Impressions of the International Volunteers / Summer 2003
- Jehad/ USA
If someone were to ask me how I would be spending my summer vacation, I probably would have told them I would be hanging around with my sister, waiting for the fall. I never in a million years thought that I would spend a summer in my ancestral home, performing what I feel is one of the greatest services to a man, my father, who passed on, years ago. My father, who would never let me forget where I was from and who I am, who was extremely proud, and tried to instill this sense of pride into all of us while he was still alive. I must admit, when I finally touched foot on Palestinian soil, receiving my okay from the Israeli army, I fully understood why. To put it in its most humble form, Palestine was a dream to me. It’s been going on two months since my return and I go to sleep still with visions of the land. One of the things that struck me the most during my travels was how well received all of us were. Despite all their problems, the citizens of Palestine remained the most receptive and open people I have ever encountered in my life. The stories that spilled forth from their mouths were of the most heart-wrenching I have ever heard. Homes were destroyed, men and young adolescents taken away from their homes, possibly never to be seen again. It seemed that everyone in Palestine had a story, the most disheartening part of it all is that most of them were sad. Most of the stories are just too unreal and sad to even mention. It pained me to no end to hear and see what these people, my people, were going through. My journey wasn’t all tears and sniffles, I also enjoyed a healthy dose of laughter and comaraderie. I went with my cousins Arwa and Sehem. It was an even better experience sharing my stay with family and I hope to return with my sisters next time. My cousins and I went through an ordeal just to get to Nablus, which was a beautiful city surrounded by two rich mountain ranges. Our trip into Nablus was both hair-raising and entertaining. I admit that I went into this program a bit naive. I had no idea that every border to every town had a checkpoint, it reminded me of how many liberties Americans take for granted.
We became fed up with all the stops and decided to go down the mountain to avoid checkpoints, as we were walking, the only thing I could think of was how Palestinian people had to deal with this type of harassment every day. They had to suffer, while I go home, hop in my car and travel for miles without interruption. Another lasting memory was the sounds of f-16s streaking overhead late at night, couple that with tanks rolling in and you have a scare to last a lifetime. But, through all of this, the Palestinian people soldier on, undaunted. They are strong, stronger than you can imagine, they have no fear, but far, far too much pain. Our next stop was Jerusalem. To put it bluntly, it is everything they say and much, much more. As a practicing Muslim, I had the honor and opportunity to pray in the famous Dome of the Rock. One doesn’t quite understand the overwhelming feeling of joy and sanctity of such a holy structure, as I prayed, it felt as if all my troubles were lifted from my shoulders. It was at this moment that I truly realized just how important Palestine was for me. Just a few miles away was another special place for me, Ein Karem, the village where my parents were born. My father, an olive farmer until he was removed from the country in 1948, never got a chance to come back to his true home. Once he created a new life in America, he did finally make a return to Palestine, but never got a chance to set foot on Ein Karem’s soil. I truly believed that he was seeing it through my eyes and smiling. The village was one of the most beautiful places I had seen on my journey. Surrounded by mountains and very fruitful, it put into mind what paradise could truly be like. Still, as I gazed over the landscape, I almost felt like weeping. Suddenly, I was filled with so much rage, I couldn’t understand how much we had lost as a people and yet, still refused to yield to the pressure. A strong sense of hope seemed to resonate from this place. It was then that I realized why my father had always been so proud.My journey to Palestine is an experience I will take with me to the grave, the sights, the sounds, and the people will stay with me for a lifetime. The individuals I have met were the most wonderfully educated people I have ever encountered, they were lively and extremely caring, they were family, and I can’t wait to go back home again.
- Sehem/ USAI found my tree
As a Palestinian born in America, my decision to come to Palestine was made with great apprehension, a lot of what I knew about present day Palestine came from the media. The Western media and even Al-Jazeera told me that this was a land of chaos, turmoil and unrest.
In spite of this widly painted picture I had in my head, I felt something pushing me, a force that came from the inside and out that let me know that there was no choice to be made, that I was going to Palestine.
My sister, Arwa got us accepted into Zajel. Ala and his local volunteers made us feel at home the second we got there. We came a few days late into the program and a connection had already been made between the international volunteers and the locals, but we were welcomed very generously into the fold. It felt that we had missed no time at all.
