Day 18: 30th July... Departure Day

day 17: 29th July..... CLOSING

Finally its closing day…. I really cant believe we reached this day, after this long but short camp, there were so many moments when we thought we would actually see the closing…

The official closing took place at the university campus auditoriums, and was presented by lovely Seba… we started with some speeches; Saed head of the PR, started with an emotional speech in which he talked about the theme behind this year’s camp name “Meet Palestine – in the memory of Asem”, I hope you all met Palestine guys and for our friend Asem, we all wish he is resting in peace, and we say we really missed your efforts and enthusiasm..

Next speeches were for Ala, “the boss”, great speech but a lot of misery in the way of readings from Ala…. Donno why ?!!!

Thanks also to Amjad for the nice words (terrible mistakes but we appreciate your efforts) and also big thanks to the great kids and volunteers of Askar !!

Finally we had the speech of sweet holly, ( it would be great if you could send us a copy of your speech girl ) I think we were all touched by it, my favorite part was when she mentioned some special things about the camp, like the Arabic word; Yani from Yusra, announcements of Muhammad Ali, blank face of Alvaro, kids of Askar, singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Nedal in ten different languages and many other things a lot of us still remember .

We closed with a nice presentation with some of the most memorable pictures of this camp, I think the music was also great, well done Jehad !!

the certificates were distributed and ten million pictures were taken as usual, with yusra in all of them and then we went to have lunch at this nice café close to the uni ..

and last day ended by a party and watching Dabka and circus performances …

Hope you enjoyed guys !!!

Ala's Speach:

Dear Friends,

I am glad to talk to you on the closing day of this International voluntary work-camp “Meet Palestine: in the Memory of Asem”.

The name of this camp comes from a theme we use for all of our camps, which is to host our volunteers but enable them also to experience life in Palestine and understand its culture, history and political situation… You had the chance to meet youth, kids and dignitaries of the city of Nablus, who all welcomed you and tried to make you feel at home even though you came in a difficult time.

These difficulties were with this camp from the early stages, even during the preparations. At times we felt that we would not see this moment. The first crises we faced was the loss of our friend and colleague Asem, who was responsible for a great deal of preparations for this camp. Then we had to deal with the withdrawal of applications from many of the International volunteers due to the tensions and the instability in different parts of Palestine. But, as if that wasn’t enough, a few days before the camp another security issue arose: the war in Lebanon.

By then most of you were on their way to us, we thought this must be the end! How could we enjoy a work camp while a war is taking place in the region! But what scared us most were the constant Israeli incursions into Nablus. We were preparing ourselves for an early end of this camp and had an urgent evacuation plan ready. That didn’t happen and we continued the camp despite all the difficulties! Your determination pulled us through.

And now, please let me thank all of you for the patience you had with us, locals. We made too many rules and too many restrictions. Not only did you have to stand the bombing and shooting very close to the schools, but also our interferences and complications which I am sure no one of you faced since you were kids. We apologize if we were harsh or stubborn at times, but we hope you appreciate the difficult conditions we had to function in. Many times, our priority was not to enjoy the camp but just to make it work without any losses. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience.

I would now like to thank your families who were so concerned about your presence in Palestine, but supported your courage to come and experience this different kind of life. Of course, we must mention the mums of Rory and Holly: two great ladies who got in touch daily and missed no chance to show their appreciation.

I don’t want to be too boring, but I have so many people to thank: locals who have given a lot of love and patience, Saed for his constant help, Amjad Rifaei and kids of Askar for their warmth, and everybody who helped us in making this possible…

And, of course, also our friend up there: dear Asem, you will always be in our hearts and minds.

Finally, I wish you all had a great time meeting Palestine. I hope you loved her, understood her and appreciated her sons and daughters. And from now on, always keep her in your mind and carry its message everywhere you go….

Palestine welcomes you any time :) :) :)

Day 15: 27th July....last day at Askar.

A very hot day… but our volunteers insisted on making it to Askar, well the kids had a journey to the swimming pool for today and some of our Internationals insisted on accompanying them!! a revolution took place when somebody suggested that the Internationals should remain at the Center in Askar, well that’s how Amaia is.. revolutionary !!!!!!

