Step in the Right Direction

Editorial

2007-08-10T11:31:00.000+03:00

Since its establishment in 2003, the Youth Exchange Program, Zajel, has accomplished great achievements in serving the cross cultural communications and mutual understanding among youth participants who represented their culture in the different activities that the Zajel staff has diligently organized. The mission that Zajel espouses transcends the local and the temporary towards creating lasting relations among youth groups in their different international locations. Through the industrious efforts of its staff members, Zajel works to build bridges between cultures through organized visits of volunteers and through summer camps that are attended by young men and women who believe in the value of human understanding, tolerance, peace and democracy and who pledge to fight prejudice, stereotypes and injustice wherever they exist. These young men also share cultural, political, educational and economic experiences that reinforce mutual respect of cultures, beliefs and the mosaic of ethnic backgrounds and multiculturalism.

I have attended activities organized by Zajel and I was pleasantly surprised by the opportunities offered to participants to create friendships and to participate in lectures, visits, tours and debates that aim at introducing the unique Palestinian cultural experience to participants from different countries. International participants usually need to unlearn different stereotypes about Palestinians before they commit their memories to the new realities of Palestinian life that they come to know.

Zajel, therefore, has a message that it needs to disseminate among people of different cultures: Palestinian people are peace loving people who have dreams and wishes and who long to be participants and active contributors to world culture and civilization.

In its mission, Zajel succeeds to recapitulate on the personal experience so that it is promoted to the universal level; Zajel staff, participants and volunteers are able to look into Palestinian life and see the positive, the promising and the humane. In their mission they are aided by a network of friends and associates in several locations who are willing to shoulder all burdens and make all possible attempts to come to Nablus despite the siege that has been imposed on the City by the Israeli Army for the last seven years. The volume of visits and accompanying activities this year was outstanding and the impact that the activities of Zajel were able to create was astounding.

As I admire and appreciate the efforts of the Zajel staff, I wish them success in all their endeavors.

Nabil Alawi, Ph.D
Director,
Public Relations Department
An-Najah National University

Reflections of International Volunteers

2007-08-10T11:16:00.000+03:00

Liam, Scotland
This was my first trip to Palestine, but I’m sure it won’t be my last. My trip here with Zajel has left me with many fun and fond memories. I will always remember the nights spent talking with friends over Argila, dancing Dabka (or at least trying to) and eating so much kanafa it felt like my insides were turning into cheese. There’s been many a time when the local volunteers considered our behavior strange, but we all managed to mix our cultures and beliefs really well and have a fantastic time together. So many amazing people and such fun times.

Adam, UK
It would be impossible to describe the overwhelming range of emotions I have experienced during my time here, from the humbling sensations of teaching English to the children of Askar and their eagerness to learn, to the genuine warmth of the local volunteers. This is why it was so hard to witness the perpetual, unjust treatment of the Palestinian people. This final point has made me determined in my resolve. For this is not the end but the beginning. It is the beginning of a new chapter in my life. For when I return home I want to shout from the tallest tower to every neighbor and every stranger the plight of the Palestinian people. Hopefully we can look for a brighter future, together.

Andreas, Austria
The last three weeks had a big impact on me. Beautiful city, lovely people, never-ending support and help from the local volunteers and great meals. There is a big difference from watching the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on TV and meeting Palestinian locals here in Nablus. I had a lot of fun times with both the local and international volunteers. Thank you so much for letting me has the experience in this year’s work camp. I loved sharing our cultures and different lifestyles.

Isabel, Liverpool
Before coming to Palestine, my only images were of occupation and desperation. While I have come to understand the true extent of the occupation on daily Palestinian life I have also become aware of a great spirit among the people of Nablus. The local volunteers along with the children of Askar arrived at the camp everyday with such happiness and were so positive about everything they did. Thanks to the efforts of all the organizers, we were able to see so many different things in the short time we were here. As a result I will leave the camp with many new friends and an overwhelming solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Anais, USA
“I can’t wait to go back home and present the side of the Middle East that Americans endlessly fail to see.”

Jetske, the Netherlands
It was all different than I expected (on the most positive way imaginable), Sitting on the balcony talking about non-sense, culture, and politics while smoking argila is something I will miss very much. I know it sounds corny but being here really did change my life.

