How to Volunteer in Palestine in 2025: Volunteering in Palestine is an opportunity unlike any other. Beyond what you see in the news, Palestine is a land of deep history, rich culture, and warm hospitality. It is a place where the past and present intersect in powerful ways and where international volunteers can make a meaningful impact. Whether you are passionate about education, human rights, community development, or cultural exchange, your time in Palestine will be transformative for you and the people you work with.
As the situation evolves in 2025, volunteers’ role is more crucial than ever in supporting Palestinian communities and amplifying their voices on a global stage. By choosing to volunteer in Palestine, you will gain invaluable experiences and contribute to a cause greater than yourself.
From assisting young Palestinians in learning English to working with refugees or supporting women’s rights initiatives, each program offers a chance to foster positive change. Volunteers help bridge cultural divides, build relationships, and provide much-needed skills and resources to communities facing significant challenges. More than that, being present in Palestine sends a message of solidarity, showing the world that people care and are willing to stand alongside Palestinians in their daily struggles.
Table of Contents
Why Volunteer in Palestine?
You might have heard much about Palestine, Gaza, and the West Bank in the news. But where exactly are they?
Palestine is an Arab country on the eastern Mediterranean coast, also known as the Levant. It borders Jordan to the east, Lebanon to the north, and the Red Sea and Sinai, Egypt to the south. In the west, the Mediterranean Sea acts as a bridge connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe. With deep historical significance (and great food), Palestine is friendly and welcoming.
If you’re reading this, you might at least consider volunteering in Palestine in 2025. The following article contains all the many reasons why we think that’s a great idea!
Palestine is Amazing
This beautiful country has an incredibly rich culture and history. Spending time immersed in it is one of the best parts about coming to volunteer in Palestine. From great food and hospitality to the friendly people to the landscape itself, experiencing Palestine in person is something you will remember forever.
You’ll Make a Real Difference
Volunteers come to Palestine to share their skills and expertise. This is incredibly important and useful, especially for young Palestinians who need English language or other skills for their future. More than this, international volunteers show solidarity with the Palestinian cause just by being here. Local people can share their life stories under occupation and feel as though the world is listening.
You’ll Get a Lot Out of It
Volunteering in Palestine doesn’t just have a positive impact on the people and communities people work with; it also has a lasting impact on the volunteers themselves. During their time in Palestine, volunteers are able to develop existing skills or build valuable new ones, like teaching, teamwork, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving. People who spend time volunteering with Engage in Palestine also often speak about the deeply personal impact of their experience. Hearing the stories of loss, survival, and resilience gives a different perspective, shaping people’s worldviews and personal values – sometimes even the trajectory of their lives.
2025 will be a pivotal year for the future of Palestine and the Palestinian cause. Already, events like the ceasefire in Gaza and the change of leadership in the United States are impacting security in the West Bank and increasing the need for additional support from volunteers. A great number of programs are available to suit all backgrounds and levels of experience and address critical gaps across Palestinian communities.
Types of Volunteer Opportunities in Palestine
There are many different ways to volunteer in Palestine, and every single one makes a big difference.
1. Volunteer In The West Bank, Palestine
Volunteer In The West Bank, Palestine: Engage in Palestine offers short-term and long-term volunteer and internship programs. As a volunteer in Hebron, you will engage with diverse groups—including children, youth, women, refugees, university students, and families—by assisting them in practicing conversational English and organizing various workshops while immersing yourself in the vibrant local community.
2. Volunteer With Palestinian Children
Volunteer With Palestinian Children: This program is an excellent opportunity for graduate and undergraduate students, professionals, retirees, social workers, and teachers interested in working with children in a volunteer capacity. It is also ideal for anyone, whether native or non-native English speaker, interested in interning with Palestinian children.
3. Volunteer With Palestinian Refugees In The West Bank
Volunteer With Palestinian Refugees In The West Bank: The Palestinian Refugees Program is a great opportunity for a wide range of people, from students to retirees, who are passionate about human rights and wish to work directly with Palestinian refugees in the West Bank. Volunteers will primarily work with Palestinian children, youth, and women to enhance their skills and provide education in one of the nearby Palestinian refugee camps.
4. Volunteer to Teach English In The West Bank
Teaching English in the West Bank offers an eye-opening experience for those who choose to visit Palestine and engage with Palestinian youth, children, women, refugees, and community members in the city of Hebron. Volunteers teach English to Palestinian students at the Engage in Palestine Center or local community development centers, Palestinian local schools, government organizations, NGOs, and refugee camps.