When I first showed up, with our friend Darwish (the filmmaker) at the Center I was astonished by the great map Nuno drew, with the help of other local and International volunteers, they made a HUGE map of the world on the wall at Askar Social Development Center, they have already started the next stage which was the cute little drawings they made as symbols of each country, brilliant idea I say . An ugly foot playing football from brazil, a guy playing flute for the snake from India, pyramids for Egypt, dragon for Korea, a mosque and a church for Palestine, some of the symbols people were drawing with much care on the wall…

We are still working on the movie, and well the idea of this unique product which I am its co-director is to make the whole film out of interviews, so there I was begging people especially locals to just speak to the camera, I discovered that many of our locals unfortunately lack the artistic sense; most of them were like: “ Hmmmm….

Well, hmmm….. what should I say ?! mmm, I don’t know what to say”… and finally they all started or ended with a very typical sentence : “ It’s a very good experience !!!“ well, yeah I know that by now but please more details …. A very funny moment was when Adam got a free 20-shekel phone call, and tried to call a friend who didn’t answer and later called his mum, he didn’t bother to hide it and simply told her: “well mum, you were my second option” a big hello from everybody to the mum and the phone moves to Yusra who tries to start a conversation with Mrs. Elizabeth who started mentioning how popular her son is, even in the States!!

I guess we noticed it on the local Palestinian level as well. We then moved to our final real lunch at the School, rice (for sure) together with potato and Kufta, nice meal and I think everyone was happy… the cultural part of our day started with the presentation of Greg (who was very sleepy) and talked about the Israeli Lobby and the American Foreign Policy, a very interesting presentation to many of us and a great list of books for everyone to read (hopefully we’re gonna send it to you all).

Next presentation was about South Africa and was given by Zubair, the presentation was very interesting and I personally got some interesting information about

this country; a lot of languages, soooooooo many religions and races and as a gift a nice book mark with pictures from South Africa.

The entertainment continued at Al-Qaser roof, unfortunately I wasn’t there but guys told me that a very funny incident took place; a wedding was taking place and unfortunately ended with unpleasant incident the bride's family and the groom's family who started shooting at each other …..what a wedding !!

Day 13: 25th July...

posted by Holly

I awoke from my slumber yesterday evening to 'Quick – Hamas is upstairs!'. Startled as I was, I , along with everyone else, had been eagerly awaiting to hear what this representative had to say. Pelted with the most controversial questions we could think of, he still managed to keep his cool and evaded every question like a pro. Sounds like every other politician I've ever met! This meeting brought up many hot topics which a number of us discussed over the finest cocktails in town (non-alcoholic of course).

Everyone is really taking advantage of siesta time today after our busy day jam packed with activities. All the kids in Askar were at a dabka show today so no classes needed – some were happier than others! After an extra hours sleep we headed down to meet the Mayor of Nablus – a fine speaker who did not disappoint. From here we went to An Najah to meet the president of the university. Misha got his hourly obligatory question in – this time in regard to how he could apply to study there – he really is a man of the people! Next on to the Palestinian Red Cresent Society where Yusra works – a lovely place, colourful and sunny, apart from all the windows which had been broken from the Israeli bombardment of the Mukata just below. Next we visited the technology faculty of the university where the savage looking model car wouldn't start – Adam really should lose some weight! From here we went to the paper factory – yes we thought they were joking too. It actually turned out really cool, I now have lots of pictures of piles of paper. And please note – it wasn't even one o'clock at this stage. Next a quick stop at Josef's tomb, an Islamic site left in rubble after violent clashes there in 2000 when the Israelis took over the tomb and surrounding area. Finally we went have a look around the smouldering mess that was left of the Mukata. Such an eerie feel about the place – the personal documents of thousands of Nablusians floating around, everything covered in a thick layer of dust as we scrambled over what had once been a vet clinic, the ministry of interior, Israeli torture cells and much more.

