The Human Rights and Israel-Palestine Conflict Internship (1-12 weeks) is an educational program designed to deepen your understanding of one of the most intricate disputes in recent history. This program aims to enhance your knowledge of the conflict through both academic learning and hands-on experience.
Participants will have a unique opportunity to learn about the lives of Palestinian refugees in West Bank camps. The program includes field excursions to refugee settlements in Hebron, where you will engage with families living there. These interactions provide a chance to hear the personal stories of camp residents, especially the elderly, who will share their experiences of being displaced into these camps.
Ideal for those with a basic awareness of the Israel-Palestine conflict and Palestinian refugees, the internship is geared towards individuals seeking a deeper, more practical understanding of the situation. It aims to educate participants about the daily challenges and issues faced by camp residents.
Through this internship, you will gain a heightened awareness of the situation in Palestine by experiencing daily life, crossing checkpoints, and meeting community members who can offer valuable insights into the conflict and their perspectives on the future.
How did the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict arise?
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict refers to the ongoing political and military tensions primarily between Palestinians and Israelis, but also involving several Arab countries.
The roots of the conflict trace back to the emergence of both Zionism and Arab nationalism in the late 19th century. Palestinians regard the land of Palestine as their historic homeland, a place they have inhabited for thousands of years. Conversely, Zionist Jews view this same land as their ancestral homeland, promised to them according to biblical texts.
Tensions between Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs began intensifying in the early 20th century. This sectarian conflict escalated dramatically in 1947, leading to a large-scale war characterized by significant violence, including ethnic cleansing and the massive displacement of Palestinians from their homes. This conflict culminated in the first Arab-Israeli war in May 1948, following the declaration of the State of Israel.
Who are the Palestinian refugees?
According to UNRWA’s operational definition, Palestinian refugees are individuals who lived in Palestine between June 1946 and May 1948 and lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 war. Over 1.4 million Palestinian refugees, about one-third of those registered with UNRWA, reside in 58 officially recognized refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
In the wake of the June 1967 war and Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, ten additional camps were established to accommodate a new influx of displaced persons, both refugees and non-refugees.
The land on which these camps were built is primarily government-owned or leased by the host governments from the original owners. Consequently, refugees do not own the land where their homes are situated but have the right to use it for residential purposes.
Hebron is home to two refugee camps: Al-Arroub and Al-Fawwar. Al-Arroub Camp, established in 1949, is located north of Hebron, 15 km south of Bethlehem, and 35 km south of Jerusalem. Al-Fawwar Camp, named after Ain al-Fawwar in Dura, is situated 8 km south of Hebron.
The Human Rights & Israel-Palestine Conflict Internship Program Aspects
This program focuses on two main aspects: Theoretical-Practical & Linguistic-Social :
Theoretical & Practical
- This program includes field trips to meet with organizations/field researchers and academics in politics, as well as officials from institutions who work in this field.
- It also includes meeting camp residents and families in Hebron & Bethlehem, as well as officials from institutions who work in the camps.
- The program includes a meeting with Palestinian people who live in areas within the city of Hebron that are under Israeli control named “H1” who are a particularly strong example of those suffering from the occupation policies, as well as being routinely harassed by Israeli settlers.
- You will also hear their stories and be given the opportunity to ask questions and generally interact with the locals.
Linguistic & Social
- The center will provide you with weekly Arabic language classes and a real opportunity to practice the language with native speakers during your stay in Palestine.
- The program will provide you with the opportunity to participate in the social, educational, and cultural activities organized by the center that is aimed at targeting the Palestinian community in Hebron, including teaching individual or group English classes. These activities especially target children & youth with an aim to develop their skills in various educational and social fields.
The Benefits of the Program
- You will meet organizations/field researchers, as well as camp residents & families.
- You will meet with the Palestinian people who live in areas within the city of Hebron that are under Israeli control named “H1” who is a particularly strong example of those suffering from the occupation policies, as well as being routinely harassed by Israeli settlers.
- A participant will have the opportunity to organize workshops on a topic related to the program; or present workshops that teach a variety of skills, such as academic writing, writing biography, drawing, first aid, theater, music, and other skills.
- The participant will engage in the Palestinian community, culture, and daily life.
- Participants will be visiting city historical sites.
- Day Trips to refugee camps in Hebron & Bethlehem and some areas of political importance.
- All participants will receive 3 hours of Arabic language lessons per week.
