How to Volunteer in Palestine in 2026/2027: Volunteering in Palestine is an opportunity unlike any other. Beyond what you see in the news, Palestine is a land of deep history, rich culture, and warm hospitality. It is a place where the past and present intersect in powerful ways and where international volunteers can make a meaningful impact. Whether you are passionate about education, human rights, community development, or cultural exchange, your time in Palestine will be transformative for you and the people you work with.
As the situation evolves, the role of volunteers is more crucial than ever in supporting Palestinian communities and amplifying their voices on a global stage. By volunteering in Palestine, you will gain invaluable experience and contribute to a cause greater than yourself.
From assisting young Palestinians in learning English to working with refugees or supporting women’s rights initiatives, each program offers a chance to foster positive change. Volunteers help bridge cultural divides, build relationships, and provide much-needed skills and resources to communities facing significant challenges. More than that, being present in Palestine sends a message of solidarity, showing the world that people care and are willing to stand alongside Palestinians in their daily struggles.
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Why Volunteer in Palestine?
You might have heard a lot about Palestine, Gaza, and the West Bank in the news. But where exactly are they?
Palestine is an Arab country on the eastern Mediterranean coast, also known as the Levant. It borders Jordan to the east, Lebanon to the north, and the Red Sea and the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, to the south. In the West, the Mediterranean Sea acts as a bridge connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe. With deep historical significance (and great food), Palestine is a friendly, welcoming place.
If you’re reading this, you might at least consider volunteering in Palestine in 2026. The following article contains all the reasons why we think that’s a great idea!
Palestine is Amazing
This beautiful country has an incredibly rich culture and history. Spending time immersed in it is one of the best parts of volunteering in Palestine. From great food and hospitality to the friendly people to the landscape itself, experiencing Palestine in person is something you will remember forever.
You’ll Make a Real Difference
Volunteers come to Palestine to share their skills and expertise. This is incredibly important and useful, especially for young Palestinians who need English language or other skills for their future. More than this, international volunteers show solidarity with the Palestinian cause just by being here. Local people can share their life stories under occupation and feel as though the world is listening.
You’ll Get a Lot Out of It
Volunteering in Palestine doesn’t just have a positive impact on the people and communities people work with; it also has a lasting impact on the volunteers themselves. During their time in Palestine, volunteers are able to develop existing skills or build valuable new ones, like teaching, teamwork, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving. People who volunteer with the Excellence Center often speak about the deeply personal impact of their experience. Hearing the stories of loss, survival, and resilience gives a different perspective, shaping people’s worldviews and personal values – sometimes even the trajectory of their lives.
2026 will be a pivotal year for the future of Palestine and the Palestinian cause. Already, events like the ceasefire in Gaza and the change of leadership in the United States are impacting security in the West Bank and increasing the need for additional support from volunteers. Many programs are available to suit all backgrounds and levels of experience and address critical gaps across Palestinian communities.
Types of Volunteer Opportunities in Palestine
There are many ways to volunteer in Palestine, and each makes a big difference.
1. Volunteer in the West Bank Program
Volunteer in the West Bank: Join us at Excellence Center in Palestine and explore our diverse range of volunteer and internship programs! Any program you choose will have many people needing support, and your influence on the Palestinian communities will be unforgettable. The kind people of Palestine make the opportunity a fantastic and welcoming experience.
Please take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to meet Palestinian people, experience their daily lives, learn Arabic, and gain a unique perspective of the Israel-Palestinian conflict firsthand! Your role as an international volunteer or intern can significantly improve Palestinians’ prospects in various ways, including teaching English, organizing community activities, raising awareness, and informing the world that Palestine is not portrayed as mainstream media sources commonly depict it.
Because of the occupation, Palestinians have not always had the opportunity to offer the world an authentic portrayal of their culture, and they are all keen to share their expertise and encourage international visitors to participate in Palestinian culture. Your experience with us will be fulfilling and gratifying! We offer opportunities throughout the year, with durations ranging from one week to three months, available in all seasons and months.
2. Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees
Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees: This program caters to undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, retirees, and anyone interested in engaging with the work concerning Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Palestine. Getting involved in refugee assistance presents an excellent opportunity for university students and recent graduates seeking to gain experience in the human rights field.
Through this project in the West Bank, volunteers will have the opportunity to work with Palestinian children, women, and youths to enhance each other’s skills, create mutual understanding, engage in language exchange, and make a difference in each other’s lives.
The Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees in the West Bank program is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 70. People from all countries and majors are welcome to join this program. There are no specific degree requirements. All that is required is a willingness to participate and help.
3. The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program
The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program in the West Bank is a volunteer initiative that allows international visitors to visit Palestine and gain exclusive insight into women’s rights in the West Bank. Located in the vibrant city of Hebron, the project provides participants with many opportunities to meet Palestinian women, visit women’s rights organizations, and engage in educational and cultural activities.
Aimed at educating international participants about the current power dynamics of women in Palestinian society, you will get involved with volunteering with Palestinian women by promoting their rights and empowering them in all spheres of life, including the family, the workplace, and politics, all whilst ensuring they are safe from violence, exploitation, and discrimination.
Altogether, this volunteer program will enable you to gain awareness about gender equality in Hebron (one of the most conservative cities in Palestine) whilst also allowing you to study and practice Arabic, meet other internationals, and experience Palestinian daily life.
4. Media and Journalism in Palestine Program
The Media and Journalism volunteer program in the West Bank is ideal for anyone interested in giving Palestinians a voice on the global stage. As a volunteer, you will help raise awareness of circumstances within the West Bank while also learning about ethical journalistic practices. Although this program would suit many potential volunteers, seasoned and aspiring journalists are especially encouraged to apply.
This volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine, would also interest students of journalism, mass communication, media studies, communications, political science, English, social work, and other related fields. Recent graduates will welcome the opportunity to gain real-world experience from this program, as cross-cultural communication, travel within the Middle East, and Arabic language acquisition are all highly valued by prospective employers.
During the Media and Journalism program, you will be responsible for conducting video interviews with local Palestinians and writing articles encapsulating the Palestinian refugee experience. You will also participate in center-led activities and become familiar with Palestinians’ daily lives and human rights situations.
5. Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank
The Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank program offers an eye-opening experience for those who want to visit Palestine and engage with Palestinian youth, children, women, refugees, and community members in Hebron. Volunteers will teach English to Palestinian students at the Excellence Center in Palestine Center or local community development centers, Palestinian local schools, governmental or non-governmental organizations, and refugee camps.
Additionally, participants will actively immerse themselves in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, and regional situations. Excellence Center in Palestine hosts volunteers and interns from around the world year-round. This involvement allows you to meet international colleagues at the Center, travel throughout Palestine, and collaborate in teaching English. You will also participate in various social, educational, cultural, and community development activities in Hebron.
Suppose you aspire to pursue a career in TESOL, TESL, TEFL, or related English language teaching roles. In that case, this internship program provides an outstanding opportunity to acquire practical experience and bolster your English teaching skills.
6. Volunteer with Palestinian Children
Volunteer With Palestinian Children Program offers students, professionals, retirees, and teachers an excellent opportunity to work directly with Palestinian children in the West Bank. It welcomes anyone interested in volunteering or interning, regardless of their first language.
Those interested in childhood education can benefit from volunteering or interning with children in Palestine. Participants are immersed in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, human rights, and education.
Volunteers can join our program for 1 to 13 weeks, with flexible start and end dates year-round. All backgrounds and nationalities are welcome to apply, but participants must be at least 18.
As a volunteer or intern in Hebron, West Bank, you will meet many Palestinian children eager to interact with visitors. Supporting their growth positively impacts their well-being and the future of their country, making a difference in both their lives and yours.
