Step in the Right Direction: Opening Antics

On Saturday night, the leaders of this year's Work Camp, "A Step in the Right Direction," welcomed most of our accepted applicants to Palestine. Regardless of the security situation and unfortunate denied-entry status of seven members of our team, the night was a huge success thanks to the enthusiasm of our local volunteers and the stamina of the internationals who managed to stay awake and alert throughout the welcoming ceremony despite their many days of travel.

In fact, over 25 volunteers have arrived from countries as far away as Austria, Canada, the United States, all over the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Slovakia. The internationals are joining over 20 local volunteers from Nablus and the surrounding areas.

The evening began with a series of remarks from some of the Work Camp staff. In a moving address, Dr. Nabil, the director of Al-Najah University's Public Relations Department, expressed his gratitude to the internationals: "You live in peace and harmony but you choose to come here." He thanked the audience (both local and international) for stepping up to the challenges faced by Palestinians during these difficult times.

The remarks were concluded with a welcome from the International Voluntary Work Camp's director, Ala Yousef. He spoke about the camp, which is now in its 11th year and has experienced challenges since its conception. He joked that "it is harder to organize a work camp in Palestine than in any other country in the world, I assure you." However, the evening took a serious turn when he spoke about the very real dangers suffered not only by Palestinians but internationals, as well: "This is the most unstable place in the world outside of Iraq, and you will not enjoy the same freedoms you are used to in your home countries."

He continued by urging the internationals to use common sense, stick close to the locals, and exchange phone numbers with as many of them as possible.

Jalal, everyone's hero and friend.

Following the staff's remarks, all were treated to a feast prepared by the local volunteers and some time to relax and begin introducing themselves. At the conclusion of a few icebreaking games, the internationals retired to their dorms for some much needed rest.