Volunteer in Palestinian Refugee Camps in Hebron: Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank exist because of the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War (known as the Nakba, or “catastrophe”). When the State of Israel was established, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced to flee or were expelled from their homes in what became Israeli territory. Many sought refuge in neighboring areas, including the West Bank, which was under Jordanian control at the time.
To address this crisis, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to provide aid and services to Palestinian refugees. Temporary camps were set up to house displaced populations, but the lack of a long-term resolution to the conflict persisted.
There are 19 official Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank, housing hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians and their descendants. Today, these camps are densely populated areas where generations of refugees live under challenging conditions, often facing poverty, overcrowding, and limited access to resources and opportunities.
Near Hebron, the refugee camps include Al-Fawwar, Arroub, and Al-Hussein (Al-Arrub). These camps face unique challenges, including overcrowding, limited infrastructure, and frequent military incursions due to their proximity to Israeli settlements and military installations. For instance, Al-Fawwar Camp, located just southwest of Hebron, is known for its dense population and the severe restrictions placed on residents’ movement, which hinders access to jobs, education, and healthcare.
Table of Contents
Life in the Palestinian Refugee Camps
Al-Fawwar is the largest refugee camp in Hebron, located on the city’s outskirts. At first glance, passing by in a car might appear like any other town, with its densely packed buildings and narrow streets. The camp has grown into a permanent settlement. Yet, its residents remain stateless, holding onto the hope of returning to the homes their families were forced to leave over two generations later.
The residents of camps like Fawwar face many challenges in their daily lives, such as:
Overcrowding and Infrastructure
The camp is densely populated, with narrow alleys and inadequate infrastructure. Many homes are poorly constructed, resulting in residents often facing water shortages, inadequate sewage systems, and unreliable electricity.
Access to Services
Basic services like healthcare and education are stretched thin. UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, runs schools and clinics in the camp. However, funding shortfalls limit their capacity and leave residents with limited quality-of-care and educational options.
Economic Hardship
Unemployment rates are high within the camp, exacerbated by restricted movement and the resulting limited access to jobs outside the camp. Many families are struggling to make ends meet.
Safety and Tensions
The camp regularly experiences military raids and arbitrary arrests of residents. Sometimes, clashes lead to the use of weapons like tear gas. This creates an atmosphere of constant tension and insecurity, especially for children.
Despite the challenges, people in the refugee camps keep hope alive as they wait to return to their homes. They believe they will one day, and that belief runs strong, even through the generations.
On a recent trip to Al Fawwar Camp with Engage in Palestine, our volunteers visited one of the four schools operating out of the camp. One of the teachers, Tahrir, invited the volunteers to her house to meet her mother. Over coffee, they spoke about how the camp began with only tents and how the buildings slowly rose up about them as the years passed.
Tahrir and her mother have lived most of their lives in Fawwar, and she says it feels like home, but she doesn’t belong there. There’s something missing. When asked if, given the choice, the people of Fawwar would stay in the home they’ve always known or return to the land they’ve only always heard about, Tahrir says they would go in an instant and without a second thought.
How to Volunteer in Palestinian Refugee Camps in Hebron?
While the resilience of Palestinians keeps their hope alive, many things can be done to help make day-to-day life in the camps easier. Engage in Palestine provides great opportunities for volunteers to come and make a difference in places like Al Fawwar camp in Hebron.
1. Volunteer in the West Bank Program
Volunteer in the West Bank: Join us at Engage in Palestine and explore our diverse range of volunteer and internship programs! Any program you choose will have many people needing support, and your influence on the Palestinian communities will be unforgettable. The kind people of Palestine make the opportunity a fantastic and welcoming experience.
Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to meet Palestinian people, experience their daily lives, learn Arabic, and gain a unique perspective of the Israel-Palestinian conflict firsthand! Your role as an international volunteer or intern can significantly improve Palestinians’ prospects in various ways, including teaching English, organizing community activities, raising awareness, and informing the world that Palestine is not portrayed as mainstream media sources commonly depict it.