7. Palestinian Community Development Program
The Volunteer in Palestinian Community Development Program in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity for students, undergraduates, teachers, and others seeking to volunteer or intern in Palestinian community development organizations in Palestine and Israel. If you wish to help Palestinian children and youth, refugees in refugee camps, and other community members in and around Hebron, West Bank, this program is for you. As a volunteer, you will be immersed in Palestinian culture whilst meeting new people (from Palestine and abroad), studying Arabic, and making a difference in people’s lives.
The Palestinian Community Development Volunteer and Internship Program has an essential impact on the Palestinian community. Through this program, you can help empower community members to develop themselves personally, professionally, and economically. At the same time, volunteers gain valuable experience in their personal development by running seminars, giving lectures, offering employment advice, and building interpersonal relationships within the local Palestinian community.
8. Volunteer in the Environment and Conservation Program in Palestine
Volunteer in the Environment and Conservation Program in Palestine: You are invited to join us at Excellence Center in Palestine and volunteer in our Environment and Conservation program, aimed at teaching Palestinian youth, refugees, and children about the importance of preserving the environment. In the West Bank, Palestine, there is a pressing need for such programs, as many residents of Hebron are unaware of the harmful effects of littering and environmental neglect on their own lands and streets.
This volunteer program is an excellent opportunity for students, graduates, and travelers interested in the environment and conservation in the West Bank. If you’re a university student looking for an environment and conservation program abroad to supplement your studies during your summer break, this program is ideal for you.
By joining our volunteer program in the West Bank, you will have the chance to share your passion for the environment and conservation while experiencing Palestinian daily life and learning about Palestinian culture firsthand. We offer our participants three hours of complimentary Arabic Classes each week, taught one-to-one or in small groups of two to three students, and accommodation during their stay.
9. Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine
Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine: Since its establishment in 2011, Excellence Center in Palestine has maintained high standards in English language teaching with the help of numerous international volunteers. However, to meet the increasing demand for diverse programs, we are excited to introduce a new series of volunteer programs, including the Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine.
This volunteer program in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity for current students, postgraduates, gap year students, professionals, teachers, retirees, and anyone interested in sports-related fields to volunteer with the local Palestinian community. As a volunteer, you can share your passion and expertise by organizing workshops, lectures, sporting tournaments, training sessions, summer camps, and more for Palestinian youth.
The Volunteer in a Sports Project in Hebron program is ideal for individuals with a strong interest and background in sports or related fields. Through this program, you can develop your activities and contribute to the local Palestinian community while gaining personal and professional development opportunities and having fun.
10. Volunteer With Orphanages in Palestine
Volunteer With Orphanages in Palestine: Hebron City, in the Occupied West Bank, is home to several orphanages that provide essential care and support to thousands of Palestinian children who have lost one or both of their parents. The high number of orphans in the region is mainly due to ongoing conflict, military occupation, economic hardship, and limited access to healthcare. Some children lose their parents to direct violence, such as military raids, airstrikes, and clashes. Others are caused by the impact of long-term instability, including imprisonment of family members, displacement, or lack of access to health services.
There are approximately 7,000 orphans in and around Hebron city, ranging from infants to young adults. These orphanages provide essential services such as housing, education, medical care, and psychological support to children without stable family situations. They often rely on funding from local charities, international donors, and religious organizations to support their operations. Some orphanages also function as social enterprises, operating businesses like kitchens and grocery stores to generate income and further support their work.
11. Volunteer In A Technology Program In Palestine
Volunteer In A Technology Program In Palestine: The Volunteer in Technology Program in Palestine offers a unique chance to share your technical expertise with Palestinian children, refugees, students, and community members in Hebron, West Bank, Palestine, while immersing yourself in Palestinian culture and life. As technology increasingly shapes our world, this program allows volunteers to share their knowledge in computing, coding, programming, editing, and any other area of technological proficiency.
The program is available to anyone over 18 years old. It does not require any special qualifications, making it an open opportunity for anyone interested in traveling to the Israel/Palestine region and learning Arabic while living with Palestinians and immersing themselves in the culture. This flexible and open-ended project allows volunteers to come to the West Bank year-round.
