By: Leo Thomas – Canada

You will have a really good time, everyone is extremely polite and friendly towards internationals. I am a young Canadian guy with a heavy interest in Palestine and the situation going on here, and the programme gave me the opportunity to witness these things first hand.

Visiting Balata Refugee is an experience you will never forget, and Hebron will be in your dreams for the rest of your life.

I had lost my luggage (avoid cheap Icelandic flights) and so on my first day we had to go shopping in the market in Nablus. This was amazing as there were so many people and shops in such a completely different way than what I am used to in Canada. The Old City of Nablus has been one of the major highlights of the trip for me, as it is where the city feels most alive and welcoming. People will be saying “Hello” and “Welcome”, asking “How are you?” and “Where are you from?” as they attempt, despite the language barrier, to get to know you.

Bethlehem and Hebron are where you can witness apartheid with your own eyes. The wall is larger and more menacing than I had imagined it would be. In Bethlehem you will see the commodification of the apartheid regime with the stores advertising selling spray paint so that internationals may write their messages, as well as the Banksy hotel which hosts a museum with the worst view in the world.

Feels even more real than in Bethlehem. Walking through the Old City of Hebron feels like a post-apocalyptic novel, as the separation between Israelis and Palestinians is truly a distinction in the value of their lives. Separate streets for Israelis and places where children will yell “NO CAMERAS” while spitting at you are a very real way to witness the ongoing oppression of the Palestinians.

I was awakened in Al-Aqsa mosque by the soldiers guarding every entrance. As a Muslim convert it has always been a dream of mine to visit Al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock, yet I very nearly did not get to go because I had no proof that I am Muslim. Visiting hours for non-Muslims are very strict at the current time so if you have an interest in visiting the mosque and Dome then be very clear on that early on so that you do not miss this amazing experience.

Zajel is a time in my life that I will never forget and will most definitely go on to affect the person that I become.