All deep thoughts were quickly forgotten though as we stuffed our faces with another one of the mystery woman's delicious meals. Now people are sleeping, snoring and sitting around listening to Mark's Johnny Cash impressions. In a few minutes Greg is hosting a debate between the locals and internationals on all the hot issues that came up yesterday – an interesting evening in store for us all!

Day 11: 23rd July...Back at Askar!

Posted by Adam:

The Israelis finally left the city. All the internationals and locals had a free day, but today we finally made it back to Askar to carry on with the camp. On Friday all the volunteers who stayed in Nablus went up into the mountains and Hakam organized a big barbeque for everyone.

With Internationals, locals and some guests there was about forty of us, singing, dancing, talking and eating delicious food in the mouth of a huge cave overlooking the whole city! It was a great day, and a great chance to relax after a hard weeks work for all the volunteers. Yesterday we had nothing scheduled, so many of the internationals took the opportunity to get out of town. Bethlehem and Jerusalem were the top destinations (I think Jerusalem was a favourite because of certain substances unavailable here in Nablus which certain volunteers were missing…

mentioning no names of course, ehem, Madeline). The rest of us slept late and caught up on our e-mailing as well as having lunch in the city centre and doing a bit of shopping. It was almost like a weekend!

Today back at Askar there was the usual stressing about who's teaching what where. Rory and I finished off painting the wall outside (I'm pretty sure there's only about five people who do the physical work and everyone else sees it as an extended union break), then I took the art class with Greg and Kyung Young. We made Indian headdresses and cut out handprints with slogans written by the kids and Palestinian flags on them (I LOVE PEACE was my favourite!).

Everyone has adopted certain Arabic words and started using them in with their English. The main ones are: 'Yani' (pr: yah-nee)- used as 'like' in English mid, pre or post sentence. Brought to us in abundance by Yusra, oft heard saying things like "So yani, it's like when you yani, I mean yani, you go to the yani, school, and you yani……."

'Khalas!'(pr:Hah-las!-exclamation mark obligatory)- meaning 'stop' or 'enough'. Often used when Misha is speaking or someone is attempting to make a decision involving everybody.
'Yalla' (pr:Yellah)- meaning 'come on!' Officially Meet Palestine 2006's most overused word, especially in the morning!

So, now we're waiting for the upside down (a traditional meal) to turn up at school and relaxing after the Askar mayhem. It's all a bit different from yesterday when we went climbing around in the rubble of the Makata'a (the big civil centre the Israelis have been noisily destroying for the last three days). What a mess. Those Israelis sure are a pain. Talk about neighbours from hell.

Well, enough from me. Everyone's still having a great time (we know this for sure from Fawaz's bonding exercise yesterday – lots of emotional feedback…. Blurgh), so if you're related to one of us, chill out! We're all fine. No, better then fine. We're "grand" as the lovely Holly would say. Bye for now…..
Nuno...

So today we could make it to Askar Social Development Centre (after a Israeli road block that didn't let us go during the last four days to the east part of town where Askar is located) where we're working with the refugee children. This morning the kids had more Drama, Arts, Games, Dancing, Circus and Music lessons with us, the mini United Nations as someone called us (I enjoyed that so much!). I noticed that there weren't any pictures from our work in this blog, so today I'm going to talk about what this work camp is (almost) all about: the children from Askar refugee camp. Just for you out there not to think that this is just holidays and big fun. But if you think just a bit, working with children can also be fun.

Language barrier! Kids don't know such thing. We all communicate with gestures, smiles, funny faces, some basic Arabic or English words. We get along very well. I was designated as responsible for the Arts classes and we've been doing drawings, playing with plasticine, doing some masks, hats, anything that we can possible do out of paper, carton, scissors, glue and colouring pencils. Sometimes I escape to other people classes (there's always more than three internationals in all classes), as I'm always curious to see how everyone is doing their work. Many volunteers find working with these children stressful and exhausting. I can easily understand that, as they are so demanding for our attention, sometimes naughty

Right now as I'm writing these lines, there are some people sleeping, wasn't now siesta time. But to be honest it could be called ''internet time'' because most of us uses these three free hours to check their e-mails. In just a few moments we'll be leaving to visit the Samaritans, a Jewish community not far from where the city. Most of the Jews believe that was in Sinai that God spoke to Moses and gave him the ten commandments. Samaritans believe it was right here, in one of the two mountains that surround Nablus that it happened. Maybe the next post will tell you more about them and our visit.

