It is estimated that there are more than 7.2 million Palestinian refugees worldwide, with 4.3 million of these individuals officially registered for assistance with the United Nations. These refugees, displaced from their homes due to decades of conflict and political instability, face severe hardships and challenging living conditions. The plight of Palestinian refugees is a profound humanitarian issue, and many people naturally feel compelled to help. Organizations like Volunteer in Palestine provide opportunities to get involved and help Palestinian refugees by making a tangible difference in the lives of these displaced individuals.
There are numerous ways to contribute to improving the lives of Palestinian refugees. You can provide support by helping refugees in your community, where many Palestinian refugees have resettled and continue to face challenges. Additionally, donating money to reputable NGOs that specialize in refugee assistance can significantly impact their ability to deliver essential services, such as food, medical care, and education. For those seeking a more hands-on approach, volunteering to help refugees directly in the Middle East offers a unique and impactful opportunity to contribute to their well-being and support their recovery and integration efforts.
Volunteering to Help Refugees in Your Home Country
Palestinian refugees will be found in most countries now due to international asylum commitments to take them in. In most big cities and capital cities in Western countries, there will undoubtedly be organizations helping refugees assimilate into their host country, find accommodation, and find shelter. If you are already based in one of these cities, this may be the most convenient way to help make a difference and improve the lives of Palestinian refugees.
Volunteer or Intern in the Summer
Join us this summer for a unique and vibrant experience! Summer is when our organization is at its busiest, offering various opportunities beyond traditionally similar programs. Whether you’re interested in volunteering or gaining professional experience through an internship, our summer programs are designed to make the most of your time abroad. We offer volunteer placements and internships that allow you to engage directly with local communities and gain hands-on experience in your field of interest.
Thanks to our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, these opportunities can also provide academic credit towards your studies, making them ideal for university or college students looking to enrich their summer break. However, if you’re not currently a student or aren’t seeking academic credit, you’re still welcome to participate. If you’re interested in making a meaningful impact this summer, explore more about our volunteer and internship programs on our website.
Winter Volunteer Programs
Our Winter Volunteer and Internship Programs run from October to late March, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and community of Palestine during the cooler months. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, gaining practical experience through an internship, or exploring a new language and culture, our winter programs are tailored to provide a fulfilling and impactful experience.
Participants can choose to stay for anywhere from 1 to 13 weeks, allowing for flexibility in how they engage with local communities and contribute to meaningful projects. Winter in Palestine offers a different pace and atmosphere, making it an ideal time to connect with the people, explore the region, and make a lasting impact.
Our Volunteer and Internship Programs
Volunteer in Palestine offers short-term volunteer and internship programs for people interested in going to Palestine, focusing on human rights, Palestinian children, women’s rights, journalism, teaching English, sports, medicine, Palestinian refugees, Palestinian culture and politics, Palestinian laws and legal system, and the political history and current situation of Palestine and Israel. Our volunteer programs in Palestine are especially ideal for students and people looking for volunteer and internship programs in the summertime located in the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East.
Our volunteer programs were developed for graduate and undergraduate students of Middle Eastern studies, Arabic studies, or political sciences, as well as professionals, employees of human rights organizations, scholars conducting case studies on Palestine and Israel, human aid workers, social workers, teachers, English native speakers, non-native speakers and anyone interested in engaging in Palestinian culture and daily life.
Here you may find the list of our volunteers and internships program in Palestine:
Donating Money to NGOs Helping Refugees
Alternatively, if you don’t have the time to volunteer yourself, you can always donate to the appropriate charities. Be sure to do your research before donating to ensure your money is going directly to those who need it – there’s nothing worse than donating money and then realizing a charity only spends 30% of the people you want to help.
Volunteer to Help Refugees in the Middle East
If you have the inclination and the ability to do so, one of the most rewarding options can be to volunteer to help refugees in the Middle East. Helping the refugees on the ground in camps is very fulfilling as you can directly see the impact you are making to help improve the lives of these poor people. Make sure to do your research to find the right organization and location – there are various pros and cons of working with any organization and likewise with the location, so you have to balance what makes sense for you with how you can provide the most help.
