Join Claire Liddy in Making a Difference: Volunteer with Refugees in Palestine

My name is Claire Liddy, and I ⁣come from a small town in the West of Ireland.‍ This marked my inaugural​ journey to Palestine, ‌a place that ⁢has always captivated me due to the plight of the Palestinians under Israeli occupation. It is disheartening to witness the world turning a blind ⁤eye to this modern-day⁢ apartheid.

Formerly employed​ in aviation, I found ‌myself with some free time after being laid off in March. Utilizing ‌this opportunity, I decided to engage in volunteer work with Go Palestine, a decision that has been immensely rewarding.

My experience in Hebron has been nothing⁤ short​ of amazing. The locals ‌are incredibly warm and hospitable. From ​my ‍host family to the people at ⁢the center,‌ everyone has been exceptionally supportive. ‍Over the course⁤ of 10 days, I have had the chance to explore various parts of Palestine, marveling at the resilience of its people in the face of occupation-induced challenges.

During my visit,⁤ I had the privilege​ of⁤ touring Aroub and Al‌ Fariah ⁢refugee camps. The determination displayed by the residents ‌in creating a sense of normalcy amidst the turmoil ⁢caused by the Israeli occupation was truly inspiring. These individuals, displaced within their own‌ country, exhibit remarkable self-sufficiency. It is my hope that more organizations and benefactors‍ will extend a helping hand to these displaced ​communities.

Upon ⁣our arrival at Aroub ​camp, we were met with ⁢the aftermath of tear gas being fired by soldiers, a distressing sight. Witnessing children hurling stones at heavily armed soldiers from a ​considerable distance,​ only to be met​ with tear gas, highlighted the oppressive nature of the occupation. The Israeli​ soldiers’ actions, which include home invasions, livestock killings, crop burnings, and ⁤arbitrary arrests,​ are ⁣a stark reminder of the injustices faced by Palestinians.

The sense⁣ of unity and familial love among Palestinians is truly remarkable. Their hospitality knows no bounds, as evidenced by the warm welcome extended to us during ⁣Iftar celebrations. Despite the challenges they face, Palestinians lead by‍ example, showcasing values that the rest of the ⁢world could learn from.

My time in Hebron‍ felt ‌incredibly‌ safe, allowing me to explore the city on foot without any ⁢concerns. ​Adhering to local customs, such as wearing a headscarf, and making an effort to communicate in‍ Arabic, enabled me to navigate the city and interact with locals seamlessly.

I ​wholeheartedly encourage others to visit the West​ Bank and witness firsthand the impact of the occupation on its people. Programs like Go Palestine offer‍ a unique opportunity ‌to not only explore the ‍region but ⁤also‌ immerse oneself ​in Palestinian culture.

I⁣ extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone at the center, my host family, ‌and the Palestinian ‌community at large for making my journey⁢ a⁣ truly unforgettable experience.