Safety In the West Bank: For many foreign students, interns, and individuals interested in traveling to Palestine’s West Bank to volunteer or intern, safety is a primary concern. This concern is often exacerbated by the media’s portrayal of the region. We aim to address these concerns and provide an accurate representation of Palestine, its cities, and its people to assure all our volunteers and guests that traveling here is safe.

When Palestine makes headlines in international news, the focus often leans towards violent street clashes or an active war zone. While it is true that the situation in Palestine can be tense, international visitors typically find that their daily lives here are no more dangerous than in major cities around the world. Nonetheless, it’s impossible for any visitor to the West Bank, particularly in Hebron, not to notice the presence of Israeli occupation forces and settlers.

The Presence of Israeli Occupation

The presence of Israeli occupation creates and perpetuates the tense situation in Palestinian cities. However, it is important for those intending to travel to Palestine to note that—as foreigners— they are extremely rarely the target of clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. In fact, the overwhelming majority of visitors are more likely to hear about clashes than experience them firsthand. As one volunteer stated, “There would sometimes be clashes between Israeli settlers, Palestinians and soldiers but these were very easy to avoid  and locals were a great help with this.”

It is a fact that there are disturbances from time to time and the situation can be tense. However, internationals who come to the West Bank, Palestine find that they are largely able to live their daily lives without particular safety concerns above and beyond those typical of living in big cities. 

The purpose of this article is to provide an accurate overview of safety in Palestine. We hope to alleviate some of your worries.

Palestine is NOT An Active Warzone!

Some people associate Palestine with violence and turmoil. This is probably due to the fact that most international media outlets frequently portray violence in the West Bank and Gaza, often with no context and without explaining the full story.

International visitors may be apprehensive about coming to Palestine, fearing that they will be living in an active war zone and,unfortunately, other potential volunteers– influenced by negative media coverage– may decide not to come altogether.

Frequently asked questions about Safety in the West Bank, Palestine 

• What is the real safety situation in the West Bank?
• The security situation in the West Bank? 
• Is Palestine really safe to visit?
• Is Palestine a dangerous place to travel to?
• Is Palestine safe for Americans or tourists? 
• I am visiting Israel and I am thinking of coming to the West Bank but I am wondering if it is safe there?  
• I have never been to Palestine but I am aware of the everlasting tense situation. How will this affect me?
• What is the advice for travelling to Palestine? 

Many Misconceptions About Safety

Anticipating Concerns and Broadening Perspectives on Safety in the West Bank:

• Addressing Common Concerns: We understand the typical questions and concerns that arise when considering a trip to the West Bank, Palestine. It’s crucial to address these before making your travel plans.

• Beyond Conflict and Misrepresentation: The West Bank is often associated with conflict, war, and tense clashes, largely due to unfavorable media coverage. However, these issues represent just one facet of this multifaceted region.

• Shifting the Spotlight: Our aim is to shed light on the less-publicized aspects of Palestine, those rarely highlighted by mainstream media. Most people’s knowledge of Palestine is shaped by major news outlets, but they often focus on periods of unrest while overlooking everyday life.

• Embracing Rich Diversity: Palestine boasts welcoming citizens, stunning natural beauty, a rich culture, creativity, and delicious Palestinian cuisine. These aspects are often obscured by the media’s limited perspective and negative portrayal.

• A Moderately Safe Destination: Palestine is generally considered a moderately safe place to visit. You can verify its safety rating and compare it to other countries using the provided Safety Rating Information link.

Comparing the Security Situations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip

The security and safety conditions in the West Bank differ significantly from those in Gaza. Palestinians living in the West Bank generally experience a more stable environment compared to their counterparts in Gaza. Unfortunately, those in Gaza face numerous challenges and hardships stemming from the Israeli siege and occupation.

Unlike Gaza, the West Bank does not witness “military resistance,” making it a safer destination for internationals and generally less tense and stressful. While the West Bank is under Israeli occupation, which does present certain difficulties and inconveniences, daily life there largely continues as normal. It’s important to note that the Palestinian population bears the brunt of these challenges, with international visitors typically encountering fewer issues.

Israeli Military Checkpoints

Tensions in the West Bank most commonly come to the forefront at Israeli military checkpoints in Palestine, which are a prevalent feature throughout occupied Palestine. However, as previously mentioned, international visitors are typically permitted to navigate the West Bank cities without significant hindrance. In Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank, occasional issues can arise, particularly in the Old City. Marwa Shantir, the Coordinator at the Excellence Center/Engage in Palestine, offers insight by stating, “For the most part, Hebron and Palestine are very safe.” She further emphasizes that, although “there are occasional issues, it is generally not a dangerous situation for foreigners.”

