Human Rights & Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Internship : The Go Palestine center is located in the heart of Hebron. looking at that from Australia when I’d never been to Palestine before it looked like it was deep in the trenches in the middle of the unknown. Getting to Hebron was easy it’s the biggest city in Palestine and that meant that there was plenty to do and plenty to see but also it really gave your proper Insight of what Palestinian economy looks like.
There’s lots of stereotypes about Palestine being little villages and camels in the desert and rubbish like that but Hebron was a bustling city with lots of atmosphere. The old city had to be a highlight but also getting to going and drink lots of coffee and tea in the occasional Shisha, so that was a big highlight, Hebron is great.
In terms of my daily schedule at the center, what I really valued about the GO Palestine experience was diversity where every day was different within the framework of my program. I chose to take part in the internship of human rights and the Israel-Palestine conflict so that was made up of meetings with academics, journalists, NGOs particularly having the focus on women’s organisations. As one of the activists use it’s a two-sided War happening in Palestine, one externally but also internally so it was great getting to hear the perspectives of people who don’t always have a voice in society.
Learning Arabic in Palestine, my biggest takeaway was I’m incredibly thankful for the patience of my teacher. Being a native English speaker and that being my only language it was quite a challenge stepping into something like Arabic which uses a different alphabet and system altogether. It was incredibly enriching though getting to learn conversational Arabic rather than academic modern Arabic. I was able to try and have conversations at breakfast and in the streets which in terms of relationships is a big part of connecting to people so I’m incredibly thankful for that.
My first message to people considering visiting the GO Palestine Center would be do it, so that’s the first easy little answer. A big lesson I’ve learned being here which I would recommend to others is we really need to think about our purpose of visiting Palestine. It’s not just your average but what for you going and visiting refugees and being the privilege entitled handout person you really need to come in with an open heart and willingness to learn. There’s a lot of needs here that people are equipped to tell you and I would advise that when visiting come into position to learn.
Because there is a lot of knowledge and a lot of wisdom here which is not portrayed in our media it’s very important that you’ve got an open heart. Also come with an empty stomach because you’ll get fed so much food, so leave room for that as well.
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How to apply or ask for additional information?
To apply to any of our programs: Please email Mr. Tamimi at info@gopalestine.org. Please type the name of the chosen program in the subject line. We will then contact you back!