The volunteer work allowed us to help out the people of Nablus in a small way, but I think the internationals received the most benefit. I learned so much from the locals’ experiences they’ve had living under an oppressive and occupying force. Their voices have allowed me to look at the conflict from a more informed view, that no news report or university course can ever give me.The different sites we visited in Nablus were very memorable. Not only the demolition of homes, but the destruction of lives that we witnessed was so disturbing. It is hard to believe that there are people capable of such cruelty. Even though there were enjoyable moments during our stay, there was also the sobering reality of life under occupation.
My father hadn’t been in Palestine for over fifty years. It was very important to me that I get him something from the land of his birthplace. It became my mission to get him an olive tree. Saif did his best to find me a tree small enough to pack. Fawaz and one of his former students also offered their help. Olive trees adorn all of Palestine, but a plant small enough to pack in my luggage appeared to be a difficult find. Alas, after my harassment of seemingly every citizen of Nablus, I found my tree. I embraced it as if it was my father, for I was terribly homesick for him and felt his presence since my first step into his homeland. My father took great care as he delicately lifted the plant from its wrapping and transferred it to into the soil of our backyard. This tree has a lot of meanings for me and my father. For me, it represents the unbelievable experience of my trip to Palestine and the love of the volunteers, who were always so helpful and caring. My father and the olive tree have been uprooted and planted into American soil, but their home is Palestine and because of this they both thrive. Very much like Palestinians all over the world, they are able to take the harshest conditions and yet, still survive and blossom. The Zajel Youth Exchange Program let me know this is what it means to be Palestinian.
- Arwa Hazin/ USANo place is like Palestine.
My experience was the best I’ve had in my life. It made me never want to leave Palestine. I have made arrangements to be back this coming summer, inshallah. I will be back with my two daughters, it is important for them to see their homeland, where their grandparents and I am originally from. It is also important for them to learn what is going on and how the Palestinians struggle, how they can, inshallah, dedicate their lives in trying to do something about it. When I see the pictures I get all choked up. I do not belong in the states, but in Palestine. Oh, but how to get there! Inshallah, one day for good.
The best, most beautiful thing about Palestine was the people there; they are what make me want to go back. I have never in my life met more hospitality and sincerity and I am Palestinian-American. I have never met more dignity in any people and it makes me proud.
I have been all over the U.S. and some parts of the world, and no place is like Palestine. I would spend too much time, hours, even weeks just attempting to describe my experience and what I feel for Palestine It was the work camp that helped me to realize that. It was the best experience, it helped us to see the day-to-day lives of Palestinians and how they go about with difficulty, doing their daily chores. We got to see first hand, how they bear those difficulties with the utmost grace, dignity and perseverance; they will not give up. - Suzana/ Italy
I am very happy to write my impressions about the work camp. This is my first work camp, I have chosen Palestine, because I want to know the life of this country and I think that my knowledge of Arabic will be somehow useful. Now the camp is almost finished and I am realizing that we learned a lot of things that we did not expect or imagine.
Anyway, I discovered that I charged this experience with many expectations that do not fit with the reality of the life in the West Bank.
I realized all these things just during the camp in Nablus, where I heard the shooting and saw the tanks under our windows. Then, I started to think about the impossibility of doing programs and respected it. Everyone has to work just to survive, day after day, with the invasion of your city every night. Living with the random shootings that can reach your window and the following day, not being able to buy food for your family.
I really loved people in Palestine, it is amazing how life can continue in this permanent state of war, going to the market, laughing, marrying and having sons (not less than five), rebuilding houses and cities devastated by the Israeli army and being so hospitable with foreigners.I worked for a small time with children in the Askar camp, it was amazing, but they were not so used to staying for a long time in a classroom. Sometimes, they do not understand our behaviors, even if there is someone who can translate.
So they make a lot of noise. They try to convince the teacher to change the game with another they like more. They discuss and also hit the other children in order to play with us first.
Anyway, there are very curious, interested in new things and I hope to come back to the center in Askar camp to see them and perhaps, also to work with them.
I saw and heard in Palestine things that I will not forget. Destroyed houses and families that still live in them. Photos of children, sixteen years old, that killed themselves, thinking that it is a better destiny. Instead of the day after day war they face normally, random shootings in the streets, a tank destroying everything on the board of the street, ten people living in two rooms in a refugee camp. So, even if Palestinians are so friendly with us and with any foreigners, they can never forget the tragedy that they are living in and that is always present in every word they say.
I think that it has been good idea to know this country and to meet people of my age more easily. I really liked the life of the group. I was so happy that I had a chance to be here and to share this experience with you all. I wish that I could come back again.