5. Women And Children’s Rights In Palestine
The Palestinian Women And Children Rights in Palestine program is an excellent choice for those wishing to study or work in human rights, women’s rights, children’s education, refugees, or any humanitarian or social work. University students specializing in Women’s Studies or Early Childhood Education should also look into this program as it will provide them with first-hand experience in their chosen field.
6. Music And Arts In The West Bank
Volunteer in Music and the Arts in the West Bank: Music is perhaps the world’s most diverse form of self-expression and is one of the best cultural exchange and learning modes. As volunteers in the Music and the Arts Program in West Bank, Palestine, participants will engage with the culture of Palestine while also sharing their own expression of culture through music and art.
7. Medicine and Healthcare In The West Bank
The Medicine and Healthcare volunteer program in the West Bank will suit a wide range of potential volunteers, whether they are already working in the medical profession, studying medicine or pre-med, or considering a healthcare career. General practitioners, specialists, public health doctors, nutritionists, nurses, and paramedics will all find the experience gained in this volunteer program invaluable.
8. Volunteer in Media and Journalism in Palestine
The Media and Journalism volunteer program in the West Bank is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in giving a voice to Palestinians on the global stage. Volunteers in this program will help raise awareness of the West Bank’s circumstances while learning about ethical journalistic practices.
9. Volunteer in Local Palestinian Villages
Volunteer in Local Palestinian Villages: This program offers an excellent opportunity for individuals of all ages, from students to retirees, to work directly with Palestinian communities in villages and rural areas of the West Bank, including Dura and the Hebron Hills, such as Masafer Yatta, Susya, Umm Al-Khayr, the Al-Fawwar refugee camp, and Bani Na’im.
10. Volunteer In A Technology Program In Palestine
Volunteer In A Technology Program In Palestine: The Volunteer in Technology Program in Palestine provides a unique opportunity to share your computer and technical knowledge with Palestinian children, refugees, students, and community members in Hebron, West Bank, Palestine, while also immersing yourself in Palestinian culture and life.
11. Volunteer in the Environment and Conservation Program in Palestine
You are invited to join us at Engage in Palestine and volunteer in our Environment and Conservation program to teach Palestinian youth, refugees, and children about the importance of preserving the environment. In the West Bank, there is a pressing need for such programs, as many residents of Hebron are unaware of the harmful effects of environmental neglect on their own lands and streets.
12. Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine
Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine: Since its establishment in 2011, Engage in Palestine has maintained high standards in English language teaching with the help of numerous international volunteers. However, to meet the increasing demand for diverse programs, we are excited to introduce a new series of volunteer programs, including the Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine.
13. Volunteer in the Community Development Program in Palestine
Volunteer in Community Development Program in Palestine: This program is a unique opportunity for students, undergraduates, gap year students, professionals, teachers, retired people, and anyone seeking to volunteer or intern in Palestinian community development organizations in Palestine and Israel.
14. Volunteer With Orphanages in Palestine
Engage in Palestine is now accepting applications for its 2025/2026 Volunteer with Palestinian Orphanages program. These meaningful volunteer opportunities are perfect for individuals eager to make a positive impact in the West Bank or Gaza. Whether passionate about education, community development, or supporting vulnerable youth, this program offers a chance to contribute to the well-being and growth of Palestinian orphanage children.
Visa and Entry Requirements for 2025
Currently, in order to travel to Palestine, you need to secure a visa from Israel. Tourist visas are issued on arrival at the border and can last for up to 90 days. As of January 1st, 2025, you need to fill out an Electronic Travel Authorisation prior to departure.
There are two key crossings into the West Bank: a land crossing through Jordan at the King Hussein Bridge or arriving at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport just outside of Tel Aviv. Travel through Jordan is highly recommended, as many people have recently faced difficulty entering Israel through Ben Gurion Airport. The way takes a bit longer and is a bit more complicated, but there is generally a better chance that you will be granted entry. Read our article on traveling from Jordan to Palestine for more information.
The first thing to know is that preparing to cross the border will almost always sound worse than it actually is. Since 2011, over 1,000 volunteers have spent time with Engage in Palestine without problems. However, entering Palestine can be more difficult sometimes than others, depending on the changing security situation.
