First Impressions: Hebron and The Excellence Center by Dana Visalli: “I recently arrived from the United States to volunteer for a month at the Excellence Center, teaching English and writing articles about life in Hebron. It is my first trip to Palestine, so everything is new to my eyes. I greatly enjoyed the two-hour trip from Tel Aviv, both because of the rugged, rocky nature of the land along the way, and because it is just now early spring here, and wildflowers are beginning to bloom on the hills.

Hebron is an ancient and attractive city with remarkably friendly people. When I first was dropped off along a main boulevard in the city center, I was not totally sure which way to turn. A Palestinian man came out of a nearby store and asked, ‘Excellence Center?’ I got the feeling that was the extent of his English, but they were the very words I wanted to hear. I was close, very close! But before I could leave he insisted I come in for a small cup of coffee, a kind gesture. Then after a bit of pointing and arm waving by way of directions, I walked the two blocks to the Center.

The Excellence Center is a very pleasant and attractive space, with marble floors and numerous classrooms. The staff is very friendly and competent; I made it into two classrooms to assist with teaching English the first day that I was there.

A word of advice, however, is that the scheduling for volunteers is not tight; I have almost half of each day off. For self-motivated people, this is a bonus, but it is good to be aware of the fact in advance. Personally, I am entranced by both the natural history of Palestine, and by the seemingly intractable situation that these two ancient peoples, the Palestinians, and the Israelis,  find themselves in. Thus in my first two days, I have set out to learn the names of the wildflowers growing in the weedy patches along my walking route, and was able to purchase and download to kindle a very good book on the history of Palestine. It is great to have some time available for my own learning process. I will also have Arabic lessons twice a week as part of my program.

Accommodations are spartan but completely adequate. I walk a mile between the Center and the dormitory, which is very welcome exercise. There are one or two people in each of the three rooms in this particular building. I could have had my own room, but choose to join a fascinating young volunteer from France (who lives in Poland, and travels regularly to Morocco)  in a shared room for the sake of the good company. The dorm has its own kitchen, bathroom, and to my surprise, a washing machine.

The Excellence Center offers a unique opportunity to live in the middle of another culture at very little expense, learn about critical human issues, and offer service to other people at the same time.”