Opportunities to help refugees in the Middle East: Following conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, as well as the ongoing problems in Palestine, there are more refugees now in the Middle East than in any point previously in history. These people, through no fault of their own, often have no access to some of the basic necessities of life: food, shelter, energy, and safety. The problem is so big that there are no easy solutions. Volunteering is one key way that individuals can do their part to help combat this widespread problem though.

While it is possible for anyone in the West to volunteer in their home country, the people who need the most help tend to be in the Middle East. Also, actually going to the Middle East allows for the possibility of learning Arabic and understanding the region, the people and the culture. If you are interested in international affairs, seeing the situation on the ground can also give a great insight into why refugee problems arise in the first place.

Helping refugees in the Gulf countries

The wars in Yemen and Syria have led to more and more refugees coming to the Gulf states, like the UAE, and Saudi Arabia in particular. However, Western NGOs tend to operate less in these countries so while there are some niche organizations that provide the chance to help refugees in places like these, they are not the most popular for international volunteers.

Opportunities to help refugees in Levantine countries

Following the various regional conflicts, Lebanon and Jordan have become two of the biggest destinations for refugees in the Middle East. There are opportunities to help refugees through NGOs in both countries as they are fairly open to international cooperation. Of course, huge internal refugee populations still exist in Iraq and Syria, but these countries are not yet considered safe to travel to and volunteering with an organization in one of these countries could be dangerous.

Helping refugees in Palestine through the Excellence Center

In the aftermath of the various outbreaks of conflict between Israel and Palestine, large numbers of Palestinians have been displaced and become refugees, living in camps in the West Bank. The Excellence Center runs established programs in partnership with the camps to direct help to where it is needed most.

Volunteers can stay in Hebron with the Excellence Center and do work to help improve the lives of refugees in various camps such as the Fawwar Refugee camp in the South of the West Bank and the Dheisheh refugee camp near Bethlehem.

According to the UNRWA, there are 800,000 registered refugees in the West Bank and only 19 refugee camps. The refugees in these places live in vastly reduced conditions and welcome any outside assistance – whether you are an English teacher, a medic, human rights lawyer, an engineer or even a football coach!

It is very fulfilling to help these people and especially so to do in conjunction with local Palestinians who know the situation of the refugees so well. Volunteering opportunities are flexible and can last between one week and three months, depending on the volunteer.

Additional benefits of the refugee volunteer program

In addition to helping improve the lives of refugees, volunteers will have the opportunity to live with a host family and improve their Arabic through conversational classes with native speakers of the Palestinian dialect at the Excellence Center. The program also involves an element of cultural exchange, finding out about the culture of Palestine while you live there.

If you are interested in helping Palestinian refugees contact us now to find out how you can help.

Short time Volunteer Programs’ in Palestine

Please have a look at our Human Rights, Women Rights, Journalism, technology, Sport, Local School, Medicin and Healthcare,  Environment, Music, and arts volunteer programs.

Which Airport Should I Start Checking for Flights to Palestine?

The easiest way to get to the Excellence Center in Hebron, Palestine is to fly to Tel Aviv Airport (Israel). It takes about two and a half hours from the airport to the Excellence Center in Hebron via shared Taxi.

You can also fly to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan and then cross to Palestine, but it takes more time and is more expensive.

Visa

Upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv Airport), Israel, you will be granted a tourist visa valid for 90 days. There is no need to obtain a visa ahead of time.

Volunteer in Palestine Program’s duration

Volunteers can participate in the program for the duration of one week to three months.

Questions? 

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact at Rafat@excellencenter.org

Whatsapp:+972599479880

For more information, please visit our website: https://excellencenter.org

Excellence Center’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter

Excellence Center’s Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron

Watch us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQSLdFZWZcBm6Uj0XMYuKg

Visit and Explore Palestine: https://www.facebook.com/ExplorePalestine