Day 10: 22st July... ... WEEKEND

Nothing special about today aside from the crazy day I had at my work… lots of work and pressure. I went to Zajel's office. Mira and Ala were there as well as Liam, Yasmin and Jacob. We were chatting all the time and working trying to catch up with Zajel stuff we missed during the last week of the work camp.It was a crazy day there; Ala and Mira kept talking and DISCUSSING every thing really loud!!

It was really a long day, I was waiting tomorrow like crazy, and I really missed the guys there at the work camp!!! I missed Holy's smile, face and cute cheerful voice!! I missed Adam's conversations and powerful eyes, Loes jumping and laughing, Nuno (Megul) beautiful adorable laugh and great conversations, Abulhassan driving every one around nuts!! Muhammad Ali peaceful smile!! Mark-no words to describe Mark, Almost all are people not easy to forget!!

Around four Fawwaz showed up with Holy, Loes and Yung!! To see them was really great, saved me in a way!!I was heading back home when my eyes caught Nuno talking to some kids in a street by the city center!! I went to see him, Adam was with him few meters away watching something on a building next to him.I joined them and we hanged around the city center and talked then we walked back to the school, Nuno is really fond of photographing!! Every thing worth a photo!! Many times I found me and Adam walking alone and Nuno behind photographing something!!

We stopped to get something to drink and Adam wanted ice cream, Nuno was looking for something not Israeli, he found a Turkish coke called "Chat cola"!! Few seconds before Adam was telling me that Nuno is an "Msn monster"!! lol the coke came at the right time!!

In the way between the city center and the school a little kid stopped us to sell some chewing gum, I and Adam could escape it but Nuno who was behind for his photos stuck and was trying to tell the kid (maybe in Portuguese) that he doesn't want but he never listened!! Poor Nuno we shouted many times "run!!", he thought he could make it, we were watching hi strials to escape, but the kid was really a… and he followed Nuno when a car stopped by him and us later and were asking the kid to back off!! The driver started blaming me for not rescuing Nuno!! Wow why would I? He's big enough and the kid would curse me if I interfered!!

We arrived to school, it was hot, Holy and Greg were smoking outside Holy looked tired but happy (I love her face), Greg looked exhausted and careless and asked how did we spend the day!!For me it was good coz I met the guys at the office then at the city center!! I can say that most of them are persons whom you can't just forget!!
I already miss them...

Day 9: 21st July... ... PICNIC

PICNIC DAY

This is the day a lot of us have been waiting for since the last year, I think most of us locals haven’t been in picnic since the last camp..

And well, preparations early morning we brought loads of food and prepared our cameras hoped that the security situation wouldn’t get worse; we were divided into two groups first group left earlier to the Northern mountain of Nablus and started the settling down process, I think Ala also said that of our guys were also there from early morning to book us the perfect site, hehehe…. Well it wasn’t a surprise we used exactly same location we used last year, but this year guys were allowed to get into the big cave and draw names on the wall !! as a backup plan ( we are great in backup plans I have noticed) Ala had set a rope and a rescue team in case anybody couldn’t get out the cave, I think anyone reading this would probably think iam talking about a cave in Rocky mountain, well actually it was just of the funny things we just think of whenever Ala is there, well he even asked Ghazal to carry the first aid set in case of emergencies !!

People started to prepare the food, some people volunteered (plenty of guys) to do this annoying job of putting the meat and vegetables on sticks and well as far as I saw that was TIRING to cook for over 50 people, but this was the process people preparing the sticks, others barbequing on coal and others just laid under the few little trees there, while some guys were with difficulty trying to get out some tunes apparently to amuse the rest… which I doubt they did.