12. Volunteer in Local Palestinian Villages
Volunteer in Local Palestinian Villages: This program offers an excellent opportunity for individuals of all ages, from students to retirees, to work directly with Palestinian communities in villages and rural areas of the West Bank, including Dura and the Hebron Hills, such as Masafer Yatta, Susya, Umm Al-Khayr, the Al-Fawwar refugee camp, and Bani Na’im. Volunteers will collaborate with Palestinian children, youth, women, and refugees to enhance their skills and participate in educational and recreational activities.
Volunteers will also learn Arabic to communicate with the locals and visit sites of Palestinian cultural and historical significance in and around Hebron city. This program is an excellent opportunity to deepen their understanding of daily life in Palestinian communities, security challenges, and resilience under occupation.
13. Music And Arts In The West Bank
Volunteer in Music and the Arts in the West Bank: Music is perhaps the most diverse form of self-expression in the world and is one of the best modes of cultural exchange and learning. As volunteers in Music and Arts In The West Bank, Palestine, participants will engage with the culture of Palestine while also sharing their own expression of culture through music and art.
This volunteer program in Palestine is perfect for those with an active interest in the arts, cross-cultural interaction, and exploring Palestinian art forms. It also promotes shifts in public opinion through cultural diplomacy. The Volunteer in Music and Arts In The West Bank Program is also available for academic credit, so university students are especially encouraged to apply.
This volunteer opportunity spans from one week to three months (13 Weeks) year-round (Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring). Our volunteer programs in Hebron, West Bank, provide you with the chance to work in a fascinating and energetic environment. They are designed to be immersive, genuine, and complete.
14. Medicine and Healthcare In The West Bank
The Medicine and Healthcare Program in the West Bank will suit many potential volunteers, including medical professionals, pre-med students, medical school students, or those considering a healthcare career. Under the supervision of local professionals, volunteers will gain valuable experience with the Palestinian healthcare system, local hospitals’ work, and local universities’ medical and healthcare specializations.
Excellence Center in Palestine is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible volunteer and internship programs in Hebron, West Bank. Our programs are designed for both native and non-native English speakers who are eager to contribute to the Palestinian community while learning Arabic. We offer diverse programs, including healthcare, medicine, public health, and Palestinian healthcare initiatives in the West Bank.
Our Medicine and Healthcare In The West Bank program warmly welcomes individuals of all English-speaking backgrounds, whether they are undergraduates, graduates, professionals, or retired individuals. This program presents a remarkable opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering in Palestine, the West Bank, Israel, the Middle East, or the broader Arabic-speaking world.
Visa and Entry Requirements for 2026
Currently, in order to travel to Palestine, you need to secure a visa from Israel. Tourist visas are issued on arrival at the border and can last for up to 90 days. As of January 1st, 2025, you need to fill out an Electronic Travel Authorisation prior to departure.
There are two key crossings into the West Bank: a land crossing through Jordan at the King Hussein Bridge or arriving at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport just outside of Tel Aviv. Travel through Jordan is highly recommended, as many people have recently faced difficulty entering Israel through Ben Gurion Airport. The way takes a bit longer and is a bit more complicated, but there is generally a better chance that you will be granted entry.
The first thing to know is that preparing to cross the border will almost always sound worse than it actually is. Since 2011, over 1,000 volunteers have spent time with the Excellence Center without problems. However, entering Palestine can be more difficult sometimes than others, depending on the changing security situation.
There is a chance that you will be pulled aside for questioning when you try to cross the border. The questions will usually be about your intentions in Israel (tourism, visiting friends and family, etc) and why you have decided to travel now. We recommend you say you are traveling for tourism, and that you prepare some answers, like where you intend to stay and what you intend to do and see over the span of your trip. It is highly recommended that you do not mention Palestine, the West Bank, or any West Bank cities, or volunteering and learning Arabic.
If you are asked these kinds of questions, the best approach is to breathe, stay calm, and remain friendly.