While checkpoints in the West Bank are indeed a common sight, and the military presence in occupied Palestine is extensive, difficulties affecting visitors to Palestine are infrequent. While there may be sporadic traffic delays associated with checkpoints, visitors to Palestine usually enjoy the freedom to explore the cities in the West Bank. Regrettably, this level of freedom is not always afforded to Palestinians.

Clashes

From reading the news, you might anticipate that you will see clashes occur during your time here, but that is not necessarily true. While most of our volunteers in Palestine never find themselves in such a situation, it will help you feel less nervous to know what to do if any incidents erupt.

What Happens If Violence Erupts? 

You may still be apprehensive about how to respond if violence erupts while you are in the West Bank, Palestine:

• Localized Tensions: Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers typically occur in specific, localized areas within the West Bank. An incident in one part of the region or a specific city section doesn’t necessarily indicate instability everywhere.

• Targeted Incursions: Israeli incursions into Palestinian-controlled territories usually aim to apprehend Palestinians, and foreign visitors are not typically direct targets.

• Staying Safe: If you find yourself amidst a clash, it’s advisable to relocate to a quieter area. Often, this can be as simple as changing your direction and taking another street.

• Shelter at Home: When at home during such events, staying indoors until tensions subside is a prudent safety measure.

Experience On the Streets of Hebron

Apart from Volunteer in Palestine, foreign guests will encounter a similar experience while navigating the streets of Hebron, as well as in other Palestinian cities. It’s inevitable that foreigners will stand out as they stroll down the streets, but the majority of locals are accustomed to the presence of visitors in their cities. In fact, many Palestinians will eagerly seize the opportunity to engage in conversations and practice their English with international volunteers and visitors

We recognize that this frequent interaction can occasionally be seen as an inconvenience by visitors. Nevertheless, we want to assure our guests that these encounters do not pose any danger. While continuous street conversations may become tiring at times, they also offer valuable and positive cultural experiences.

Safety at Night in the West Bank

It’s GENERALLY safe to walk around at night in any city of the West Bank including Hebron. However it’s always best to avoid areas that lack crowds of people and in particular the one which is under Israeli control where the settlers live.

Do as you would at home and avoid them if you are walking around by yourself. We would recommend that you take a taxi instead of walking home by yourself at night.

Traveling as a woman to Palestine 

Traveling abroad often requires women to consider additional factors, especially in entirely new cultural settings like Palestine. At the Excellence Center/Engage in Palestine, we host many female volunteers and Arabic language students who stay with welcoming host families. These families provide support and care during your stay. While some older family members may not speak English, their children typically have English-speaking skills, making communication convenient. Palestinian people, on the whole, are accommodating and friendly. Host families treat you as a member of their own, ensuring a sense of security and belonging.

Lauren Souz, a volunteer from the United States, reflects, “I feel incredibly safe in Palestine. In fact, I feel much safer here than in America. I am never harassed and have no problems. While I’ve experienced some attention, I’ve never felt unsafe.”

However, it’s important to acknowledge the potential for street harassment. Cara van Dusen, another U.S. volunteer, shares her experience, “I encountered an incident when walking down a quiet street at dusk, where a teenage boy followed and grabbed me. Though I could handle the situation, it made me more cautious about walking alone. Overall, I still feel very safe here. What happened to me could happen anywhere and is not specific to Palestine. I’m simply more aware of my surroundings, particularly at night.”

Cara returned for a second volunteering opportunity with the Excellence Center, participating in the Teach English Speak Arabic Program. volunteers in Palestine can anticipate a warm and hospitable atmosphere. Teachers, staff, and host families are eager to provide guests, volunteers, and students with quality education, an enriching cultural experience, and exceptional traditional Palestinian cuisine.

Yousef Sabarna, a teacher at Volunteer in Palestine, expresses, “We love to learn about international cultures and share our own culture in return.” Visitors to Palestine will quickly notice that this is a shared sentiment among Palestinians, who readily offer assistance with any questions or challenges related to living in a different culture.

Transport: Public transportation is safe and affordable

• Public transportation in the West Bank is safe and affordable, with taxis and buses being the primary modes of transport for foreigners. Taxis, or “servees,” are easy to find and hail in larger cities like Hebron and can be used to travel to other cities like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Nablus. Drivers often speak English and are open to conversations with English speakers.