- Accommodation is provided for the length of the program, either residing with a Palestinian host family or at our 8th-floor apartment. Private accommodation is also available with extra fees.
- A Palestinian breakfast is provided every day and enjoyed with other international volunteers and staff.
The Human Rights & Israel-Palestine Conflict Internship Fees
350$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 3 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
690$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 6 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
965$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 9 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1200$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 12 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1500$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 15 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1750$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 18 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1950$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 21 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2270$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 24 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2500$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 27 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2750$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 30 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2950$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 33 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
3150$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 36 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
What does the Participation Fee include?
| Accommodation | Host family or at our 8th-floor apartment Private accommodation is available with extra fees |
| Feild Visits/Meetings | To visit organizations/field researchers, as well as camp residents & families living in H2 area in Hebron. |
| Arabic Lessons | 3 Hours a Week – Two Classes/ 1,5 hours each. |
| Meals | Daily Palestinian breakfast at the center |
| Day Trips | To Refugees camps in Hebron & Bethlehem & some areas of political importance |
| Sightseeings in Hebron | Historical & politically important sites in Hebron and Hebron factories. |
| Certificate of Participation | Certificate of participation & recommendation letter at the end of the program |
Who can apply?
- The Palestinian Center has hosted people who have come from a myriad of countries, such as the USA, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Colombia, France, Japan, China, Chile, Switzerland, Russia, Germany, and many more.
- Anyone who is between the ages of 18 and 75 is eligible to apply and join the program.
What does your weekly schedule look like?
We at GO Palestine are keen to make your weekly schedule diversified, rich, and organized. Thus, it will contain a number of educational, social, and fun activities that will make your experience in Palestine special and unique.
Breakfast starts at 9:30 am
The day at our center starts with a special Palestinian breakfast at 9:30 in the morning and ends at approximately 10:15. Our breakfast contains a number of ingredients, including Palestinian thyme (Zaatar), labneh, tomato and cucumber slices, falafel, hummus, mortadella, olives, yellow cheese, jam, pita bread, boiled or fried eggs, and French fries. The ingredients are changed (among the mentioned ingredients) from time to time to diversify the breakfast.
The Content of the program starts at 10:30
The content of your program begins at 10:30 in the morning and continues until 1:30 or 2:00 in the afternoon. This may include field visits, meetings with different institutions related to the chosen program, or teaching conversational English to a number of Palestinian students. This differs depending on the program you are joining.
Lunch Break starts at 2:00 pm
At two o’clock in the afternoon begins the lunch break, which lasts for an entire hour. You can buy lunch from a restaurant next to the center. There are a number of restaurants nearby, which provide meals such as shawarma, falafel, and fried chicken as well as traditional Palestinian meals such as Maqluba, Hebron’s Qidreh, Chicken Mansaf or Lamp Mansaf, and other meals. There are also a number of supermarkets/malls nearby where you can buy what you need and cook yourself in the center.
Arabic Language Classes (MSA and Levantine/Colloquial)
Weekly, you will get two Arabic language classes for an hour and a half each. These classes are taught by one of our skilled/qualified teachers. Arabic language classes are held at different times, either in the morning or, in most cases, in the afternoon. The student can choose whether to study Modern Standard Arabic, Colloquial Arabic (Ammiya), or both.
Day Trips to Refugee Camps in Bethlehem & Hebron
Once every week, a day trip is organized to the refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem, as well as to areas of political importance whenever the opportunity arises. These trips will give you the opportunity to learn about the conditions of the Palestinian refugees, talk to them and learn their stories. These trips depart at 10:45 am from the center and end approx. at 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon.
Local Visits to Learn about the Landmarks of the city of Hebron
Once every two weeks, local visits are organized to the historical and economic landmarks of the city of Hebron. This includes a visit to the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City, and Al-Shuhada Street as well as visiting a number of factories in the city, such as keffiyeh, glass, and ceramic factories.
Prepare & Cook a Traditional Palestinian Dish
Once every two or three weeks, all our volunteers, interns, and Arabic language’ students join together to prepare and cook a traditional Palestinian dish. This includes preparing appetizers, frying vegetables, cooking rice, chopping chicken or meat, and stuffing some vegetables depending on the dish to be cooked that day.
Free Time starts at 16:00 or at 16:30
After your time in the center is over, you have free time where you can hang out with other international participants and/or locals you met during your stay in Hebron by going to a café or coffee shop or going to a park and enjoying your time in the evening. There are many cafes and parks not far from the center, as the center is located on one of the most lively streets in the city.
