Going to Palestine
If you find that you have become really engrossed with the life and circumstances of present-day Palestinians, the very best thing you can do is to go to the West Bank yourself (currently, it is virtually impossible for Americans to get into Gaza, which is still under a tight blockade, as we have seen) and see conditions there for yourself. I know that for Anna and me, and I think most people would agree, no amount of reading, watching documentaries and following news reports can substitute for the actual experience of spending time in Palestine itself and having the chance not only to observe conditions there but, just as important, to meet and talk with Palestinians themselves. Speaking just for Anna and myself, our time there, limited as it was, proved to be invaluable. I can’t urge it enough for anyone who has come to have a real interest in Palestine and its people.
Fortunately, there are many delegations that travel regularly to Palestine, and you can easily find a list of them on the End the Occupation website mentioned earlier. From my personal experience, I can certainly recommend the group that Anna and I traveled with, Interfaith Peace-Builders (http://www.ifpb.org/delegations/upcoming.html). They orchestrated a first-rate tour for us, with expert leaders, that was excellent in every way.
For students and academics in particular, we can also recommend The Faculty for Israeli Palestinian Peace, which organizes twice yearly visits and conferences so that its delegates can see the situation on the ground and meet Palestinians and Israelis. More information is available at: http://www.ffipp.org
