BOBBY: From the Big Apple to Hebron, Palestine: This 22-year-old majored in International studies and minored in Islamic studies. When asked about the reasons for his interest for the Middle-East, he says “Well, for one thing, it is such a different culture to mine and so very intriguing in its own way. Take the way Christians practice their religion, they often don´t follow it quite so fervently and wholeheartedly. On the other hand, Muslims life is so much more influenced by their faith! It is present at all time and part of their everyday life. It is in the way they talk (“Allah” is used in quite a few expression and words), it is in their very culture and has a huge impact of their social interactions.”
He has travelled to many countries for a young man his age, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Ukraine and his latest adventure has led him to Palestine. “I had studied some Arabic at University but the bare minimum, some alphabet and polite expression. Beside my interest in the Arabic culture, I decided I wanted to become fluent in Arabic and my online search led me to the Excellent Centre. They came up as the top-rated organisation in Palestine for learning Arabic. It also seemed the perfect place because they offered the chance to volunteer as an English teacher whilst learning Arabic. I also liked the fact that they organise visits to all sorts of places to discover the country.
First impressions of Palestine?
“I arrived in Tel Aviv and spent a few days there first. I must say, there was a huge contrast in the way people have treated me there compared to Palestine and Hebron, in particular! I found that I connected with the people in Palestine straight away, you feel that everyone wants you to have a great stay and they go out of their ways to make you feel welcome! As I got to the borders to get to Palestine, the Israeli forces asked me “Aren´t you afraid to get shot in the head?”. Sadly, that is also the same propaganda heard in my home country. For the first time in my life, I have been leaving my door unlocked and guess where?
In Palestine. This, I wouldn´t have done in Tel Aviv and even less in New-York! I feel there are so many misconceptions about the wonderful Palestinians! Palestine shouldn´t be reduced to Gaza or the conflict with Israel, it is so much more!” he adds “One anecdote, I was taking a taxi the other day in Hebron and the driver asked me where I was from, when I said American, he asked what I thought about Trump and as I expressed my feelings which he shared, he told me we love Americans here in Palestine just not your government! As I was about to pay, he said, no please this one is on me. Welcome to Palestine, have a great stay!”
After nearly 3 months spent in Palestine, what are Bobby´s conclusions:
“I can now have full conversation with people here in Hebron, often that surprises the locals. You see I don´t exactly have the Arabic look… I have 3 hours Arabic classes per week with the wonderful Marwa but I spend about 2 hours revising and I take advantage of any opportunity to speak with the locals, the teachers at the centre, the students. I carry my notebook everywhere to note down new words. Besides, I give English classes to groups or private students and I just love it!”
When asked if he is coming back anytime soon, he says rather excitedly “Well, actually I have just been offered a teaching job with an organisation called Amedist. In fact, it is through a casual meeting at my gym, I got an interview and it seems they like me and I will be coming sometimes next year, very excited about it! I still can´t quite believe it though.
