By Ivan, France:
I have volunteered with Study in Palestine through the month of June 2025, right when yet another series of bombings would burn away the night skies and, in its wake, riptide hopes for peace and security for those on the ground. A dire context that only reinforced the pressure exerted by the violent and omnipresent occupation regime.
Despite it all, words could hardly paint out how grateful I am to Marwa and Osama, who welcomed me like family, and made sure that I would be able to provide help to the communities in need of it, all the while providing me with the best introduction to a culture one can hope for when visiting a country.
Not only do I think the Human Rights Program is a most suited point into assisting the Palestinian struggle for peace, freedom and justice, I would also highly recommend it to anyone initiative-driven, wishing to help the local communities, as the Center -besides Arabic lessons and daily visits- provides you with a framework to basically do anything, and ensures you get the right tools and connections on the ground to do so. To me, at least, that such a service exists for Palestine is not only desirable: it is crucial.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do not get swindled by Taxis
Pros
- Being made to feel part of the family
- Amazing food and hospitality
- The opportunity to help people in a hard situation
Cons
- Nothing *
- Checkpoints can be annoying – always carry your ID!
- The shopkeepers will try to sell some overpriced products
