The Impact of Trump’s Embassy Move on International Volunteers in Palestine
The decision by President Trump to relocate the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem has sparked intense discussions and emotions in Palestine. At the Palestinian Center in Hebron, we took the time to speak with our international volunteers about their experiences and perspectives on this controversial issue. What we discovered was a range of diverse experiences and reactions among our volunteers following Trump’s decision.
Victor’s Perspective
Victor, a participant from Belgium in our “Teach English and Learn Arabic” program, shared that he generally tried to avoid discussions on the topic as it was a constant point of contention. Staying in the Palestinian Center dormitories, he did not have the opportunity to engage in conversations with a host family.
Ola’s Experience
On the other hand, Ola from the United States, who is part of our “Intern and Learn Arabic” program, mentioned that she had minimal discussions with her Palestinian friends, teachers, or host family about the embassy move. She noted that her host family would often make light-hearted jokes about Trump, indicating their disapproval of the decision.
Gabby’s Encounter
In contrast, Gabby, also from the United States and involved in our “Volunteer to Write about Palestine” program, had a significantly different experience. She found herself immersed in discussions about the embassy move wherever she went, with almost everyone she interacted with wanting to hear her opinion as an American. This intense engagement pushed her language skills to new limits, requiring a deeper understanding of Arabic to navigate such emotionally charged conversations.
Reflections on Privilege
All our international volunteers acknowledged their privilege as Western individuals in these discussions. They expressed empathy for the pain felt by Palestinians and recognized their own detachment from the full extent of the situation. Despite the varying experiences, one common thread was the awareness of the impact of Trump’s decision on the Palestinian people.
In conclusion, the embassy move has not only sparked debates and conversations among our international volunteers in Palestine but has also highlighted the complexities of navigating such sensitive topics in a foreign context. The diverse perspectives and reactions serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding and empathy in cross-cultural interactions.