• Melanie Lipinski, a Teach English Speak Arabic volunteer from Canada, expressed feeling very safe and welcomed when using public transport.

Safety and Palestinian Community:

• Ensuring the safety and positive experience of our guests and volunteers is a top priority for Volunteer in Palestine.

• Volunteers are well-known within the local Hebron community and are warmly welcomed. As Cara conveyed in a letter to us, “I feel safe and loved, and would encourage anyone thinking of volunteering to come and experience this for themselves.”

• The sentiments expressed by Cara are shared by numerous other foreign volunteers, interns, and visitors who have had the privilege of being hosted and taught by the organization over the past several years.

• Safety concerns are minimal, with reliable and safe transportation, Palestinian streets no more dangerous than those in larger cities in the West, and the overarching commitment to showcasing the incredibly hospitable Palestinian community eager to share its culture and provide a deeper understanding of Palestine, its history, and its people.

Palestine is Safer than Some Western Cities

It is easy to trust the people of Hebron and visitors can generally walk alone on the streets without concern for theft or potential problems. “I feel incredibly safe in Palestine,” says Lauren Souz , an Excellence Center volunteer from the United States.

“I actually feel much safer than in America…I’m never harassed, and never have any problems. I have been bothered by the attention at times, but have never felt unsafe.” 

We recommend that visitors behave sensibly, remaining aware of their surroundings and respectful of the local customs and traditions. We do not anticipate any problems for our international visitors. Volunteer in Palestine is always happy to give advice and provide information. 

Palestinians are eager to meet and host internationals in Palestine

Noor Siaj is a Palestinian student whose family has welcomed international visitors into their home in the past. He states that he loves spending time with the international volunteers, interns, students or visitors, and is especially grateful for the opportunity to practice his English.

Most Palestinians enjoy sharing about their own culture with visitors and are genuinely interested in learning about their foreign guests as well. For many years there were few visitors to the West Bank and Palestinians appreciate the opportunity to share their culture and experiences with internationals- it is a way for them to have their voices heard and to raise awareness of what life is like in Palestine. Also, most Palestinians relish the chance to develop their English language skills and find out more about other cultures.  You will probably find some distinct cultural differences but also many similarities too.

Hospitality in Palestine

This attitude of hospitality endures not only within Volunteer in Palestine itself but also on the streets of Hebron. Foreign guests will encounter an enthusiastic and at times possibly almost overwhelming welcome. Please do not be offended or worried if people are eager to speak to you or if you are offered unexpected hospitality. The majority of Palestinians will be delighted to see visitors and will be keen to show them some hospitality and make them feel welcome.  

Visitors – especially foreign women who do not wear the hijab – stand out in Hebron and are greeted almost constantly in the streets.

Locals are excited to practice their English and jump at the opportunity to speak with international volunteers. Although this can at times be tiring for visitors, the warmth and generosity of Palestinians usually greatly outweighs any slight inconvenience.

The safety of our guests and volunteers is one of our top priorities. We want to ensure everyone who stays with the Volunteer in Palestine has a positive experience. We also want to note that our Center, our teachers and staff have deep ties to the community in Hebron. Therefore, our volunteers are known by the locals of the city and are welcomed throughout. As Cara expressed in a letter to us, “I feel safe and loved, and would encourage anyone thinking of volunteering to come and experience this for themselves.”  These sentiments are echoed by numerous other foreign volunteers, interns, and visitors we have had the privilege to host and teach over the last several years. 

Final Remarks

We would like to conclude this article about safety in the West Bank with the following points

• We understand that prospective volunteers in Hebron, West Bank may initially have safety concerns.

• Rest assured, we want to emphasize that safety risks are minimal.

• Public transportation is reliable and safe.

• Palestinian Streets in Hebron are safe to walk during the day and night.

• Our foremost commitment is to showcase Palestine’s renowned hospitality, a community eager to share their Palestinian culture with foreigners.

• Our aim is to offer visitors a deeper understanding of Palestine, its history, and its people.

• We hope that all visitors to Volunteer in Palestine, as well as the West Bank in general, will enjoy a pleasant and memorable stay.

• International visitors play a crucial role in ensuring Palestine is seen and heard globally, raising awareness of the reality of life in Palestine.

• This helps dispel misconceptions and false representations, encouraging more people to come to Palestine and experience its rich culture firsthand.

Get Further Information 

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

Engage in Palestine: https://ecpalestine.org/

Whatsapp:+972599479880

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter

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