5 Things to know about the People of Palestine: When coming to Hebron, Palestine to volunteer or intern with the Excellence Center – or for those coming to the West Bank, Palestine on their own – international visitors will immediately be struck by a definitive culture and identity that is representative of the Palestinian people.
Western media can frame it’s a profile of this distinct community often and only through the lens of the political conflict with Israel. In fact, Palestinians possess a rich societal history and exclusive personality that have been defining for generations. It can be argued that the strongest part of the history of Palestine is its people.
With that in mind, here are 5 encompassing things to know about the People of Palestine
- 1. Welcoming
From your first moments Hebron and in the West Bank, in General, you will very likely be created by hellos and waves as residents are readily pleased to have visitors and very prone to say so. They will often cut to the chase: “Where are you from?” will be a recurring question. They genuinely want to know.
This inquisitiveness is only the beginning, however as a wide variety of invitations will soon follow. Whether it be into their shops for qahwah (coffee), onto a weekend bus bound for an epic hike at Jericho, or to their offices in the volatile H2 section of Hebron to discuss human rights, invitations from the community will come and at all levels of involvement.
As US volunteer Chris neared the end of his term with EC, Director Marwa Shantir invited him to her coming Spring wedding with Center co-director Osama Abu Hussein. “We would love to have you join us,” Marwa confided warmly.
- 2. Dignified
This is another trait that hits visitors to the West Bank immediately – a palpable sense of honor and self-possession by the citizens, particularly the elders and the ambitious young women. While visiting the famous Al-Fawwar refugee camp south of Hebron in Fall of 2019, the Excellence Center volunteers were introduced to a camp elder Afef Atasha – the first practicing attorney from Al Fawwar – who presented the plight of his people and the request for tolerance in a manner that had the volunteers riveted.
On that same visit, the volunteers were also introduced a group of young teenagers who presented with a noted poise and grace. “They are quite something,” noted volunteer Yves from Canada. And in carrying the recurring theme of impressive young women, an English language workshop at Hebron University, taught by EC volunteers featured many women showcasing their ambitions along with this dignity. The confidence displayed by West Bank elders, women and citizens in general is something of clear distinction to those visiting the West Bank for the first time.
- 3. Tolerant
“We have nothing against the people of Israel. The History of Palestine is that of Muslims, Christians, and Jews living together.” A version of this refrain can be heard often by the citizens of Palestine, particularly those who remember 1967 and before.
When in Hebron and the West Bank such thoughtful insistence is so recurring and emphatic as if to set the record straight. While Western media is ready to portray a divisive sectarian population, it is the pervasive tolerance – both as an ideal and a practice – that is the real takeaway from the Palestinian people.
- 4. Tech Savvy
Like everywhere else in the world today, smartphones abound in the West Bank, and it’s particularly gratifying to see imams and schoolgirls alike punching away on their mobile screens. What is more evident in Hebron as in other Palestinian cities is the dominant role social media plays in telling and sharing stories. Whether it be a community hike to the famous Wadi Qelt or a football match at the practice pitches near Hebron University, photos and comments fly around faster than so many tour buses or soccer balls. In fact, by comparison, the local citizens in Hebron are much more immediately dialed in than the Western counterparts volunteering at Excellence Center.
This technical familiarity can play a much more important role, however, than simply chronicling an afternoon’s recreation. Local NGO Human Rights Defenders through their smartphone campaign the Capturing Occupation Camera Project seeks to highlight human rights infractions specifically through this technology and access. Founder Badee Dwaik explains the importance of this modern approach: “The camera is our gun. We use it to shoot the Occupation.“
- 5. Memorable.
When you take all of the above and add a healthy dose of good humor along with almost tireless perseverance in the face of ongoing systematic repression, the Palestinian community is one you’ll remember long after your time here comes to an end. Whether it be the laughter and joy of the children, or the shared concern of a community elder, You will be moved by the palpable dignity and grace. You will learn from it. And more than the great Instagram posts of the Blue Valley the Dead Sea and all the holy sites that abound, the experience of the Palestinian people will stay with you.