- Kate/ USA
I don’t know what to say! I need time to process this, no matter how many sad stories I have, the effect never lessens. I feel very overwhelmed and saddened by the conditions the Palestinians have had to endure. Their problems of being treated so badly make me realize how little I have to complain about.
When hearing the power in the women’s voices, my heart broke. The most common theme is the need for a home, not just any home, but their home. How horrible we are, not only let this happen, but to pay for it.All I hope is that I can help the Palestinians. How do we turn blind eyes to the suffering that has been caused by tax dollars?
I really don’t know what to say, I will pray for them all.
- Sirio/ Italy
It is difficult to explain what I saw and heard today. I used to read and to take as much information as possible about what happens in Palestine, but it is almost nothing compared with the real situation of the refugee camp. Our television and newspapers represent this as war between two states, but the reality is that there is no war between two states, there is one state that oppresses, tortures and kills an entire people.
The surprising thing is not the extreme poverty or the unbearable life conditions, it is that those people were not able to lose in this conflict for more than 50 years of oppression and never to give up. I think this difficulty is the greatest part of the Palestinians’ situation. - Charles/ NewzealandI can be their voice, I am their hope.
This has been my first experience visiting such poverty and seeing for myself the importance of humanitarian aid. As we moved from house to house, I was overwhelmed by the people’s willingness to share their stories of deportation, spoken with such humbleness. Also, especially, their generosity and hospitality by giving us cold water or tea. What could I give them? I felt embarrassed, I was ashamed, not just for me, but for the ignorance of the whole world. However, as we saw more people, heard more accounts of their trials and the conditions they live in, I realized that we do have something to offer them. I can be their voice, I am their hope.
Being with these people has certainly humbled me. Visiting one house, I felt sad as the lady spoke about her husband dying and having to support eleven children. I saw the conditions of her house, the lack of privacy and the total stripping of human dignity. It is hard to describe how I felt, it was a mixture of good and bad. Emotions cannot even describe it. These people moved me to the depth of my heart and have started me on the quest to being a better human being. That is the effect this visit had on me, to see the careless children walking around, to see the elderly and to smell, touch and be a part of this, absolutely amazing.The highlight was definitely visiting the old lady. It was a special moment to hear her story and feel her wisdom, to me she was a sign of hope. I say hope, because she is proof that this conflict can be survived. As we left her house, she gave us blessings, I hope that when she leaves this earth, her blessings will be upon all the refugees.
- Carine/ FranceThe most interesting part for me was to talk with the local volunteers.
This camp was a way for me to come to Palestine and not just to see, but to live for a while with people here. To hear their stories and get to know better the Palestinian society. I think I achieved all those goals, which were very important for me.
Thanks for organizing all these meetings, each one was very interesting. The most interesting part for me was to talk with the local volunteers. I leanred a lot more than what I knew before and it strengthened my connections. I hope to keep in touch with people here.So see you hopefully in a few years with a better situation for everything.
- Paul/ BelgiumI also discovered a part of the life in Palestine.
During these days, I found many opportunities to speak with Palestinians. This gives me a more complete vision of the society. In the West, we have usually the impression that the Palestinian people are homogeneous. Instead, I discovered many different opinions about the situation here and almost all of them want only peace.
I also discovered a part of life in Palestine. Obviously, after 10 days it’s difficult to have a good knowledge about such a wide matter. But, with the visit to the refugee camps and some associations at Al-Najah National University, as well as the contact with people, helped me to understand your lives.So, I will come back to Belgium with a lot of concrete arguments in order to defend the Palestinians’ rights, hoping that it will be useful.
That was for the “camp” part, what about the “work” part? We mainly cleaned the park for the festival on the 24th of July. The fact that all these children really enjoyed the festival is our reward and it was a very, very nice one. Nevertheless.
Finally, I leave Palestine with the memories of really friendly people and really beautiful landscapes. I hope to come back in future, to a country in peace. Shukran!
- Jacopo/ ItalyAlso, now I’m able to understand how strong the Palestinian need for the freedom is.
My experience at the Zajel Workcamp has been positive, concerning the knowledge of Palestinian culture, habits and needs. I really appreciate the generosity that all the Palestinians showed us, even in difficult situations. Also, now I’m able to understand how strong the Palestinian need for the freedom is. Furthermore, I feel sorry because of the situation in the Old City of Nablus and the curfew imposed by Israeli soldiers, which didn’t allow me to work freely.
I hope I have been helpful to my Palestinian friends, as much as they have been to me. Thank you very much. - Maurizio/ Italy
First, I want to thank everyone who makes this camp go on and I really want to thank the Askar camp. But, I think that what we did was not enough. We didn’t have the time to do more.