Because of the occupation, Palestinians have not always had the opportunity to offer the world an authentic portrayal of their culture, and they are all keen to share their expertise and encourage international visitors to participate in Palestinian culture. Your experience with us will be fulfilling and gratifying! We offer opportunities throughout the year, with durations ranging from one week to three months, available in all seasons and months.
2. Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees
Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees: This program caters to undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, retirees, and anyone interested in engaging with the work concerning Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Palestine. Getting involved in refugee assistance presents an excellent opportunity for university students and recent graduates seeking to gain experience in the human rights field.
Through this project in the West Bank, volunteers will have the opportunity to work with Palestinian children, women, and youths to enhance each other’s skills, create mutual understanding, engage in language exchange, and make a difference in each other’s lives.
The Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees in the West Bank program is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 70. People from all countries and majors are welcome to join this program. There are no specific degree requirements. All that is required is a willingness to participate and help.
3. The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program
The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program in the West Bank is a volunteer initiative that allows international visitors to visit Palestine and gain exclusive insight into women’s rights in the West Bank. Located in the vibrant city of Hebron, the project provides participants with many opportunities to meet Palestinian women, visit women’s rights organizations, and engage in educational and cultural activities.
Aimed at educating international participants about the current power dynamics of women in Palestinian society, you will get involved with volunteering with Palestinian women by promoting their rights and empowering them in all spheres of life, including the family, the workplace, and politics, all whilst ensuring they are safe from violence, exploitation, and discrimination.
Altogether, this volunteer program will enable you to gain awareness about gender equality in Hebron (one of the most conservative cities in Palestine) whilst also allowing you to study and practice Arabic, meet other internationals, and experience Palestinian daily life.
4. Media and Journalism in Palestine Program
The Media and Journalism volunteer program in the West Bank is ideal for anyone interested in giving Palestinians a voice on the global stage. As a volunteer, you will help raise awareness of circumstances within the West Bank while also learning about ethical journalistic practices. Although this program would suit many potential volunteers, seasoned and aspiring journalists are especially encouraged to apply.
This volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine, would also interest students of journalism, mass communication, media studies, communications, political science, English, social work, and other related fields. Recent graduates will welcome the opportunity to gain real-world experience from this program, as cross-cultural communication, travel within the Middle East, and Arabic language acquisition are all highly valued by prospective employers.
During the Media and Journalism program, you will be responsible for conducting video interviews with local Palestinians and writing articles encapsulating the Palestinian refugee experience. You will also participate in center-led activities and become familiar with Palestinians’ daily lives and human rights situations.
5. Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank
The Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank program offers an eye-opening experience for those who want to visit Palestine and engage with Palestinian youth, children, women, refugees, and community members in Hebron. Volunteers will teach English to Palestinian students at the Engage in Palestine Center or local community development centers, Palestinian local schools, governmental or non-governmental organizations, and refugee camps.
Additionally, participants will actively immerse themselves in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, and regional situations. Engage in Palestine hosts volunteers and interns from around the world year-round. This involvement allows you to meet international colleagues at the Center, travel throughout Palestine, and collaborate in teaching English. You will also participate in various social, educational, cultural, and community development activities in Hebron.
Suppose you aspire to pursue a career in TESOL, TESL, TEFL, or related English language teaching roles. In that case, this internship program provides an outstanding opportunity to acquire practical experience and bolster your English teaching skills.
6. Volunteer with Palestinian Children
Volunteer With Palestinian Children Program offers students, professionals, retirees, and teachers an excellent opportunity to work directly with Palestinian children in the West Bank. It welcomes anyone interested in volunteering or interning, regardless of their first language.
Those interested in childhood education can benefit from volunteering or interning with children in Palestine. Participants are immersed in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, human rights, and education.
