By Rebecca Carpenter – United Kingdom

Before my arrival in Palestine, I was very nervous about what I would see and experience. My friends and family were apprehensive too, and some were unsure as to why I wanted to travel to a ‘dangerous’ and militarised area. These feelings of uncertainty can largely be attributed to the media’s interpretation of Palestine, and the completely negative picture media outlets paint of life here. Of course, life under Israeli occupation is a struggle for the elderly and the young alike – and Zajel has opened my eyes to the hardships and complications endured by ordinary people on a daily basis. However, what the global media misses is the hospitality; the love; the hope; and the prospects for change that exist within Palestinian society. Life in Palestine is so much more than the conflict that many of us hear about, and this is something that the Zajel Youth Exchange aims to promote to its guests.

The two weeks spent in Palestine with Zajel have truly changed my perspective on international politics and on the situation here in the West Bank. As a Politics and IR student, this new way of thinking will be truly beneficial to me in my studies and in any future career. So many people accept half-truths about the situation here and don’t question the negativity produced by the media, and before Zajel I was probably one of them. So I am overwhelmingly thankful to Zajel for altering my mind-set. In relation to this, the most eye-opening aspect of the summer camp was our visit to Rawabi city near Ramallah. Rawabi is a newly constructed city, built and designed almost exclusively by Palestinians. Eventually it will house up to 40,000 Palestinians in an innovative and beautiful environment. The Palestinian flags waving high above Rawabi filled my heart with hope and happiness. Rawabi is an example of Palestine at its best – flourishing peacefully and gracefully in spite of massive challenges imposed by the Israeli occupation.

I will never ever forget my time in Palestine, and I’m eager to return in the future. The memories that were made here are engraved in my heart and soul, and the stories of resilience will continue to inspire me each and every day. It’s hard to find a way to thank Zajel for this opportunity, but I hope that my continued solidarity with Palestine will be enough. There is so much work to do in the international community to raise awareness about Palestine and its hopes and dreams – and if I can be a small part of that movement, then I will be happy.