There is a chance that you will be pulled aside for questioning when you try to cross the border. The questions will usually be about your intentions in Israel (tourism, visiting friends and family, etc) and why you have decided to travel now. We recommend you say you are traveling for tourism, and that you prepare some answers like where you intend to stay and what you intend to do and see over the span of your trip. It is highly recommended that you do not mention Palestine, the West Bank, or any West Bank cities or volunteering and learning Arabic.
If you are asked these kinds of questions, the best approach is to breathe, stay calm, and remain friendly.
Costs & Funding Your Volunteer Trip
Another thing to consider when planning to volunteer in Palestine is covering costs. One of these costs will be the fees for your volunteer program. Make sure to check what your organization of choice covers within their program fees. At Engage in Palestine, your fees cover:
- Secure, modern, and fully-equipped accommodation close to the Center and Hebron’s main Ein Sara Street for the duration of your stay.
- Three hours of Arabic class per week to help you speak with local people and get around in Palestine (unless you are studying Arabic as your main program with us).
- Breakfast five days a week, consisting of everything you might find on a Palestinian breakfast table: bread, hommus, shakshuka, olive oil and za’atar, avocado, labna, and more! All were served with tea and coffee, of course.
- Your program activities include visits to local organizations, activists, journalists, refugee camps, and more.
You can find the price list for our programs here.
Outside of the program fee, other potential costs include mobile data for your roaming, e-sim, or local SIM card, dinner at restaurants along Ein Sara Street with other volunteers, or traveling to other cities in the West Bank like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jericho, or Ramallah. What you spend during your time here really depends on your lifestyle and how many souvenirs you can fit into your suitcase!
Is your bank account looking a little on the empty side? Fundraising is one way to help cover the costs of your chosen program. Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe offer a platform for your friends and family to get involved in supporting your volunteer experience. Sharing your motivations for coming to Palestine and a link for people to donate is an easy way to get support.
Other fundraising ideas could include setting up a bake sale, doing a running challenge and asking people to sponsor you, or organizing a clothes-swap event at your local community center.
Safety and Cultural Awareness
One question you (or your friends and family) might have is, is it even safe to volunteer in Palestine in 2025? It’s a difficult time for Palestine right now. Nobody knows the future or how things might change – even in the next few weeks. Despite this, day-to-day life for international volunteers in Hebron is very safe, with many saying they feel safer walking alone here at night than in their home country. Don’t just take our word for it: in 2024, Engage in Palestine won the GoOverseas Top Internship Abroad Provider for Safety.
Palestine has an incredibly rich culture that differs from most Western countries. If you have never spent time in a Muslim-majority country before, you might find things to be a bit different at first. Never worry! Our volunteers usually find their feet very quickly. The following is a list of some ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ for everyday life in Hebron:
Dos
- Wear long clothing. Hebron is quite a conservative city, so it is proper for men, and especially women, to be covered when in public. International women do not need to cover their hair, but wearing long, loose-fitting clothing that covers the chest is appropriate. For men, please don’t wear shorts. The people of Hebron tend to be stylish, so being conservative doesn’t have to mean boring!
- Get out of your comfort zone a little. In Palestine, people are very friendly and curious about foreigners. Some of them will say ‘welcome’ to you as they pass you in the street. It is also common for people to exchange contact details quickly and invite people to their houses for coffee or a meal or to meet their family. This kind of thing isn’t very common in the West, so it might initially seem strange. We recommend that you do whatever you feel comfortable with and maybe go a little bit out of your comfort zone to meet some new people and make new friends.
Don’ts
- Men and women generally do not touch or show affection in public. This also goes for shaking hands. It is best not to shake someone of the opposite gender’s hand when you meet them unless they offer it to you first.
- Go to the wrong gym at the wrong time! Some gyms split their time between men’s and women’s open hours. Some gyms are just for women and just for men. Men and women do not work out together, so make sure you check the times at your local gym to know when to go.
Remember that the staff at Engage in Palestine are always available to offer any support or advice on safety, security, or how to fit in well to the local Hebron community!
Preparing for Your Trip
What to pack?
Pack for the season! Palestine can be really hot in summer and really cold in winter. Spring and Autumn fall in between these two. For the summer, long and loose clothing will protect your skin from the sun and show respect to the local people by dressing conservatively. For the winter, bring a thick jacket, waterproof shoes, warm pajamas, and even some thermals if you have them. Forgot something? Don’t worry! Hebron city has a lot of clothes shops, so you can always get more clothing or shoes if you need them.
