Fifteen Canadians of the "Come and See" program came from across the provinces, each with different experiences and with different views, but a common interest in trying to better understand the complicated and emotionally-charged Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They have travelled for two weeks across the country from north to south, visiting the Galilee, Nazareth, the coastal cities, Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus and Bethlehem, as well as the Negev.  Along the way they met with local organizations & individuals and had a wide range of educational tours to gain a wide range of perspectives.  Of course, along the way, this delightful group shared their customary Canadian politeness and courtesy with the impressed locals!

We were pleased to host a tour program from our partner agent in France, led by our colleague Guillaume, who shared Palestine with his clients through an intensive four-day program through Jericho, Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, Sebastia and Jenin.  The program was a mix of historical, sociological and cultural experiences.  

 Our Deleglise Group had a bit more time to discover the country through a 08-day hiking tour that included all the principal sites of Jerusalem and the West Bank along with some more out-of-the-way programs, such as Teqoa, Wadi Qelt, Nabi Musa, Tel al Qamar, and Rashayda, as well as many other cities; visiting Bedouin communities as well as refugee camps along the way.  The program enjoyed a mix of accommodation styles from Bedouin encampments to guesthouses and hotels, as well as a delightful exposure to Palestinian culture, cuisine and more.

Once again, Siraj was able to work with Princeton  University for another in-depth journey for its students through Palestine. 

Siraj center brought 12 students and 2 professors on an unforgettable trip--getting to meet with and learn from everyone from local artists to politicians, journalists, filmmakers, and of course, talented young Dabkeh dancers! 

Siraj worked together with them on many details for the trip, which allowed the Princeton faculty and students to enjoy a trip that they designed and could only have dreamed of!

Their 8-day program brought them across the region, meeting with a range of local Palestinian civil society leaders in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and historic pre-1948 Palestinian communities in Israel.

Some of the highlights included meetings with different NGO’s, university students and professors , visits to the Old City of Jerusalem, and the Old City of Nablus. 

In early December, Siraj Center organized a five-day of the Palestinian Heritage Trail for a private hiking group of seven adventurers who traveled all the way from America, Australiaa, Canadian and Sweden to experience Palestine through its nature, cultlure and hospitality. l

This past July, Siraj was pleased to host an educational program entitled Abraham's Children: Searching for Justice in Israel & Palestine.

This intensive 14 day tour was led by Ann Fortin and Paul Parker, and focused on exploring many of the most important socio-political questions of the region through meetings, discussions and site visits.

Some of the organizations that "Abraham's Children" met with included the Educational Bookshop, Rabbis for Human Rights, Zokrot, Sabeel, WIAM, Tent of Nations, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Edward Said Conservatory, and many more. And as with all of our programs, the participants were able to encounter everyday people and gain an on-the-ground perspective from the local "children of Abraham."  

Once again, Siraj was able to work with Cambridge University for another in-depth journey for its students through Palestine.

Their 8-day program brought them across the region, meeting with a range of local Palestinian civil society leaders in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and historic pre-1948 Palestinian communities in Israel.

Some of the highlights included meetings with diplomat and negotiator Dr. Sa'eb Erekat and Hanan Ashrawi, visits to the Old City of Jerusalem and the Samaritan community of Nablus, and even organizing Skype calls with Palestinian youth in Gaza. In the words of the program leader:

"The Cambridge University Palestine Trek facilitated by the Siraj Center brought 22 students on an unforgettable trip--getting to meet with and learn from everyone from local artists to politicians, journalists, top businessmen, and of course, talented young Dabkeh dancers! The group was so glad Siraj could take care of so many details for the trip they designed and only dreamed of!"

Siraj Center is looking for international volunteers to come and work with the Siraj team, starting in late September and lasting through the early winter.

Volunteers will work with our staff and local partners to help with administrative, media and development projects both at the Siraj office with opportunities to explore Palestine through site visits and occasional program accompaniment.

Volunteers must have proficiency in English, a basic ability to assist with English-language social media, content and report writing, and marketing, and a willingness to learn new skills.

We are able to offer letters of recommendation and notices of completion of a certain number of hours for those seeking a formalized work-study program or internship.

Volunteers must make a commitment to a set number of hours with Siraj, a willingness to abide by local laws and cultural norms, and be motivated to both work individually and also as a team player, and above all, possess a positive attitude!

For more information on volunteering, please contact name at email.

Until the olives are ready to be harvested....Siraj wishes you a pleasant (and temperate) end to the summer.

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Providing tour participants an opportunity to invest in the Palestinian economy through purchasing fair trade products is a top priority for the ethical tourism & travel sector, and Siraj has done its part in the promotion of fair trade products through its tours. This May, the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO)

 Siraj center in a cooperation with Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society (HLHCS) organized its first Fair Trade delegation to visit centers of fair trade, and taking the opportunity to visit some of the many fair trade organizations in Palestine that are producing handicrafts and produce items such as olive wood, embroidery and looming, glass and ceramic, non-perishable foods, olive oil and soap, and much more. 

On May 9^th, the WFTO delegation celebrated Fair Trade Day in Bethlehem with many of its local WFTO members as well as the Institute for Community Partnership of Bethlehem University.   Siraj Director Michel Awad was pleased to give some opening remarks to the delegation and attendees, and to encourage the growth of Palestinian fair trade development in partnership with the Palestinian tourism sector.  

 Siraj Center is pleased to support the WFTO 10 Principles of Fair Trade in its programs:

• Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
• Transparency and Accountability
• Fair Trading Practices
• Fair Payment
• Ensuring no Child Labour and Forced Labour
• Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity & Women’s Economic Empowerment, & Freedom of Association
• Ensuring Good Working Conditions
• Providing Capacity Building
• Promoting Fair Trade
• Respect for the Environment

In the month of April 2018, Siraj hosted the Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) Cycling Tour.  MAP is a London-based charity and awareness-raising organization that works all across the Holy Land, Lebanon and elsewhere, working to alleviate some of the worse medical difficulties within Palestinian communities.  Nearly 30 MAP staff members, volunteers and supporters came for a fundraising cycling tour of Palestine, traveling from Jenin to Jerusalem, as well as Bethlehem and Hebron.  Besides being a worthy endeavor, the program offered its participants a chance to better acquaint themselves with the West Bank and Jerusalem in a way that would not be possible through a tour bus.  

On a post on their Facebook page, MAP had this to say about their experience: “Congratulations to all and a huge THANK YOU to everyone who took part in the ride and to those who have supported them along the way. The money raised comes at a critical time and will help MAP continue our work for the health and dignity of those Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees.”

Siraj was honored to have organized the charity cycle, and encourages our UK friends to keep supporting the good work of MAP.