Louise – NewZeland

Upon arriving in Palestine nothing has been what I expected, from the Old city of Nabulus and your thriving University to the desolate streets of Hebbron. It has been a very emotional journey. Bethlehem was also a very difficult place to visit. The workshops have been challenging, but very rewarding.

The Zajel Summer Workcamp exceeded my expectations; the experience was above and beyond what I had ever imagined. I had decided to attend the camp on rather short notice, applying for the camp only two or three weeks before it began. I was looking to get involved in volunteer work but being my first time I wanted to attend a program that was both informative and educational. I came across Zajel online, and having always had a huge interest in Palestine the work camp was exactly what I was after. Zajel was an opportunity not to be missed and I applied right away. As many of the girls have stated Nablus, the University, and the entire West Bank, was nothing as we had imagined. The media paints a very vivid picture of the situation in the West Bank, and yes, to a degree some of this information is correct. Life is more difficult than in any of the countries we come from and you, the Palestinians, face daily challenges you needn’t face, such as, water shortages, power shortages, and restriction of movement; a complete monopoly over your freedom. But despite this adversity what shone through was your strong character. Life goes on, and the Palestinians are a shining example of this; not only do you carry on, but you do so with both pride and dignity. Like Sedina, what Dorte said really struck a chord with me “You welcomed us into your home when you are not even welcome in your own home.” Despite the hardships you face, you welcomed us into your homes and hearts with no reservations. Your warmth and generosity blew me away.

In my workshops I faced many challenges with a number of students, I was conflicted about which approach to take, my easy breezy democratic approach was getting nowhere, but I didn’t want to be too hard on them either. Adopting the Palestinian attitude (of the majority at least) I persevered and meet somewhere in the middle (don’t ask my assistants). It was at the end of the workshops I realized that I may not have been able to completely open the door for them in just two weeks, but I had at least crept it open, paving way for the next person or idea to enter their minds and hopefully to have a positive influence on them. And if they didn’t learn anything from me, I am sure as heck hope they were at least entertained (again, don’t ask my assistants for details). There are many things I am still digesting from the camp and my time in Palestine, and I have a 40 hour plane ride to mull over my thoughts, so I can add to my reflection then. But thank you Alaa for making this possible and all the local volunteers for all the hard work, time and effort you put into this camp. You truly made this a memorable experience, one that I will cherish forever. And thank you to all the other international volunteers; I couldn’t have gone through this with a better bunch of girls.