“My name is Dana Visalli; I am a biologist from Washington State in the USA. One of my primary interests is how the human family can develop models of sustainable cultures that will allow for a healthy future for all people, and for a healthy environment. Human conflict, such as the one that exists between the Palestinian people and the Israeli people, is one of the great impediments to a sustainable future, so I have come to learn what I can about the history of this important issue and the reality on the ground today in Palestine.
In my few days to date in Hebron I am finding there is nothing like firsthand experience on the ground and with the people to deepen ones understanding of human issues. One’s education starts with the check-in process at El Al airline for flying into Tel Aviv. I will not go into any of the details at this early stage of my own learning process, but it is very evident at the check-in counter that the Israelis find themselves in a difficult situation, and are constantly worried about their own safety; the check-in process was lengthy but ultimately easy and interesting.
In the mere two days that I have been at the Excellence Center I have had the opportunity to teach English in two classes, one made up of 9th graders and the other mostly adults. It is an honor to be able to walk into these peoples’ lives from another country, and it is powerful to interact with them personally and experience their hunger to get a good education and gain the ability to create a good life for themselves and their families.
It was particularly touching to be with the school children, the see their inevitable enthusiasm and humor and innocence, and see their commonality of all young people everywhere on the planet. The science of genetics tells us that all humans on the planet are 99.9% related, we have infinitely more in common than the small differences that separate us. Children always drive this point home. Perhaps it will be our love for our children, and for all children, that will in the end enable people to overcome their differences and live in peace.
Volunteering at The Excellence Center offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in an ancient culture and to put a human face on one of the most important issues of our time.”