The first thing I was really impressed with about the camp, since the beginning, was the feeling that I could give the Palestinian people much less than they were giving me. I met some local volunteers that I will never forget in my whole life. I wondered how they could get used to such a difficult situation and how they could smile. At the time of the first invasion I was still wondering about it and when I left back to Italy, I could understand it, at least just part of it.
I think that all the meetings we had, all the things Ala told us, all the members of Palestinian movements and parties we met were so useful to try and give us at least a clue of what people in Nablus, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip were experiencing.I was a bit frustrated, because I felt during the whole workcamp that I wasn’t being as useful as I would have liked to be. On the other hand, I knew I could have continued working when I would go back to my country, so I could cope well enough with this frustration. For most of the days I spent in Palestine, I felt so useless, because I couldn’t imagine any possible solution for the problem of Palestinians and I feel really worried about it, even now that I’m at home again. What struck me a lot was the will to fight of the people, the non-resignation, despite the fact that they all know that it is very unlikely that the question will be solved in a short term.
Talking again about the frustration for not being useful in my work, I was helped to overcome it. By the perception of the importance for the Palestinians, that we go back to our countries and tell our friends, relatives and media about the situation they are living through. I thought that I could do it and that the workcamp would not finish on August 31st. I thought I wanted to stay in touch with the local volunteers I’ve met. I thought all these things and more, and I still think of them. A sentence pronounced by Loulou really impressed me, “One will continue to fight if she has friends here.” It’s true, it’s incredibly true. I think I have friends among Palestinians and as far as I have friends, I won’t stop fighting. I won’t stop writing to them as long as the Israelis continue to invade their cities and prevent them from studying or working. I won’t stop talking to my friends and relatives here in Italy about the awful situation that the guys and girls I know must bear. I think that’s the most important thing I’ve learned in the workcamp. I’ve also learned that it’s hard to try and understand everything, that sometimes, most of the times, you must go away from a meeting or a place and still have lots of questions, questions that nobody will ever answer.
Another impression I had during the days under curfew, was that I could not stand the Palestinian way of life for years, as many of you there do. I felt really bad while I was forced to stay at home, while I could not work, but in the meantime, I could go out to the internet point, because the curfew was only in the city center. I felt like imprisoned and free at the same time. Free of doing nothing, though! I couldn’t accept the fact that not far from where I was, there were people killed by soldiers or ambulances that couldn’t go and take the wounded. How can people stand all this for years, for decades? And, how can a man or a woman be forced to live all their lives in a refugee camp, desperately hoping to go back to their native towns, but knowing that it’s gonna be hard or even impossible?
Finally, I would like to thank Loulou and Angela for their job, because of them, I never thought to abandon the camp, even if we had to stay at home for a few days, because of the curfew. I would have abandoned not only the camp, but also my new Palestinian friends. In the end, I am happy with what I’ve chosen to do, really happy.
I guess that’s all I have to say. Now I of course have to thank Ala for what he has done for us. I understand his situation and I think the pressure he had to be subject to was huge. I hope I’ll stay in touch with him as well and that he will help me in understanding what I can do, from here, to be of some help to Nablus citizens and to Palestinians in general. I think it’s really a good sign that the Italians who took part in the camp are now trying to find together some common ways in which we can act. I hope we will achieve to do something meaningful. I really hope to see most of you again in Palestine when I go back there!
- Mitchell Oh/ USAI Have Re-evaluated My Entire Life
Our trip through the streets of this refugee camp is one I know I won’t forget anytime in my life. The injustice brought upon these people is unbearable to see and it has to be so much more painful to experience. Just walking around, speaking to the elders and examining their homes makes me feel so sad. I don’t quite know what to say, because there is too much emotion that cannot be exactly expressed in my words.
I think more people need to see this part of Palestine. More people need to experience just 10 minutes through these streets, I can’t even begin to imagine living there for fifty-five years. Fifty-five years without any proper treatment and without a proper life, it is just too much. We met a very old lady, over one hundred years old, that still holds on to the contracts issued to her before she was deported in 1948. She was rich back then, but even after all that was taken away, she still thanks her God that she is alive. I think today, in the past hour, I have re-evaluated my entire life, a family of twelve can live on 20 shekels a day (five dollars), when I spent the other day, twenty shekels on my meal in Israel. Just unbelievable, to say the very least. - Peter/ Germany
I have to say thank you for everything, especially for your hospitality. I know that it is not easy to live together, because we are use to living in a very different culture. But, because you were great, we faced all the problems and we made it. The camp was great, so thank you again.
