The last few weeks have seen Excellence Center organize a large number of visits for its volunteers in Hebron, Palestine such as tours of the keffiyeh factory (the only remaining factory producing keffiyehs in Palestine), and al-Ibrahimi mosque amongst many others. A recent visit to the ceramics and glass factory in Hebron allowed volunteers to see traditional methods for producing ceramic artifacts, and even get involved in blowing glass themselves. As well as tours of economic aspects of Hebron, others focus on more political aspects, such as a tour of the Old City and the settlements within it.
The point of this sightseeing and tours in Hebron is to provide volunteers with a more in-depth knowledge of the history, culture, religion, and politics of the region, and so that they can gain an appreciation of the significance of the region in so many different aspects. To explore Hebron and the surrounding areas with locals who are able to explain the significance of all the places visited is a rare opportunity and one which the volunteers truly appreciate.
As well as simply sightseeing in Hebron, Palestine, many volunteers have also been to visit some of the families living in Hebron, and to explore the culture and learn about life in the city from a first-hand perspective. Such opportunities are perfect not only for getting to meet locals and learning about Palestinian culture but also as a means to help practice Arabic for any non-native speakers wishing to do so. The packed schedule of visits and events for those at the Center is one of the elements of the volunteering experience that are often remembered the most fondly by past volunteers, and Excellence Center is pleased to be able to organize such sightseeing and tours in Hebron, Palestine.ย