Palestinian Village Tour - 3 Days
- Be embedded in a village
- Tour the Southern West Bank
- Learn about life under Occupation
- Palestinian culture
- Meet local people
Beit Ummar is a Palestinian Muslim village between Bethlehem and Hebron in the middle of Israel's Gush Etzion settlement bloc. In addition to the formal program of activities, you are encouraged to wander the village, meet people, and soak up the atmosphere. There are also adjacent country areas where you can stroll through the olive groves.
You'll stay in dormitory accommodations in a family home that has comfortable lounge areas, a balcony and outdoor space - and wireless internet throughout - so you can sit under an olive tree while getting your email, or use the computer in the lounge.
Day 1 - Friday. Pickup in Jerusalem. You'll travel west of Bethlehem on a settler road with a guide who will discuss the situation in the area, and the impact of the settlements on the local Palestinian villagers. Bethlehem is surrounded on three sides by the Separation Barrier and settlements
On arrival at Beit Ummar you'll meet your host Mousa, a leader of the village non-violent resistance committee, and after settling in, there will be a briefing with maps to give you an overview of the area. In the afternoon you'll visit local families and learn about their life and issues with land confiscation and settlers.
Day 2 - Saturday In the morning you'll visit farmers in their fields and homes around the village and see firsthand the situation with the settlements which have been built on confiscated land. You'll also be learning about the Palestine Solidarity Project. The villagers have developed a strategy of non-violent resistance to the Occupation and organize a variety of actvities.
These include accompanying farmers to their land when there is a danger of settler violence, replanting destroyed trees, and resisting home demolitions. They also have established a women's embroidery cooperative. You will have an opportunity to learn about these activities, and meet activists in the village so you'll have the opportunity to learn firsthand about their work.
Day 3 - Sunday You'll take a field trip with Mousa to the South Hebron Hills and visit villagers in areas under threat by settlers who have lost much of their land and are constantly harassed when they attempt to cultivate their land close to a settlement.
En-route you'll see the Kiriyat Arba settlement, a city being built at the edge of Hebron. Some of the South Hebron residents live shacks, tents and caves. You'll have an opportunity to meet them and learn about their lives.
Day 4 - Monday You'll depart for Jerusalem after breakfast, either with public transportation or by private car if you prefer.
Please remember that this a conservative community. Both men and women should be fully covered at all times. This includes a high neckline on a shirt and dress, shoulders and upper arms covered, and dresses or skirts below the knees. Trousers (pants) are common for both men and women. No shorts. Respecting the local mores will enable you to blend in and communicate comfortably with local people.
This is an experiential program. The itinerary is subject to change depending on the situation on the ground, and other activities that may be planned by the village committee.
Depart for Jerusalem after breakfast, either with public transportation or by private car if you prefer. (at a set fee)
• 3 nights dormitory accommodations in Beit Ummar Village
• Breakfast, lunch & dinners
• All transportation from pickup point
• Daily guiding
• One piece luggage per person
• Airfare
• Travel insurance
• Private transportation to the pickup point.
• Private transportation at the end of the tour.
• lunches
Optional extras:
• Extra nights in the village after the tour - $40/night B&B
• Private transportation to the pickup point.
• Private transportation at the end of the tour.