When I first mentioned to my
mother, just over a year ago, that I had a vague idea about spending my summer
in the Palestinian Territories, she brushed it aside thinking that it was
merely another of my ‘airy fairy ideas’. Fast forward a year to me packing my
suitcase; to say that she was not keen on the idea is an understatement.
Notions of euro-centricity, coupled with highly orientalist media reporting that
portrays the Palestinian Territories as a barbaric, uncivilised place full of
terrorists resulted in one teary mother convinced that I was going to be spending
my summer in a war zone.
The time that I have spent in
the Palestinian Territories has, however, consistently proven that such notions
are merely fictitious. For the most part, the people I have encountered have
been friendly and welcoming, keen to provide insights into the culture and
history of their home. Palestine is, however, of course a complicated place,
even referring to where I have been living for the past 3 months as Palestine
has been contentious at times. However, occupation, which is now synonymous
with Palestine, doesn’t define it. That is not to dismiss its reality and
impact as it permeates every aspect of life; from the high cost of living due
to the dual taxes that Palestinian businesses encounter to the unfortunate
reality of friends not being able to attend day trips due to travel
restrictions. It is just to state that contrary to widespread news reporting,
Palestine is so much more than simply checkpoints, roadblocks and intifada.
Last week, myself and some of
the other volunteers stumbled across a business 'expo' at the Movenpick Hotel
in Ramallah. Over 50 companies, cooperatives and communities came together to
show case their products, brands and businesses. It was great to talk to people
from across the Palestinian Territories and provided a refreshing change to the
occupation discourse, which dominates conversation here. It further cemented
that, to me, my favourite part of my placement has been when I have been
engaging with Palestinians, whether at the marker or during my first week when
myself and the in-country volunteers compared episodes of X Factor and Arab
Idol as part of a ‘cultural exchange’.
Thus
it is rather bitter sweet to be writing this blog post, knowing that it will be
one of the last from this cohort of ICS volunteers but at the same time I'm
feeling a sense of excitement to be going home and seeing what lies ahead,
especially considering the skills that ICS has enabled me to develop. It is
hard to summarise my placement in only a few words but, if I had to, I would
say insightful, productive, at times challenging and frustrating but overall a
highly recommended experience.
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