Volunteers can join our program for 1 to 13 weeks, with flexible start and end dates year-round. All backgrounds and nationalities are welcome to apply, but participants must be at least 18.
As a volunteer or intern in Hebron, West Bank, you will meet many Palestinian children eager to interact with visitors. Supporting their growth positively impacts their well-being and the future of their country, making a difference in both their lives and yours.
7. Palestinian Community Development Program
The Volunteer in Palestinian Community Development Program in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity for students, undergraduates, teachers, and others seeking to volunteer or intern in Palestinian community development organizations in Palestine and Israel. If you wish to help Palestinian children and youth, refugees in refugee camps, and other community members in and around Hebron, West Bank, this program is for you. As a volunteer, you will be immersed in Palestinian culture whilst meeting new people (from Palestine and abroad), studying Arabic, and making a difference in people’s lives.
The Palestinian Community Development Volunteer and Internship Program has an essential impact on the Palestinian community. Through this program, you can help empower community members to develop themselves personally, professionally, and economically. At the same time, volunteers gain valuable experience in their personal development by running seminars, giving lectures, offering employment advice, and building interpersonal relationships within the local Palestinian community.
8. Volunteer in Environment and Conservation Program in Palestine
Volunteer in Environment and Conservation Program in Palestine: You are invited to join us at Engage in Palestine and volunteer in our Environment and Conservation program, aimed at teaching Palestinian youth, refugees, and children about the importance of preserving the environment. In the West Bank, Palestine, there is a pressing need for such programs, as many residents of Hebron are unaware of the harmful effects of littering and environmental neglect on their own lands and streets.
This volunteer program is an excellent opportunity for students, graduates, and travelers interested in the environment and conservation in the West Bank. If you’re a university student looking for an environment and conservation program abroad to supplement your studies during your summer break, this program is ideal for you.
By joining our volunteer program in the West Bank, you will have the chance to share your passion for the environment and conservation while experiencing Palestinian daily life and learning about Palestinian culture firsthand. We offer our participants three hours of complimentary Arabic Classes each week, taught one-to-one or in small groups of two to three students, and accommodation during their stay.
9. 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.
This volunteer program in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity for current students, postgraduates, gap year students, professionals, teachers, retirees, and anyone interested in sports-related fields to volunteer with the local Palestinian community. As a volunteer, you can share your passion and expertise by organizing workshops, lectures, sporting tournaments, training sessions, summer camps, and more for Palestinian youth.
The Volunteer in a Sports Project in Hebron program is ideal for individuals with a strong interest and background in sports or related fields. Through this program, you can develop your activities and contribute to the local Palestinian community while gaining personal and professional development opportunities and having fun.
10. Volunteer With Orphanages in Palestine
Volunteer With Orphanages in Palestine: Hebron City, in the Occupied West Bank, is home to several orphanages that provide essential care and support to thousands of Palestinian children who have lost one or both of their parents. The high number of orphans in the region is largely due to ongoing conflict, military occupation, economic hardship, and limited access to healthcare. Some children lose their parents to direct violence, such as military raids, airstrikes, and clashes. Others are caused by the impact of long-term instability, including imprisonment of family members, displacement, or lack of access to health services.
There are approximately 7,000 orphans in and around Hebron city, ranging from infants to young adults. These orphanages provide essential services such as housing, education, medical care, and psychological support to children without stable family situations. They often rely on funding from local charities, international donors, and religious organizations to support their operations. Some orphanages also function as social enterprises, operating businesses like kitchens and grocery stores to generate income and further support their work.
Educational Support
Volunteers can help teach English or support the development of other skills for children and adults alike. Some volunteers have done things like help people with their CVs, run specialized training sessions, and give presentations in their areas of expertise. These initiatives can help provide a great education and better employment opportunities for people within the camps.
Community Projects
Some volunteers organize community projects for people in the camps, such as health campaigns, clean-up initiatives, and recreational activities for children. Such projects are valuable in helping build community care and cohesion.