Jessica, Scotland
If there is any one thing I will remember about this camp you can be sure it will be kanafa. Until now I never knew you could subsist on sugary cheese alone, but this camp proves that anything is possible.

Kate, Ireland
It is very difficult to condense these last three wonderful, crazy, challenging weeks into a few sentences. The camp has opened my eyes to so many things- both good and bad. First of all, I have even surprised myself when I think about how much I enjoyed working with the children of Askar. I honestly think that Palestinian children are the most energetic and enthusiastic children in the world! I also appreciate the bravery, honesty and frankness the people here have demonstrated by sharing their personal stories with us. Before I left Ireland to travel here, a friend advised me that once you come to Palestine you will feel compelled to come back. That is so true and I hope to return to Palestine to live and work one day. It has been an honor to meet so many incredible people here. Palestine will always have a special place in my heart.

Rebecca, Spain
“I will come back because of my love of Palestinian culture.”

Kisley, Italy
“I learned so much. I was able to experience the real Arabic lifestyle and living here has been a good chance to learn more. I’d like to thank Rasha and Shuruk for giving me the opportunity to meet their families and make me taste the typical food of Nablus.”

Aine, Ireland
“The children made my experience here! They are so positive and funny despite all their obstacles. They give me so much hope for the future.’

Dacia, USA
‘The kids still have open hearts and minds, I hope I gave them the understanding that they are not alone, and that people all over the world care about them and want to help improve their lives’

Martha, Cyprus
‘I felt the kids appreciate much, much more than any other children living in Scotland or Cyprus and they definitely deserve a bright future.’

Zajel Concludes its International Summer Camp, Step in the Right Direction, 2007

2007-08-08T18:53:00.000+03:00

Over 20 international volunteers participated in this year’s international summer work camp. They were a diverse group representing different countries throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. The international as well as the twenty local volunteers were able to come together and help bridge the cultural gap between them. Volunteers were able to discuss a wide array of issues such as the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and learn first hand the realities of living in Nablus city.

The main duties of both the international and local volunteers were to help at the Social Development Center at Askar Refugee Camp near Nablus city. Participants were given the opportunity to help the local children. They accomplished this goal through a series of cultural and entertainment activities such as mural painting, dance, and sports. Such activities are desperately needed for the children who suffer so much from the Israeli occupation. Repeated Israeli incursions into the camp cause a severe amount of psychological damage to the youth. Volunteers were able to counter this by allowing the children time to relax and put smiles on their faces.

Besides their heroic work with the children of Askar Refugee camp, the volunteers were also given the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding about the cultural, social and political aspects of Palestinian life. This was accomplished by continuous study visits and cultural activities. Volunteers got to meet with various NGO’s, medical organizations, and local businessmen to learn about the effects of the occupation. This was accompanied by cultural activities that allowed both the international and local volunteers to learn about each other’s home countries.

Zajel Youth Exchange Program of the Public Relations Department at An-Najah National University strongly believes that cultural exchange is the first step for change. This gives the international volunteers the tools they need to go back to their home countries and spread the truth about Palestine. For years, some governments, with the help of some media, have destroyed the image of Palestinian youth and culture. It is important for the international community to understand the rich history and culture that is Palestine. We pray that the international volunteers will do their best in spreading this message.

The opening speech of the camp was given by Dr. Nabil Alawi, Director of the Public Relations Department of An-Najah National University, who thanked the international volunteers for showing their solidarity and support, especially in these times of great instability in the region.

Voluntary Work

There were different forms of work that volunteers participated in, which were based at the Social Development Centre in Askar Refugee Camp. The work program had been designed to best suit the needs of the children in Askar Refugee Camp, as well as to effectively utilise the anticipated talents volunteers brought from abroad. The main activities of the summer camp consisted of workshops related to folklore, arts and crafts, reading, sporting, entertainment, as well as workshops on children’s issues.
The Counselling and Psychological Support Program organized sessions for both groups and individuals to provide support and counselling for the refugee community. Providing assistance in counseling and psychological support was one of the most important aspects of the work camp and a great deal of attention had been put into this area.
International volunteers worked with children playing simple instruments, singing songs and listening to music. In addition to musical activities, a number of workshops had been organized to allow children to develop their creative talents through art. The arts program involved teaching kids how to make art objects out of common items like bottles, rocks and plastic glasses. Other activities organized by volunteers included drawing, painting, hand prints and lots more.
The drama workshop had been shown to be an effective tool for encouraging self-expression and psychological release in which the supervisors helped the children explore their creativity and interests. Working with disabled kids was one of the most vital programmes for children who were in need of special consideration and treatment. International volunteers participated in painting, dancing, playing instruments and encouraging kids to smile.
Cultural Activities