- Luigi/ Italy
I want to thank you a lot for everything. Also, for the 3 weeks I spent here. Here, I found many things. Beautiful land, very kind people and great children. I’m very sorry, because I worked here in the Askar refugee camp only for one week. I really wish I can work here more, because I found that working with children taught me many things. When I visited the house where i spend my last three nights in, the lady there gave me some plants. They are wonderful green plants, so if any one in Italy tries to speak about the Palestinians as terrorists, I will show them these green plants, which only reflect the Palestinians’ peaceful minds.
- Marcelina/ GermanyI’m really proud to be half Palestinian. Thank you all for helping me achieve this dream
We were watching a sad film about Palestine. I felt so sad, because I realized, that everything it showed was an unbelievable reality. When the film was over, the only positive feeling I had was the fact that I was there. I was in the same place. In Palestine. I knew now, that life still went on there (not only in Germany), after the TV was turned off. Also, to feel better, because I was doing something. But, then I thought over it. Were we really doing something? I looked around me and I was shocked, it was very hard for me to understand how some of the volunteers were singing happy songs after watching such a sad film. “Is this the Western arrogance and ignorance to show that you are a cheerful person that loves life and wants to enjoy it? How is life enjoyed, when you know how many other people have to suffer?” I didn’t understand this. I didn’t understand the logic of this world. I didn’t understand how some of the internationals said, “I don’t want to watch films. I came here to stop watching Palestine only on TV.” Then, I felt helpless, but I was sure that I was the one who was right. But, I understood that I wasn’t, when a local volunteer said to me, “What’s wrong? Why are you so sad?” I responded, “We saw a sad film, you know…” And, her answer was, “We have enough sad faces here, we are not in need for more.’”
Suddenly, I was the one who felt ashamed. I had the impression that I maybe had misunderstood the word sympathy…I was really confused.
Well, what was the meaning of solidarity then? Why had nobody explained it to me?
Wasn’t it showing your feelings of despair, rage and anger or to hide them and to show consideration instead, giving the Palestinians what they are in need for? Are the Palestinian people more in need of the smiles on our faces we can share with them? More than the tears, despite the fact we are not in the mood to be easygoing and to have fun, when we see things that make us scream, shout and cry inside?Plans that changed everyday, work that was cancelled due to the invasion, no way to go out, because it was too dangerous, clashes in the Old City of Nablus, the frustrations were growing. What were we there for? We came to Palestine to help Palestinians, to show solidarity, not to watch the bad news and discuss politics! We were volunteers and we had only three weeks. How can we stay in our flats because of the curfew?
Everybody was looking for someone to hold responsible for this development at the work camp. Lots of troubles began not only outside, but also inside our group. A lot of volunteers decided to leave the camp, they didn’t want to waste their time waiting for an end to the Israeli invasion. I also started thinking about leaving Nablus, there was so much to do and see.
Expectations were unfulfilled. Motivation turned into frustration. Inactivity and the feeling of being useless was growing. What was it for? Why did it happen to me? But, it didn’t just happen to me. Suddenly, I accepted and understood the situation, it was the situation of all the other Palestinians, too. It was the feeling of being helpless, bored and not able to do anything. This was the reality we had to accept.
Of course, it was good that some volunteers left the camp and helped somewhere else outside Nablus where there was no invasion. But, I realized, how fast we lose our patience after some days, even if we know that we can leave whenever we want, while thousands of inhabitants can’t leave. They cannot do anything, they have to accept this inactivity and the difficult circumstances that destroy any kind of motivation and growth. Aggressions and depressions, hope and despair, that is not only in the political situation, but also reflected in the everyday life and relations of the people. This is another lesson I had to learn. It is a big mistake to have any kind of expectations for a success of plans, expectations of changing everything, by working and making fast efforts in order to feel useful. We were not really useful, but our experience was how it feels to be a Palestinian, caged like an animal, humiliated, afraid and reduced to think about food while the Israeli tanks don’t let you even sleep at night. There was also the boredom, frustration, feeling useless, powerless, helpless, getting into troubles and living in a life with rumours about the withdrawal all the time.
I shared these feelings with Palestinians. Now, I think I understand the meaning of real solidarity, a completely different kind of solidarity, than we all had planned in a different world, where people are free and responsible for themselves.
