Kathrine – USA

The Zajel program is exhilarating: every moment is squeezed for its utmost potential. I’ve learned so much, amassing impressions that I will be thinking about, feeling, and analyzing for years to come. The history that I learned from books is now deeply rooted through connections to the places and people we encountered, and enhanced by Zajel Program. The contrasts of resilience and oppression, joy and limitation, leave me speechless. Juxtaposed with this silence are happy chatter and warm conversations with the students. I feel honored that young Palestinians gave so much of their time and attention to an American visitor. This felt like a true exchange, where I was able to share my authentic self–my cares and commitments–and to hear theirs. This is the strongest impression I will bring back to the United States, and share with my students there: the similarity of their hopes, interests, and attitudes, contrasted with the differences of their circumstances under occupation. Furthermore, I benefited from the world-class professors and facilities of An-Najah, while also lamenting the ways that they are marginalized. I can’t speak for Palestinians, and there is much more for me to learn. But I do hope to serve as a connector, inspiring curiosity and critical thinking from my colleagues, students, friends and family about this beautiful and fraught land.

Thank you Zajel for supporting the capacities of student leaders, so critical to the future of Palestine