Creating cultural understandings between the international and local volunteers was a major goal for the camp. Volunteers participated in many activities that helped bridge the cultural gap between them. Volunteers got to spend time visiting traditional Palestinian homes and learn more about Palestinian heritage. The international volunteers were given the amazing opportunity to learn about Palestinian life by spending the night with a local host family.

No cultural exchange program can be completed without international nights. This was a chance for the international volunteers to demonstrate the culture and history of their homelands. It was an evening of singing and chatting. It was a great chance for the local volunteers to get an insight into other cultures. And taste delicious food.

Study Visits

A major part of the summer camp was dedicated to giving the volunteers an insight into the religious, political, economic, and cultural landscape in Palestine. Participants met Basam Al-Shaka`, The Former Mayor of Nablus. They got to learn about Palestinian as well as Arab politics in the sixties, seventies and eighties. They also got to hear about his personal struggle. He ended the discussion with his own predictions for the future of Palestine.

For the past sixty years, the Palestinian Refugee issue has been a topic of discussion. Volunteers got to see the other side of the refugee issue by visiting the refugee camps themselves and seeing the harsh conditions which Palestinians face. Volunteers visited the Yaffa Cultural Center where they were given a presentation by Tayseer Naser Alah, Head of the Center, about the 1948 war. An eyewitness of the war gave his testimony and explained to the volunteers his long story of sufferance; this was followed by a discussion about the history of Palestinian refugees as well as the current conditions they face.

A visit to the Old City of Nablus allowed participants to see the full-scale destruction caused by the Israeli army on some of the cities most historic sites. They were also able to meet local eyewitnesses to the invasions and hear their horrific tales of death and destruction that the Israeli army inflicted.

The volunteers got to spend the day in the industrial zone where they learned about the harsh economic situation that nearly forty years of occupation has created. At a trip to the Hijjawi Printing house and Al-Arez Ice Cream Factory participants learned firsthand the difficulties Palestinian businessmen face when trying to import products from Israel. Paltel Group also gave them an informative discussion about the Palestinian economy, which is the largest corporation in Palestine.

Visits to numerous NGO’s as well as the Medical Relief gave participants an in depth look into the heroic practices of many of the organizations that are operating in Palestine. A trip to the Red Crescent Society demonstrated the difficulties and human rights violations that the Israeli army imposed on the local medical staff.

A visit to the Arab Woman Union Society gave the volunteers a chance to learn about the role women played in helping social justice within Palestine. They were given a brief on how the union transformed from a small clinic to one of the largest women’s associations in Palestine.

Entertainment

Participants were also able to enjoy a wide array of entertainment activities that allowed them to see the positive side of Palestinian life. These included a wonderful visit to the Turkish Baths where the volunteers got to enjoy a relaxing evening eating traditional sweets while enjoying a soothing massage. Regular trips to coffee shops and parks created a great atmosphere for both the international as well as local volunteers. Participants also got to enjoy visiting traditional Palestinians markets.

Easily the most enjoyable activities were the picnics. Participants were able to enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by beautiful streams and waterfalls. Volunteers were able to eat, dance Dabka, and converse in a more soothing environment.

Before the camp came to its completion the children of Askr Refugee Camp invited the volunteers to a festival. The children wanted to demonstrate their appreciation for the volunteers by giving a dance performance. This was a very emotional and much needed thanks to the volunteers who dedicated so much of their time to make the camp happen.

Impressions of the Local Children of Askar Refugee Camp (2007)

2007-07-09T12:03:00.000+03:00

Ashraf Fao'r
9 years old

I am from Askar refugee camp school for boys but I want to leave to the New Askar refugee camp school for boys. I have participated in the first, Second, third, and the fourth camp and I will keep participating in these camps till they stop doing them, and when this camp is over I am going to go to Al Safeer camp. I spend my free time playing games on the computer at my house or playing with the neighborhood's kids.

