Sharing the news about your trip to Palestine with family and friends can be a bit tricky. When they hear “Palestine,” many people immediately think of negative things like violence, protests, and tough situations. These are the stories we often see on the news. Some people might even connect those images with the entire Middle East, including Syria.

So, when you tell your loved ones that you’re heading to Palestine for volunteering, interning, or studying Arabic, it’s natural for them to feel shocked and worried. They care about you, and the images they have in their minds might not be the most reassuring.

Misconceptions About the Israeli / Palestinian Conflict

Sadly, their reaction is not surprising given the misconceptions in the mainstream news about the Israeli / Palestinian conflict.

In fact, a lot of people have very little knowledge of Palestine and you may be confronted with responses such as: Where is Palestine? Why on earth do you want to go there? Are you crazy? Is it safe to be in Palestine?  Why don’t you go somewhere nice?

 These questions and fears are the results of a lack of information about the real situation in Palestine and the Israeli / Palestinian conflict and a very one-sided presentation by the main-stream media.

Are You Making the Right Decision to Come to Palestine? 

Faced with a barrage of questions and fear, you may even ask yourself if you are making the right decision to come to Palestine. Some adventurous internationals still decide to come to Palestine to experience being in a completely different culture and environment. Some others, unfortunately, decide to stay home or to travel to somewhere that is perceived to be “safe”.

We Understand the Concerns of your family

We get that your family and friends might be worried, and we know everyone has to decide for themselves. We just want to share some info to help you make a decision that’s not only based on what you see in the news.

Yep, we agree that when you think of Palestine, it’s often about war, and that can make it seem like a dangerous place you should steer clear of. And, yeah, there are these things called checkpoints in Palestinian cities, making it a bit tricky to move around. But, here’s the deal: we think there’s more to know. We’re not brushing off the challenges, but we want you to see the full picture of life in Palestine before deciding.

Great Opportunities to Meet New People

Living in Palestine can pose challenges for many, but that shouldn’t deter you from considering it for living, volunteering, interning, or studying. Amidst the difficulties, there are incredible opportunities to forge connections, immerse yourself in the daily life of Palestine, and make a meaningful impact on both your life and others’. Often obscured by mainstream media portrayals are the treasures awaiting your discovery—resilient people and a rich culture characterized by friendship and warmth, where you’ll find a heartfelt welcome.

John Bell, a UK volunteer teaching in Hebron, was pleasantly surprised by the safety he experienced in Palestine. Despite initial concerns from his family based on news reports, he reflects, “Before I came, all my family warned me not to come to Palestine because they had heard in the news that it was dangerous. Looking back, they could not have been more wrong. I felt welcomed everywhere I went, and I am so glad I came!” If doubts still linger, reaching out to foreigners who have experienced Palestine firsthand can provide honest answers and alleviate any concerns you may have.

Speak Honestly about Palestine from your Personal Experience

One undeniable fact: your journey to Palestine equips you with the ability to speak authentically about the country based on your personal experiences. Returning home, you’ll carry with you a wealth of knowledge about this intriguing part of the world. Don’t underestimate the ripple effects of the impact you can make upon your return from Palestine.

You possess the potential to contribute to positive change by sharing the uplifting stories of daily life in Palestine and the remarkable resilience of its people. Your voice has the power to shape perceptions and inspire others, creating a ripple that can, indeed, change the world.

Many Misconceptions in the Media about Palestine

Numerous misconceptions prevail in the media concerning Palestine and its people. When you visit Palestine, you’ll inevitably witness the profound impact of the Occupation on Palestinian lives.

Your presence alone becomes a powerful voice for truth and justice, offering a firsthand account to the rest of the world. In being here, you stand as a witness, providing an authentic perspective that challenges prevailing narratives and sheds light on the realities faced by the Palestinian community.

Safety Concerns? 

With regards to your safety concerns when you come to Palestine, you will quickly see for yourself that Palestinians are very welcoming and will go out of their way to help you in any way they can. Palestinians recognize the importance of tourists coming here and their contribution to the local economy. Palestinians also want tourists to see the many great things about their country and then to go home and tell the rest of the world about the real situation here.

Your Safety While in Palestine is Our Prime Concern

We would like to recommend that you read about Palestine, stories of people who were in Palestine. In conclusion, your safety while in Palestine is our prime concern and we do not take this very important issue lightly.  However, there is a lot of false information about Palestine spread around the world and yes; it may prevent you from visiting, experiencing and exploring Palestine.  Many of international people who visit Palestine for the first time had the same reservations and concerns about Palestine that you may be having.

Final Remark

In the face of opposition from family and friends, many of our participants, just like you, engaged in heated debates about traveling to Palestine. Surprisingly, a significant number of them not only overcame these initial challenges but also found themselves returning to Palestine multiple times. In fact, some have made it back for their eighth visit and counting. The allure of the land, the warmth of Palestinian hospitality, the delectable food, the friendly local Palestinians, the intricate tapestry of politics, the everyday life experiences, the captivating geography and nature, and the rich Arabic language all contribute to a magnetic pull, drawing them back time and again.

The profound connection these individuals have developed with Palestine goes beyond the surface perceptions often portrayed in the media. It’s a testament to the genuine charm embedded in the various facets of Palestinian life, creating an irresistible urge to revisit and further explore the depth of this remarkable destination.

Find us online

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