How to Prepare for a Volunteer Experience in the Middle East
If you’ve never been before, the Middle East can be quite a daunting region. There can be negative media reports that are unwarranted, so again research is key to building up an accurate picture of the place in your mind. Be sure to thoroughly plan your route to your destination to avoid getting lost or getting ripped off on transport costs. Pack appropriate clothing (bearing in mind cultural traditions in the region) and make any preparations for the climate (particularly if you are coming in summer) like sun cream and mosquito spray.
Finally, brush up on any Arabic you have or try to learn a few handy words and phrases from the guidebook – the locals appreciate you making the effort and will go out of their way to extend the famous Arab hospitality, especially to anyone who is trying to appreciate the language and the culture.
Who Can Join Us?
Volunteering and internship opportunities in Palestine have been gaining increasing attention each year, particularly in the areas of education, community development, human rights, and support for refugees and Palestinian children. Whether you are a seasoned volunteer, a first-time contributor, part of a group, or a family, there are meaningful ways for individuals from various backgrounds to engage in the West Bank and immerse themselves in Palestinian culture.
Regardless of your background, skills, age, or abilities, we offer opportunities that align with your passion and commitment. Join us in making a positive impact in Palestine.
When Can You Join Us And For How Long?
Volunteers, interns, and Arabic students who would like to go to Palestine and the West Bank can join our programs for 1-13 weeks at any time of the year (summer, winter, fall, and spring). We are flexible with starting and ending dates.
Opportunity and Context
Volunteer in Palestine offers a unique opportunity to aid Palestinian refugees in the West Bank. It is situated in Hebron, on the frontline of Occupation where an Israeli settlement has claimed 20% of the city. In the Old City here particularly, there are Palestinians who need desperate help and have fallen into very low conditions.
Equally, in the surrounding countryside, particularly in the Fawwar refugee camp, many refugees need help. They lead very difficult lives and have little access to outside aid. Whether it’s bringing them food, administering medical aid, coaching them in sports, or even putting a smile on their faces through circus performances, everyone can help improve the lives of these refugees.
Impact and Experience
Many different types of people have come to help and all have found their experience richly and uniquely rewarding. Of course, one person is just a drop in the ocean, but the ripple effect of showing these refugees that people care about their plight and that news of their difficulties reaches far around the world is a morale booster in itself. They have little to no freedom of movement, almost no possibility of finding work, and no hope of buying the land necessary to move out of the refugee camp. It’s a miserable state of affairs and unfortunately, it’s one likely to continue in this way for the foreseeable future.
Impact of Volunteering or Interning in Palestine
Our Volunteer and Internship programs in the West Bank, Palestine are well-researched, targeted, and suitable for anyone who wants to gain insights into daily Palestinian legal affairs and human rights. We aim to make a long-term difference for the Palestinian local community through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. Volunteering and interning is a unique opportunity to genuinely make an impact on your life as well as others including Palestinian children, refugees, youth, and community members in the West Bank, Palestine.
Volunteer and Internship Programs in Gaza
Gaza Strip offers a variety of volunteer and internship programs. They cover important topics like human rights, teaching English, women’s rights in Palestine, supporting Palestinian refugees and children, journalism, Palestinian culture, and politics. The volunteer and internship opportunities in Gaza, Palestine are for a wide range of people, including students who study the Middle East and Arabic, people interested in politics, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, researchers studying Palestine and Israel, humanitarian workers, social workers, teachers, native English speakers, non-native English speakers, and anyone who wants to learn about Palestinian culture and daily life. If you are interested in learning more, please click here.