I love having internationals volunteers in the camp. I love all the internationals especially Adam because he plays with us and let joy into our hearts. I hate the Israelis very much because I am originally from Java and I have came to Askar refugee camp because the Israelis took our house in Java. I hope one day to go back to Yafa City because there is sea there and I can swim whenever I want. I want from the international volunteers to help me to go back there and I want from them to open another camp next year.

Abd Alwahab Joma'a
8 years old

I am a student at Askar's school for boys. When there is no summer camp I go to work or to help my father on making electrical signs. I love the Dabka's room very much because I love to dance Dabka very much. From the internationals volunteers I love pherozue, because he plays football with me and he keeps laughing with me. I dislike the Israelis because they are our enemies and the keep shooting at us, and once they shot my leg.

When the internationals volunteers go back to their home lands I want them to send me letters bye the mail, and I want them to take the Israelis out of our country because I can't swim in the sea because of the Israelis.

Mohmad Kreem
8 years old

I am from Askar Refugee Camp. In my free time when there is no summer camp, I work with my dad in selling vegetables. I love the international volunteers very much especially Andreas because he always plays with us football and I love football, also he always takes a pictures of me. I love the Drawing room and the Drama room. I am very afraid from the Israelis because they always fly with their big terrifying plans above our city and I can't sleep because of that.

I want from the internationals to keep visiting us and I want them to stop the Israeli occupation from attacking us. I also want from them to bring to my mother an identity card because she is from Saudi Arabia and she can not visit her family there.

Rahaf Alashakr
6 years old

I am in my first year at school. My father works as a taxi driver. When there is no summer camp. I usually help my mother in the household chores. I love the local and international volunteers because they play with us and help us to do whatever we want. I love Kate from the international volunteers because she plays with me and she makes me happy. I love the Dabka's Room because I love the Dabka and I love wearing the Palestinian traditional dress.

I am afraid from the Israeli soldiers because they took both of my brothers, and they always shoot at us. I want from the international volunteers to do another summer camp because I want to participate in it with all my friends. Plus I want from the international volunteers not to defend Israel because it hurts us. I wish that they can do a swimming camp for us.

Mohamad Abu Keshk
8 years old

I am in the third grade at Askar Primary School for boys. When the summer camp ends I will keep going down to the street to play with my friends. I love the Dabka's room very much because I jump around a lot in it and I do whatever I want. I don’t like the international volunteers that much because I can't speak English, but if I knew how to speak English I would love them for sure. I love Martha very much because she treats me very good.
I am really afraid from the Israelis, from the sounds of explosions, and I am afraid that the Israelis will take somebody from my family. I want from the international volunteers to tell the Israelis to go out from Palestine. I want to see the sea and I want to swim as much as I want in it

Manar Habroon
12 years old

I am at Askar Refugee Camp School for Girls. I have been participating in these camps for three years, and if there had been no camp I would have stayed at home to help my mother in the house chores. My father is dead and my uncle is the one who takes care of us.

I love the Drama room very much because I love to act and I do my role part in a very good way. I love all the international volunteers in the camp, and I am asking them to send me invitation to visit there countries. I am going to sign up my name to the next years camp and when I get older I am going to volunteer in this camp to supervise on the little kids.

Aseel Al- Ashkar
9 years old

I am in Askar Primary school for girls. When there is no camp I usually stay at home helping my mother in the household chores and that’s boring. I love the Sport room very much because it makes me feel really vibrant in the early morning. I love Pheruze from the international volunteers because he plays with me nice games. I hate the Israelis because they spread fear in our country and they shoot the Palestinians for no reason. I want from the international volunteers to teach me and the poor kids good things on their own expense because we don’t have enough money to complete our study.

Samah Atya
9 years old

I am from The Askar Primary School For Girls (UNRWA). I live in The New Askar Refugee Camp. In my free time when there is no camp I take my older sister's books and study them to prepare for my next year in school.

I love the Dabka's room very much because we learn in it how to dance something from our Palestinian heritage, plus we have so much fun in it. I love from the international volunteers Pherosue because every time I look at him he smiles to me and he has a really good sense of humor.

I want from the international volunteers when they go back to their countries to help the women I dislike the Israeli occupation because they kill people in a very large numbers and they take the men out of their homes in the extreme hot or cold whether without any clothes on and they torture them.