I am very happy that I went out there. It’s been a very great experience and it means so much to me, as my father is Palestinian. It was so important for me to come here to learn about Palestinian culture. Palestine has long been a dream for me, but part of me was afraid to see this dream. However, now that I have come here, I’m really proud to be half Palestinian. Thank you all for helping me realize this dream.
- Mahdis/ Germany
Thank you very much for everything you did for us. Your reception made me feel like I was back in my parents’ house. All I did in Palestine was painting, but I wish that I could come back and paint more and more.
- Aldo/ ItalyI wish I could bring all the kids with me
All I can say is that you all gave much more to me than I think I would be able to give under the same circumstances. I learned many things here in Nablus and want to thank everyone for all of their help. It is very hard for me to leave, I wish that I could bring all the kids with me. I will miss them very much.
- Gianluca/ ItalyWe are not the special ones, you are the special people, because of your kindness & strength
I’m so happy, because I went to Palestine hoping to see and experience the Palestinian culture, to see how it is different from life in my country. The experience in Nablus gave me the chance to do this and I really enjoyed it. I want to thank everyone in Nablus who made it possible for me to have this experience, especially the families that welcomed me into their homes. I greatly appreciated the hospitality that I was shown and found it difficult to go home, for I felt I was leaving a new family behind. It was really difficult to say goodbye after the time we all spent together. I went to Palestine and discovered how special the people are, full of kindness and strength…thank you all.
- Mark Corfield/ UK
I have enjoyed the work camp very much. During my three weeks in Palestine, I have gained a much better understanding of the conflict, but also of the daily lives of the Palestinians, their culture, music and above all, their hospitality.
I can honestly say that Nablus is the most welcoming city I have visited in all my travels and this is perhaps the best thing about the work camp. In the Western media, Palestinians are routinely presented as either “terrorists” or victims. It never shows weddings, funerals, discussions over an Argileh, or ten men in a turkish bath dancing around and playing a tabla.
So, the strength of the work camp includes, foremost, the Palestinians we have met, as well as the internationals we otherwise may never have been in contact with. The opportunity to help clean the park has also been very rewarding, with the highlight of course, being the children’s party.
I thought the study side of the program was very varied and gave us a lot of insight. The tour of the Old City helped us to understand the reality of the situation. The visit to the refugee camp had an even greater impact on all who were there. The talks we had with the lecturers, mayor of Nablus and the Catholic priest were also very good.
I have also greatly enjoyed the Arabic language lessons. I believe that trying to learn the language shows a respect for the people, which is essential. We have had an excellent teacher as well, who has shown a lot of patience with us.
My final suggestion would be a follow up meeting, after the volunteers have completed their activities for the day and are returning home. A meeting to discuss how we can best pressure our governments, as well as the Israeli government and how we can best support the Palestinian cause, would be very useful.
I do not have any regrets. The highlight of my visit was visiting the refugee camp. Visiting the camp made me understand “the Palestinian Question” much better. I knew that the right to return was one of the most important issues to the Palestinians and now I begin to see why. Meeting people who have kept the deeds to their homes and lands for 55 years, is very moving. Hearing their stories of deportation and the re-occupation is deeply emotional.
The longing to return can be heard in their voices when they speak and seen in their eyes. Even though I don’t speak Arabic, it is evident how they feel. What makes it worse for the people in the camp now, is the squalor in which they have to live. Having eleven family members in two small rooms, with no toilet, no functioning kitchen, no privacy and sometimes having sewage water running through the streets, must serve to heighten feelings of resentment and bitterness. One lady told us that she could not now afford books for her children’s schooling, despite working at any job she could find. If this is the outlook for the future, then you would accept to find little but dispair in this place.
Visiting the camp makes you feel a whole range of emotions, perhaps the strongest feeling is the desire to improve things. I hope that one day, Israelis may come here to feel and hear what the volunteers have experienced. Maybe then, more pressure will be exerted in the government of Israel to recognize the Palestinian’s right of return. A right to which it currently subscribes every Jew in the world, but not for the Palestinians who live so close to their homes, who cling on every bright hope and to their contracts.
One of the striking things about the people here is that despite the odds and the situations they face, they have kept their dignity. One lady would not allow us sit on the floor as it is not the correct way to welcome guests into your home, instead she brought in extra chairs for us to sit on.
I have had an excellent time in Nablus and have truly enjoyed being part of the exchange. I have developed a very good awareness and respect for the nation of Palestine.
On the whole this has been three of the best weeks of my life and I have met many exceptional people. The work camp exceeded all of my expectations and I hope to return to Nablus soon, Inshallah.