Internship opportunities in Gaza primarily center in cities like Gaza City, Khan Younis, Rafah, Deir al-Balah, and Jabalia. Gaza City, the region’s economic and cultural hub, offers internships with NGOs, media outlets, and universities in fields such as humanitarian aid, human rights, and education. Khan Younis and Rafah, known for their refugee populations, provide internships focused on community development, refugee support, and agricultural projects. Deir al-Balah and Jabalia offer opportunities in areas like environmental conservation, health clinics, and social services, particularly within refugee camps. These internships allow you to engage directly with communities while gaining valuable experience in a complex environment.
Volunteer in the West Bank
Volunteering in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity to engage with Palestinian communities in cities like Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron, each with its distinct cultural and historical significance. In Ramallah, the administrative hub, you can work with NGOs focused on human rights, youth development, and education. Bethlehem, known for its religious heritage, offers opportunities in community centers, schools, and refugee support, while Hebron, with its rich history and complex political landscape, is ideal for those interested in peace-building and human rights monitoring. Other cities like Nablus and Jenin provide volunteer experiences in cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and support for local artisans and refugees.
Cities like Jericho, Tulkarem, and Qalqilya present opportunities to volunteer in environmental conservation, rural development, and educational programs, often within communities facing unique challenges due to the political situation. Whether you’re interested in teaching, cultural initiatives, or social services, the West Bank offers a diverse range of volunteer experiences that allow you to contribute meaningfully while immersing yourself in Palestinian culture and daily life.
Support and Logistics
Volunteer in Palestine has a liaison manager who oversees all the volunteers who come to the center to channel their aid to where it is needed the most. Sometimes this will be with refugees outside the city or within the city, but it will always be with people who are in desperate need of help.
Volunteer in Palestine houses all volunteers here in Hebron (whether it’s with a host family for women or in a dormitory for men) and ensures that they have the best possible experience while they are here. If you want to find out more about the program, go on our website or read testimonials from former volunteers on websites like Engage in Palestine so you have an idea of what this program looks like.
Reviews and Awards
Volunteer in Palestine has been offering its services since 2011. Throughout the years, we have been developing many programs and online courses. We use the most advanced methods which we develop and enhance year after year. Education and learning is an active process that is always advancing, and you will be part of the development.
Despite continuous program improvements for the best learning experience, our core goal remains: connecting, teaching, and developing individuals for the benefit of them and the community. Additionally, we aim to promote and encourage exchange in the local and international communities.
We continue to strive towards excellence:
In 2022, we ranked as “one of the top three organizations worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities”. We also ranked as “one of the top three language schools worldwide” by Go Overseas. We also received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards. Among others, Volunteer in Palestine earned recognition as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits”. Besides that, we were also one of the Top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”.
In 2021, we were one of the top three volunteer programs in the world. Go Overseas awarded us the community choice awards in the categories of “best language school”, “fun”, and “teaching”.
In 2019, we received our inaugural “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards”. This award was a recognition of Volunteer in Palestine’s positive effect on the global travel community. You can check our ratings below.
- +800 Reviews and ratings (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +160 Reviews and ratings on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Conclusion
In conclusion, the plight of Palestinian refugees is a profound humanitarian issue that demands our attention and action. With over 7.2 million refugees globally, and many living in challenging conditions due to ongoing conflict, the need for support is critical. Whether you have an interest in making a difference locally or engaging directly in the Middle East, there are numerous avenues through which you can contribute. From supporting refugees in your community and donating to reputable NGOs to volunteering on the ground, each effort plays a crucial role in alleviating their suffering and improving their living conditions.
Volunteering or interning in Palestine provides a unique opportunity to have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of these displaced individuals. Programs in the West Bank and Gaza offer diverse roles, including education, human rights, and community support, making it possible for people from various backgrounds to contribute. Engaging with these programs not only supports the refugees but also fosters a deeper understanding of the region’s complex dynamics. By choosing to participate, you join a global effort to bring hope and aid to those who need it most, creating a ripple effect of positive change and solidarity.
Find Out More
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Info@ecpalestine.org and on Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880. We look forward to hearing from you!
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