The second session of the seventh Palestine Summer Encounter program has had an exciting and energetic beginning. This session, 22 new participants have joined the program, and with those remaining from Session 1, the total number of participants has reached a new high: 35. This session brings in new participants from the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, and Australia in addition to the nationalities already represented within the group, adding another dimension to the international experience of the program.

I breathe in Bethlehem. Stacked staggered hills etched into a hillside; dry, but not dry enough to choke out the roots of the olive trees whose rich fruit and oil blankets the food I eat every day. While there are over 100,000 people in the area, I feel like I'm in a small town with the familiarity and warmth of the locals. I don't know why I'm here yet--the excitement of danger, the chance to do something good, moreover the opportunity to open my eyes bigger than I've ever been able to manage and breathe in all that the lungs of my brain and heart can handle.

It is always hard to know, when there are two sides, which is the truth and which is not—especially if you are taught only one side for most of your life. This has been my situation regarding many aspects of daily world activities, especially the situation in Israel and Palestine. I never thought to question what I had been taught because the people teaching it to me have been my loved ones, my advisors, and my friends.

First impressions? I LOVE Bethlehem! I can't even explain it. I love this quaint little town and the beautiful overviews of the surrounding villages. I love the dingy alleys leading to my host family's house, located in a refugee camp called Al-Azzeh. I'm legit living in a refugee camp. Awesome. But don't start thinking about tents and bucket showers yet. Because the Palestinians have been refugees for so long, they've built houses where there used to be tents. I'm living in a three-story apartment with a husband, wife, and 2 month old daughter.

Palestine Summer Encounter 2010 Flyer (Color)—

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Palestine Summer Encounter 2010 Flyer (Black and White)—

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Not convinced yet that a trip to the Holy Land is for you? Here''s eight great reasons to come to Palestine this summer.

1. You''ll See The Situation Firsthand
There's only so much you can learn by watching the 6 o'clock news or reading history books on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This is why fact-finding missions to the Middle East are so important. Frequently, those who participate in Travel and Encounter programs describe their trips as "life-changing experiences." By visiting the region and seeing the situation firsthand, you will learn a tremendous amount about the daily life of Palestinians under Occupation. You'll also have the opportunity to meet with Palestinian and Israeli peacemakers: people who have devoted their lives to bringing peace with justice to the Holy Land.

2. You'll Serve As A Witness For Peace
Palestinians who have suffered through more than thirty years of Occupation often feel that the world has abandoned them. As more and more of their land is confiscated, more and more of their homes are demolished and more and more of their citizens are killed they wonder: why is no one standing up for us in the world community? This is why some Palestinians are cheered by the presence of international witnesses for peace, who are willing to live among Palestinians and learn from them. It reminds them that there are still people in the international community who believe that Palestinians should be able to live with freedom, peace, security and independence. It helps bring a small amount of hope into a situation that has caused an enormous amount of suffering.

The $150 application is due before you can be formally accepted into the program. The remaining program fees are due approximately three weeks prior to the start of the program.

Check or Money Order

Our preferred method of payment from U.S. residents is check or money order. Simply send a check to the following address:

Middle East Fellowship
P.O. Box 1252
Brea, CA 92822