooms, shower (cold on mornings), washing machine, balconies… Simple but perfect for groups of 5-6 people. A base to stay, rest and discuss.

After choosing a room, we decided to take our first steps alone in Palestine. The boys flat being located away from the center; the area is quiet which is perfect for a first exploration.

At first, we weren’t feeling comfortable. People were staring at us, white European people coming from nowhere, looking lost and in the wrong place. Quickly though, Palestinian people stared to talk to us, welcoming us, smiling at us with goodwill.

What we were about to experience was the impressing kindness of the Palestinian people. A kindness that will always stay carved in my heart.