With Me Each Step of the Way

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 03/28/2008 - 03:57.

I can’t even begin to describe my experiences in Palestine. The simple act of setting foot in the Holy Land was overwhelming for me. I found myself discouraged and confused and completely at a loss for how to cope, with the loud talking in a language I didn’t really grasp. Luckily, PSE and Holy Land Trust did a fantastic job of helping me and other volunteers get over the culture shock of a completely different mentality. Through language classes, weekly lectures and a fantastic support group, we learnt a little more of makes Arab lifestyle so mesmerizing. The constant fruits and ever-present tea. The heartwarming hospitality. Having all the local boys chase after you to try out their English and introduce you to their siblings and parents. And they all do it.

But Holy Land Trust also excelled a helping volunteers see what lies beneath the surface of life there: the hardships that Palestinians endure on a regular basis, through checkpoints, raids and sometimes even arbitrary house demolitions …I learnt about what it means to be a Palestinian living in the West Bank, and how Christianity, Islam Judaism make their presences felt in every aspect of daily life. It’s the kind of experience that makes you want to learn more, discuss more and debate more. Discovering the humanity of the people living through this kind of a hardship, in my opinion, is the first step towards understanding how to help end this tragedy, and Holy Land Trust was there with me each step of the way. I sincerely hope to return to Israel and Palestine someday soon, to continue my journey.