Melodie
The first week of the Summer Programme involved a geopolitical tour of the West Bank, throughout which we visited cities, villages, refugee camps, and organizations where I learned about the occupation to a degree I hadn’t before. There are many aspects of the zionist terror and colonization, as well as Palestinian resistance that cannot be understood but by being on the ground.
I completed my internship between HIRN (Hebron International Resource Network) in Al-Khalil, and Project Hope in Nablus. At HIRN, we visited families and organizations across the southern West Bank to listen to community needs and plan projects accordingly, bringing cameras, fencing, and supplies. During this time we witnessed a glimpse into the realities faced by families living under occupation, especially in Masafer Yatta, where apartheid, constant settler violence, and military occupation aim to dismantle their daily life, displace them from their homes and concentrate them within the cities. We were able to witness projects involving assistance to families whose homes had been demolished, bringing cameras to communities so they could document settler and IOF violence, and rebuilding where appropriate.
At Project Hope, our primary contribution involved teaching English and French to the kids, as well as animating the summer camp. The wonderful team at Project Hope insisted on giving us Arabic and Dabke lessons each afternoon, and through working there I learned a lot about Palestinian culture, resistance, and history. Creating a safe space for children to be creative and learn under occupation was also a powerful example of resilience, and it was so special to share solidarity, stories and happy moments with the children and staff.
The resilience and resistance I witnessed amid daily violence and occupation was inspiring beyond words, and is a lesson to us all. I feel that after my experience I better know the meaning of injustice, solidarity, and steadfastness. I better understand the importance of grassroots movements and the power of working as a part of a whole.