100 PICTURE FROM 2007 CAMP

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First Weekend Off

2007-06-12T13:42:00.000+03:00

Physical Therapists Visit Disabled Refugees

2007-06-10T11:24:00.000+03:00

Two of our international volunteers are making a difference outside of the camp classrooms. From early morning to late afternoon, Kisley Di Giuseppe and Liam Maclachlan use their expertise in physical therapy to improve the lives of many of the disabled refugees.

Hailing from Italy and Scotland, the pair is tirelessly dedicated to those in need, traveling long distances to the homes of refugees who are so limited they cannot even manage the short trip to one of the camp clinics.

International Volunteer Iris Vink has been an important contributer to the team's success. Even though she has no formal training in physical therapy, she has learned quite a bit and has been a big part of getting the plan off the ground. Kisley mentioned that he wouldn't know what to do without her and added that, "she's been with us since the beginning."

Most importantly, local volunteers are translating their instructions and helping the families of the disabled learn how to perform the various therapies on their own.

According to Liam, "We can't stay here forever, so it's important for us to know that these kids are going to get the help they need once we're gone."

Bathtime in the Old City

2007-06-05T13:43:00.000+03:00

Monday evening began with a tour of the Old City of Nablus, led by camp director Ala Yousef.

He demonstrated his unique knowledge of the difficult situation faced by the area's inhabitants by pointing out damaged and destroyed homes along the tour.

A somber moment was shared by each of the volunteers as they listened to a family sadly recount the death of their 11 year old son at the hands of IDF troops two years earlier.

The group paid a visit to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society building in the Old City

Other stops along the tour included one of Nablus' famous soap factories as well as a Palestinian antiques shop.

After a long walk through the Old City, the Zajel volunteers were ready to rinse off in one of the area's Turkish bath houses.

After an hour or so of tea and arguileh, they stripped down in the steam room before seemingly having their skin stripped off at the hands of the bath workers.

After the optional massage, everyone enjoyed Knaffa, a sweet cheese pastry invented here in Nablus, before returning home to recover.

Camp Encounters and Rooftop Relaxation

2007-06-04T09:27:00.000+03:00

On Sunday, our volunteers worked tirelessly in several areas within the United Nations Al-Askar refugee camp on the outskirts of Nablus.

They paired up to teach English, play sports, work on arts and crafts and even help with some physical therapy for the disabled refugees.

Technical difficulties notwithstanding, our director, Ala Yousef, presented a lively lecture and slideshow on Palestinian history titled, "From Homeland to Diaspora: Palestine 1850-1967."

He answered questions throughout and showed everyone the unique story of pre-Israel Palestine.

Most importantly, he dispelled the Israeli myth propagated by former Prime Minister Golda Meir that Palestine was 'a land without people for a people without land," by highlighting newspapers and photographs that document Palestine's rich history prior to the creation of the Jewish state.

After a tough day at the camp, the entire group hopped onto a bus and relaxed in style on the rooftop of the Al-Qasr Hotel, perhaps the best view in the city.

Everyone watched the sunset as they sipped coffee and tea and smoked argileh late into the night.

Opening Antics

2007-06-03T17:11:00.000+03:00

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.

Summer had to have been born with a smile, she never stops smiling!!!

Amar, a Zajel volunteer

Word! from Ahmed, a Zajel volunteer

FALAFELS: the beginning of a love-affair to last the next few weeks!

Fresh watermelons, abundant in Palestinian markets.

Local oranges and local bakers provide local flavour in the amazing Orange cake!

GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

The day is over, the volunteers can crash, sleep the weariness away...

And Jalal and Ala will eventually do so, after some more hours in the office.

That is, if we can pry Jalal off the table and Ala away from the phone~~~~~~~~

Welcome!

2007-06-02T23:45:00.000+03:00

First of all, we hope each of you arrived safely to Nablus!

We here in the office decided to open this account so that you could all have a central place for sharing your great stories and photos. In the past, we have found that this is an excellent way to let your friends and family back home know what you are up to and to alleviate some of their concerns about your safety in Palestine.

We hope you take advantage of the site and share it with anyone who might be interested. It is also the main way for the office staff to communicate with you and to post updates to your schedule and activities - so check it often!

We wish you the best of luck for the next three weeks and hope you let us know if there is anything we can do to improve your experience from here.