Advocacy
Based on their experience at the camps, many volunteers choose to undertake some form of advocacy in order to help raise awareness about the situation of refugees. This includes sharing their experiences at the camps and the stories of people they meet on their own platforms or through media back in their home countries.
Role of Engage in Palestine
Engage in Palestine helps to facilitate connections between volunteers and refugee camps like Al Fawwar. While teaching English to students is one of our most common activities, there are many other ways that volunteers can help make a difference. The sky’s the limit!
For example, volunteers can organize workshops and activities, such as resume-writing, arts and crafts, sporting events, and cultural exchanges. Volunteers are also encouraged to use their existing skills and talents to enhance the program, create something new, or offer improvement.
For example, doctors or nurses can provide medical aid and assist other local medical NGOs in assisting refugees. Volunteers with specialized skills or experience in the performance industry are encouraged to organize concerts and live performances.
The center also offers many free-of-charge workshops, seminars, and courses to support Palestinian refugees in and around the city of Hebron. Volunteers in Palestine can play an essential role in contributing to the Palestinian community’s well-being. Through Engage in Palestine, many volunteer projects support education and focus on community development.
Cultural and Emotional Impact on Volunteers:
Life is difficult in the refugee camps of Palestine. This can be seen in the day-to-day struggles of the residents and through the consistent yearning to return to the homes they had to flee. Working in this environment comes with its own challenges. It can be hard to hear so many stories of disadvantage and loss. It can also be hard to be in a place with such high security considerations.
However, the experience of spending time with Palestinian refugees, learning more about their daily lives, and volunteering to help improve their standing is incredibly rewarding. Many volunteers in Palestine reflect on the Palestinian people’s humanity, strength, and abundant hospitality.
Waleed, a 2024 volunteer at Engage in Palestine, says, “The most surprising thing I saw was the smiles on the faces of the kids in the Refugee camps. Going into the program and refugee camps, I was expecting the families and children to be unhappy and sad; however, most of the children were glowing and happy, whether it was from their faith or seeing a foreigner; it was really nice to see and know this.”
Louise, a 2024 volunteer from Australia, says, “I participated in the Palestinian Refugees program and had the privilege of teaching displaced young people in a camp near Hebron. I got to know so many people living in the camp and heard firsthand the stories of their lives and learn a lot about the history and current situation of Palestinians.”
Engage in Palestine has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards and recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider for 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
Reviews, Ratings, and Community Awards
Engage in Palestine has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards and recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider for 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
Summary
Palestinian refugee camps exist between two worlds – being at home and yet without a sense of belonging, trying to live their lives but still waiting to leave. They exist on the knife-edge of the Israeli occupation, their movement and opportunities restricted, always waiting for the next bout of violence to erupt. At the same time, these people never allow the grim reality of their situation to dampen their spirit or dull their kindness.
Any support that can improve day-to-day life in the West Bank’s refugee camps is incredibly welcome. That’s why Engage in Palestine offers international volunteers the opportunity to spend time with these communities, contributing their skills and expertise while also showing solidarity with their cause.
If you’re interested in spending time in the West Bank and volunteering in refugee camps around Hebron, please get in touch with Info@ecpalestine.org.
How To Apply and Make an Impact by Volunteering in Palestine
If you’re interested in volunteering in the Palestinian refugee camps in Hebron, please email us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We’ll send you an application form to complete and return, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.
Find Us Online
Do you have questions about our work? Contact us:
Email: info@ecpalestine.org
WhatsApp: +972 599 479 880
Website: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron
Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQSLdFZWZcBm6Uj0XMYuKg
Visit and Explore Palestine: https://www.facebook.com/ExplorePalestine
Tags: Palestinian refugee camps Hebron, Support Palestinian refugees Hebron, Volunteer programs with Palestinian Refugees, volunteer with Palestinian refugees
