In April 2019, Encompass’ new initiative IntraPal began its first programme in Jordan. Born out of suggestions from our Journey of Understanding alumni, and a growing feeling of tension between Palestinians brought about by their experiences of life in different settings (cities, villages, refugee camps, Gaza) and different living conditions, this programme focused on tackling divides within Palestine. It aimed to do this by enabling young people from different areas to explore and understand each other’s lives. 

On Friday, June 14th 2019, the IntraPal participants met for their first regional follow-up. The aim of these meetings is to visit each others communities and have the participants from that community introduce its culture, traditions and challenges, followed by a short dialog about the day.

During this trip, participants travelled to Bethlehem and Hebron. Leen Hosh, a Christian from Bethlehem, and Mohammed Laham, a refugee from Dahashi Camp in Bethlehem, were responsible for the programme in Bethlehem while Mays Awad was responsible for the programme in Hebron.

Our first destination was the old city in Hebron. A tour guide helped Mays lead the group on a tour through the very complicated and controversial areas around the city.  The participants had many different feelings such as excitement, nervousness, sadness, hopelessness, happiness, and adventure. But most of all they had questions… dozens of them! Especially when they saw the checkpoints at the entrance of the old city where Palestinians are living. Going there on Friday and walking around the old city and seeing many closed shops and settlers walking with their security team, let the participants feel the tenseness in this area.

While we were walking around, an old man stopped us and started speaking about the challenges that they face in their daily lives such as showing your ID before entering your own neighbourhood, as anyone not from that neighbourhood is not allowed to visit without first obtaining a permit. Imagine not being able to visit family or friends for special occasions or just to hang out without first taking permission from another country! Not to mention that most of the time that the permits are denied, for no good reason, except that they can.

We had lunch at a local restaurant in Hebron, so the participants tried the Maqluba and Al Qidra, two traditional dishes in Hebron. After the delicious meal, we continued our trip to Bethlehem where we had several stops. The first stop was the old city, where Leen led a well detailed tour at the church of the Nativity and the old city. Participants found it interesting and inspiring how the two faiths, Christianity and Islam coincide as one large community. While standing in Manger Square you can see a church on one side and a mosque on the other. To them this was a symbol that Palestinians had the ability to accept differences and live in peace, if they have a willing partner and are given the dignity, respect and human rights they deserve.

The second stop was The Walled Off Hotel, that is set directly on the Separation Wall, and boasts works by many artists, Banksy being one of the most prominent and popular. Seeing the artwork inside the hotel/museum and hearing about their inspirations touched hearts and set off emotions most have learned to bury deep inside in order to survive.

These emotions were also flared-up in participants hearts when looking down upon the sheer massiveness and conditions in Dahashi Refugee Camp. Most had a hard time imagining what life is like there, but Mohammad, having lived it, did an excellent job of making it real.

The tour encouraged the rest of the participants to prepare for their turn to explain about  their community, and the intense discussions, particularly about the difficulty of life in Hebron and Dahashi Camp, were a great help in preparing participants who will be going to JOU for bi-national dialog.

Written by Karen Abu Zant (Programme Coordinator/Facilitator) and Suma Qawasmi (Facilitator Trainee)