Volunteer in Palestine

How to Volunteer in Palestine

If you have been researching options like going to volunteer in the Middle East the chances are that Palestine might be one of your preffered destinations. The Palestinian territories is generally defined as Gaza and the West Bank, both located in the Middle East. Most projects can be join in the West Bank, this is where world famous destinations like Bethlemen are located.

A lot of organisations builds on the belief that mutual understanding is at the heart of improved relations across communities, cultures, nations, and religions. Through experiences both in community organizing in Palestine and with visitors from around the world, personal encounters and conversations among people working together create some of the best opportunities for mutual understanding.

Palestine is not a destination where it is easy just to turn up and volunteer your services for free, we highly recommend arranging a safe and structured experience through one of our partner organisations. You can join short or long term volunteer programs in places like Nablus and the West Bank. Large international charities, sending agencies and also local NGO's have been working for decades in the Palestinian Territories with the aim of proving humanitarian assitance, better education and facilities to benefit local people.

Make a difference by applying to join a project today.

Ways to Help

International participants are needed for the following projects:

• Community development
• Education & Youth Outreach
• Medical & Healthcare
• Conservation and Agriculture
• Summer Camps
• Teach English in Palestine
• Humanitarian and Refugee Camps 

FAQ

Language
You will need to be able to converse in English and also learning basic Arabic words and phrases is recommended. Arabic classes in Palestine can be arranged once you are settled in.

Health and Safety
You will need to check latest safety information before departing to Palestine, the security situation is quite stable at the moment but this can change and deteriorate quickly. There are also lots of alternative options including applying to volunteer in Israel.

Working Hours
This really depends on the project you apply for but usually 9-4 around 5 days per week with 2 days free.

Food
You will generally eat Middle Eastern style food which is very tasty, for example rice, humus, vegtables, lentils, pasta, meat like chicken and beef.

Accommodation
This can be either shared accommodation with other participants or a local homestay. Conditions can be basic so don't expect any 5* treatment. Staying in shared accommodation can be a good way to get to know the other volunteers, food is usually delivered and you will need to cook it. A home stay offers a complete cultural integration into local society where you will get to know a local family eating breakfast and dinner with them. This will offer a great insight into life in Palestine.

Requirements
You will need to be aged 18+, be flexible, adveturous, open minded and accept any challenged thrown your way. You might need to commit to staying for at least 1-2 weeks, no organisation really wants to train you for you to then leave after 2 days. You will need a valid international passport and be eligible for a visa to visit Israel.

How to Apply

You have the option to apply through a volunteer sending agency, or be creative and go independent searching our opportunities locally. We recommend applying through a large international organisation, this will be more structured and safer than going solo.

They charge a fee which will include placements, pre-departure information, accommodation, meals and in country support. There are flexible starting times throughout the year, you can apply to help and stay from 1 weeks to ovor 6 months+ depending on your availability. 

"I have been to volunteer at the Excellence Center in Hebron. There are some great things about the center and volunteering but also some things that could be done better. Nonetheless I had an amazing experience in Hebron and I am grateful for the opportunity I was given here." - Alexa, United States