Information Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Internship Program
| Place of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Inetrnship Program | Hebron (H1 – Under Palestinian Control), Palestine |
| Age | 18-70 Years Old |
| Minimum Duration of Conflict & Refugees Program | One Week |
| Maximum Duration of Conflict & Refugees Program | 12 Weeks – Three Months |
| Starting/Ending Dates | Flexible – Anytime |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| Program Language | English |
| Days off | Two days including Fridays & Thursdays or Saturdays |
| Arabic Lessons | 3 Hours a Week – Standard Arabic Or Ammiya |
| Educational Degree | Not Required |
| University Credit | Available |
Do I need to speak Arabic?
- Interns are not obligated to know Arabic.
- The center will provide you with three hours of Arabic lessons each week with one of our teachers.
- The participant can choose either to study Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) or Spoken Arabic Language (known as Ammyia) once they start their program.
Things to know before you come to Palestine!
| Living Costs in Palestine | Approx. 50-70$ a Week |
| Weekend in Palestine | On Friday |
| Food in Palestine | The West Bank engages primarily in heavier meals involving the use of bread, rice, and meat, and coastal plain inhabitants frequent fish, other seafood, and lentils. |
| Wifi Access in Palestine | At houses, cafes, restaurants – Almost everywhere |
| 3G Service in Palestine | Available since Jan 2018 |
| The official language in Palestine | Arabic – Palestinian Dialect (One of the Levantine dialects) |
| Currency in Palestine | Mainly Israeli Shekel (NIS). Jordanian Dinar & American Dollars are also used in buying Real estate and land. |
| Transportations in Palestine | Yellow Taxies & Orange Mini-Vans |
| Weather in Palestine | Summer (25-30°C), Winter (0-9°C) |
| Nearest Major Airports to Palestine | Ben Gurion Airport in Israel if you travel via Israel Alia International Airport if you travel via Jordan |
Can I add more Arabic hours to my hours in the program?
Yes; however, each extra hour costs $20.00 more. Please mention this in your application.
Can I extend my program duration while I am there?
Yes, interns are allowed to extend their participation period. In this case, interns must inform the center coordinator at least one week before the end of the current program.
When can I apply to the Program?
- Applicants have the flexibility to decide when to join a program as an intern. We are very flexible when it comes to starting and ending dates.
- Applicants also choose their length of participation, which is a minimum of one week up to one month.
Do I need a visa to enter Palestine?
- Yes, the Israeli government requires a visa for you to enter Israel.
- Visas are routinely granted upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) if you are a citizen of an exempted country.
- They are available also at the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge Israel-Jordan border crossing.
- Tourist visas are valid for 90 days. Most Americans and Europeans are issued three-month visas upon arrival and clearing customs.
Traveling Solo to Palestine
Traveling to Palestine, whether with someone or alone, is an interesting and once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Safety is always a concern no matter where one travels, but with common sense and planning, your travel can be enjoyable, fun, and worry-free, as well as save you money.
People in Palestine are very friendly, enthusiastic, and eager to help and to talk with people from different cultures and countries. The opportunities to interact with internationals will make a Palestinian’s day, and, in turn, this will make your trip more enjoyable and interesting. If you are traveling alone, your solitariness will make you more approachable than if you are traveling as a group member.
Do not let your fears and apprehensions paralyze you and rob you of the adventure of a lifetime. Come to Palestine as a solitary traveler and experience its fascinations and beauties. It has been said that “the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page”. Allow yourself to read the whole book – a book you will never forget!
What is the application process?
- First, send us an email asking for the application form.
- We send you the application, and you fill out the application and send it back to us.
- Our team reviews your application. We may invite you for an interview by means of a Skype/WhatsApp call.
- If you are selected after the interview, we will send you a confirmation form which you fill out and return to us.
- We prepare and send you the Invitation Letter and the Contract. We will also send you the invoice for payment, which will include all the information regarding payment options.
- You will sign the contract and make payment in order to reserve your place in the program.
- We will send you an Orientation Booklet and travel instructions. These two items will provide you with all the information on how to get to Hebron and contact the Center. One of our coordinators will provide his/her contact number within an email sent to you.
How to apply or get any additional information?
Please email Mr.Tamimi, at info@govolunteerinpalestine.org. Please type “The Human Rights & Israel-Palestine Conflict Internship” in the subject line. We will then contact you back!
Documents you’ll receive from us!
