Rafat Shantir is the founder of Engage In Palestine. Rafat has participated and volunteered in many community development projects in places as diverse as Mongolia, Denmark, Egypt, and Jordan.

He has worked for community development organizations for several years in Palestine, and he strongly believes in the role of community activities and cultural exchanges in the lives of Palestinians and members of the world community. Rafat has received his higher education in Germany and has since continued to make regular international trips.