Introduction: My Adventure to the Go Palestine Center
My Volunteer to Palestine – West Bank : From the moment I decided to visit Palestine, I was buzzing with excitement. The idea of traveling alone to a place rich with history and culture was thrilling. I had traveled by myself before, but mostly to European countries. I knew this trip would be special, and it truly was.
Preparing for the Journey: Excitement and Nervousness
Before the trip, I got involved with a group of volunteers online. I talked to people who had been with Go Palestine and some who were there at the moment. Their stories and advice made me even more excited. But I won’t lie, I was a bit nervous about getting through border control because of the tense situation in the area. I kept telling myself that once I was in, everything would be fine. And it really was.
Crossing the Border: A Moment of Uncertainty
Getting through the border was a bit scary. They didn’t seem too happy, but after some time, I made it through. My first stop was Jerusalem, where I had an amazing experience right away.
First Impressions of Jerusalem
I got to Jerusalem really early, before my hostel was ready for me. I was tired, hungry, and the city was still asleep, except for some occupation soldiers. I decided to wander around a bit. I was carrying a heavy bag and soon needed to rest. That’s when an older man, wearing a traditional Palestinian scarf (koffiyeh), noticed me. He came over and asked if I needed help. We started chatting, and he told me he couldn’t get into a place he wanted to pray (Al-Aqsa mosque) because of the soldiers. It was a tough moment, but he seemed to take it in stride.
An Unexpected Act of Kindness
He asked if I was looking for a place to eat since I mentioned I was hungry. He explained that many places were closed because of the rules the soldiers put on local Palestinian shops. Then, he did something incredibly kind – he invited me to his home for breakfast. I met his wife and son, and they treated me like family. They even let me rest at their place until my hostel was open.
A Warm Welcome: Breakfast with a Palestinian Family
That was just the start of my three days in Jerusalem. The family showed me around, shared delicious Palestinian meals and sweets with me, and treated me like one of their own. It was unforgettable.
Exploring Jerusalem Through Local Eyes
When it was time to move on to the Go Center, they helped me find a ride. We’ve kept in touch ever since.
Reflections on a Life-Changing Journey
This trip on the way to the Go Palestine center was more than just a visit to a new place. It was a journey filled with new friendships, kindness from strangers, and lots of learning. It showed me the beauty of connecting with people, even in the most unexpected places.