If you have any medication, please make sure you bring enough to last you through your time in Palestine. Although there are plenty of pharmacies and doctor’s offices around, some medications could be hard to get locally. The same goes for any specific toiletries or skincare products you want to use. Many things are available here, but they will likely be a bit more expensive to buy than what you can find at home.
We recommend not packing anything that shows clear support for Palestine or could link you to Islam or other Muslim countries, like a copy of the Quran.
Learning Some Arabic
While learning spoken Arabic will be part of your time at Engage in Palestine, some useful phrases would be helpful to know before you arrive. While many people here speak English, these phrases will help you to navigate your way to Hebron like a local, and they will also make the Palestinian people that you meet very happy to know you are trying to learn some of their language.
Some common phrases used in Palestinian Arabic are:
- Hello – MarHaban
- Good Morning – SabaH Al Khayer
- Response to Good Morning – SabaH Al Noor
- How are you? – Keef Al Haal?
- Sorry – Aasif (m), Aasifa (f)
- No Problem – Mish Mushkila
- How Much? – Aadesh
- Thank You – Shukran
- Goodbye- Ma’a Salama
Getting good travel insurance is wise wherever you go, and Palestine is no different! If you’ve never bought travel insurance before, make sure to shop around and find a provider with a policy that suits you. We recommend policies that a) don’t have too high of an excess (the amount you pay when you go to claim), b) cover unexpected changes to your travel, and c) definitely provide cover in Palestine. Make sure to check the fine print of our insurance policy!
How to Make the Most of Your Experience
Engaging with the local community in Palestine is a great way to deepen your experience here. Teachers and local volunteers at the center are all very friendly and will likely invite you to their houses to have dinner or to meet their families. This is a great way to learn more about daily Palestinian life, try local dishes, and experience legendary Palestinian hospitality. It’s also a great opportunity to practice your Arabic with more native speakers who might not have a lot of English.
Many of our volunteers like spending their weekends traveling and seeing different parts of Palestine. The West Bank is a small area, and area A (the area controlled by the Palestinian Authority) takes up only 20% of it, but there is a lot of history here and many great places to see. Nearby cities popular with volunteers include Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Ramallah. These are still Palestinian cities (well, half in Jerusalem’s case), but they are a little less conservative than Hebron. It is also possible to travel to places around Israel, like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Nazareth.
The hardest part about volunteering in Palestine? Having to leave at the end! Many of our volunteers come back to spend time at Engage in Palestine again. Many also increase their activism about Palestine when they get home, continuing to make a real difference once they go. Speaking from their own experiences, volunteers can speak with friends and family about the situation, use their own platforms to advocate for Palestine or write to their local media agencies to share what they have seen. This is an incredibly helpful way to help spread the word about an important issue and ensure Palestine is not forgotten.
Great Reviews and Community Awards
Engage in Palestine has proudly earned several Community Awards, was recognized as the Best Language School Overseas, and was the Top Provider of Volunteer and Internship Opportunities abroad for the years 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Check out our many great reviews here:
- 860+ Reviews (96%) on Gooverseas.com
- 175+ Reviews (94%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Summary
Volunteering in Palestine is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. It is an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone, immerse yourself in a new culture, and gain a deeper understanding of the realities on the ground. The friendships you form, the stories you hear, and the impact you make will stay with you long after you leave. For many volunteers, the experience reshapes their worldview, inspires lifelong advocacy, and strengthens their commitment to social justice.
As 2025 brings new challenges and opportunities for Palestine, volunteers have a unique role to play in supporting local communities and raising awareness internationally. If you are considering volunteering in Palestine, know that your efforts will be meaningful, both for the people you work with and for your own personal growth. Whether for a few weeks or several months, your time in Palestine will be a journey of learning, contribution, and connection—one that you will carry with you for a lifetime.
How To Apply?
To register your interest, please email Ms. Marwa Shantir at Info@ecpalestine.org with “Title of the Program You Interested In” as the subject line. Ms. Marwa will then send you an application form to complete and return.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at:
WhatsApp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://engageinpalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Tags: how to volunteer in Palestine, Palestine volunteer opportunities, Palestine volunteering guide, volunteer in Palestine 2025, volunteer with Palestinian refugees, Volunteer work in Palestine
