The Middle East is a unique region, making the volunteering experience here like none other, whether you come during the Christmas period for our Bethlehem work-camp or throughout the rest of the year. Several attractive elements are combined; it offers a special experience for travellers, volunteers, students and journalists who take part in it. Those elements can be summarized by the following:
The first element is the continuation of the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine and being the last occupation as such in modern history, making the voluntary work here very interesting and mind opening. By simply living in such a situation for a few weeks, the participants develop a personal understanding of this one-of-a-kind atmosphere. The Workcamps usually include serious cultural and political programs that tackle all the aspects of the conflict, diminishing any biased views that can be projected by the media.
The second element is simply the religious factor. Being in the Middle East (the Holy Lands), and Palestine in particular, where the three religions meet, makes it an interesting experience for internationals to gauge the spiritual richness and visible diversity. To visit the different religious (and understand their specific historical) sites with the aid of locals is undoubtedly a massively thought-provoking and interesting experience.
The third element is that since the Middle East is the oldest inhabited area in history, it provides volunteers with an amazing picture of the mixture of civilizations and the unique combination of cultures in modern and ancient times.
The fourth element to be mentioned however, is the real need for this type of work in the region. Helping communities to realize work capacities that they cannot afford for one reason or another supports the locals in their hopes for a better, more peaceful future, and develops the concept of voluntarism and benevolent work in the Middle East. It is a dream that we have been working on since our inception over twelve years ago. Volunteers can feel the significance and see influence of their contribution on local communities and people.
Despite the hardships we face organizing these camps we gain our energy, enthusiasm and stamina from the international volunteers and the continuous request from our international partners to arrange more camps in the region.
As a final word, we would like to see as many international volunteers as possible enjoying the natural beauty of the Middle East and the richness of our culture and history, whilst not forgetting to enjoy our delicious cuisine.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to join our adventures in the Middle East whatever the season, and we promise you will love it!
In 2010 the following work camps are available:
- The Reality of Palestinian Refugees: 21/6 – 5/7 2010, Ramallah
- Patrimonito Camp – World Heritage: 8 – 20/7 2010, Hebron
- Nablus Smile: 23/7 – 5/8 2010, Nablus
- Christmas in Palestine ‘Different Taste’: 14 – 27/12 2010, Bethlehem
For inscription and information please contact workcamps@ipyl.org.
We also offer work camps through our partner, Youth Development Department:
- A Contact With the Mystic City of Jerusalem: 6 – 17/7 2010, Jerusalem
- Beauty of the Desert: 23/7 – 5/8 2010, Amman (Jordan)
For inscription and information please contact ydd_exchanges@orienthouse.org.