Is your bank account looking a little on the empty side? Fundraising is one way to help cover the costs of your chosen program. Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe offer a way for your friends and family to support your volunteer experience. Sharing your motivations for coming to Palestine and a link for people to donate is an easy way to get support.
Other fundraising ideas could include setting up a bake sale, doing a running challenge, and asking people to sponsor you, or organizing a clothes-swap event at your local community center.
Preparing for Your Trip
What to pack?
Pack for the season! Palestine can be really hot in summer and really cold in winter. Spring and Autumn fall in between these two. For the summer, long and loose clothing will protect your skin from the sun and show respect to the local people by dressing conservatively. For the winter, bring a thick jacket, waterproof shoes, warm pajamas, and even some thermals if you have them. Forgot something? Don’t worry! Hebron has many clothing shops, so you can always get more clothes or shoes if you need them.
If you have any medication, please make sure you bring enough to last you through your time in Palestine. Although there are plenty of pharmacies and doctors’ offices around, some medications could be hard to get locally. The same goes for any specific toiletries or skincare products you want to use. Many things are available here, but they will likely be a bit more expensive to buy than what you can find at home.
We recommend not packing anything that shows clear support for Palestine or could link you to Islam or other Muslim countries, like a copy of the Quran.
Learning Some Arabic
While learning spoken Arabic will be part of your time at the Excellence Center, some useful phrases would be helpful to know before you arrive. While many people here speak English, these phrases will help you navigate your way to Hebron like a local, and they will also make the Palestinian people that you meet very happy to know you are trying to learn some of their language.
Some common phrases used in Palestinian Arabic are:
- Hello – MarHaban
- Good Morning – SabaH Al Khayer
- Response to Good Morning – SabaH Al Noor
- How are you? – Keef Al Haal?
- Sorry – Aasif (m), Aasifa (f)
- No Problem – Mish Mushkila
- How Much? – Aadesh
- Thank You – Shukran
- Goodbye- Ma’a Salama
How to Make the Most of Your Experience
Engaging with the local community in Palestine is a great way to deepen your experience here. Teachers and local volunteers at the center are all very friendly and will likely invite you to their houses to have dinner or to meet their families. This is a great way to learn more about daily Palestinian life, try local dishes, and experience legendary Palestinian hospitality. It’s also a great opportunity to practice your Arabic with more native speakers who might not have a lot of English.
Many of our volunteers like spending their weekends traveling and seeing different parts of Palestine. The West Bank is a small area, and Area A (the area under Palestinian Authority control) accounts for only 20% of it, but there is a lot of history here and many great places to see. Nearby cities popular with volunteers include Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Ramallah. These are still Palestinian cities (well, half in Jerusalem’s case), but they are a little less conservative than Hebron. It is also possible to travel to places around Israel, like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Nazareth.
Great Reviews and Community Awards
The Excellence Center has proudly earned several Community Awards, was recognized as the Best Language School Overseas, and was the Top Provider of Volunteer and Internship Opportunities abroad for the years 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Check out our many great reviews here:
Summary
Volunteering in Palestine is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. It is an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone, immerse yourself in a new culture, and gain a deeper understanding of the realities on the ground. The friendships you form, the stories you hear, and the impact you make will stay with you long after you leave. For many volunteers, the experience reshapes their worldview, inspires lifelong advocacy, and strengthens their commitment to social justice.
As 2026 brings new challenges and opportunities for Palestine, volunteers have a unique role to play in supporting local communities and raising awareness internationally. If you are considering volunteering in Palestine, know that your efforts will be meaningful for the people you work with and for your personal growth. Whether for a few weeks or several months, your time in Palestine will be a journey of learning, contribution, and connection—one that you will carry with you for a lifetime.
How To Apply?
To register your interest, please email Ms. Marwa Shantir at Info@ecpalestine.org with “Title of the Program You’re Interested In” as the subject line. Ms. Marwa will then send you an application form to complete and return.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at:
WhatsApp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://engageinpalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Tags: Palestine Volunteer Opportunities, Palestine volunteering guide, Volunteer in Palestine 2026