So many interesting talks, and memories we shared and I also liked how Mark sang to us, great music and a very nice song, unfortunately I couldn’t get much of the lyrics!!! best pleasure for many of us was just sitting on the top of the mountain and enjoying the scene of Nablus from up there and just trying to get away from all the ugly reality but just enjoy the silence with a nice group of people… well me personally I am glad I got some sun-tan but others preferred to just sit in the shadow around a Nabulsi Argila.

Lunch was served, everybody harried up and just gathered on the floor to enjoy the hard work of our hero barbeque guys, I think everyone just loved the food, sorry for the vegetarians though (not many options) great spices and special flavor especially that dust always makes it even more delicious …. Let me remind you we are here in a camp ok?? So we just eat without looking deeply!!!!!

Next stage was the cleaning part, Ala was happy just to keep shouting “CLEANING … CLEANING… CLEANING”, well I guess it would’ve been better if we just planned to have the voluntary work of the park yesterday on the mountain that would’ve made things easier …

We closed our trip with few hundred group photos, from like 10-15 different cameras and cleaning the matrices !!! and then later carrying all the garbage down, that’s when Adam had unfortunately a RUBBISH crises.

Our day ended greatly and I think people who didn’t come missed a lot, :P , though Israelis ended our day with a major explosion of the governorate compound they surrounded for 3 days, finally our Internationals can sleep now and even have sweet dreams!!

Day 8: 20th July.

I was heading to work at 7:50 as usual with my neighbor as we work at the same place, and while chatting I realized that it's not an official working day as the Israeli jeeps were parking at the Red Crescent society enterence were I work at the eastern part of the city so working would be voluntary that day..

I was so scared and sad and happy that I can spend the day with the campers at Zajel work camp :D So I asked him to drop me by the school and here I'm between the guys, they were having breakfast and trying to wake up, Jihad already informed them that the way to Askar refugee camp is blocked and the bulldozers still work on destroying the buildings at the old governorate and the headquarter of the PA security forces as well as shooting like crazy the citizens and kids around.

So we switched to Plan B, cleaning and working in the Municipality Park.

Darweesh- the work camp camera man- interviewed some internationals who talked about their previous expectations and what they found and also about Zajel.

Megel's first question was about his nice hat which he planted a natural anitina in it to recieve as much messages as he can in this atmosphere!!

Mais is the water girl again!! we took so many photos, all the time when working, when cleaning, drinking water, smoking!!! then the group photo under teh burning sun of July!!

it's a mess when almost 5 people taking photos and you don't know to whcih camera you should smile.

We moved around 9 after the volunteered changed their clothes to suit that work and I did, I have T-shirt written on it "mapping the Arab Diaspora", I like it but I didn't have the chance to wear it and a gardening day is the day!!

It was a good time for the locals and internationals to know each other and talk as we were

working in groups of two or three, I talked a lot with Muhammed ali, Nuno (Megel) and Adam.

about every thing, Zajel, life, experience, traveling, supporting a side your family do not support,

history even my sisters wedding which is in few days :s It was hot and Jihad was watching us to stay in the shade, in three hours the garden of the Park was really nice and presentable.

We took photos and left to the girls' school and the boys to their school. Girls where happy of those extra free 2 hours so they went to the hair dresser to straighten their hair WOW new pretty ladies are visiting??lunch was what rest from the last two days and something some of the internationals were waiting for---> Kufta!!

kufta with potato slices and tomato cocked in the oven mmmm smells great, I was full but I couldn’t help it!! Mira was on my right and Megel my left and Madlen infront of me. Madlin was happy cause she has he own food and was like :”Hakam’s mom is cooking something for me :) oops Hakam mom by coincidence is my mom!!! after lunch some resumed the Table tennis tournaments and some of the locals (Ala, Mira, Fawwaz, Mais, Ahmad and I) started rehearsals for tomorrow’s Barbeque trip to the mountain with some of the internationals listening and clapping their hands and enjoying the Arabic old Syrian songs (Ala’s selections).

The evening’s cultural lecture was about the internationals culture and a view of their country. Nuno started talking about the history of Portugal and wow he’s really so organized and has a talent in drawing.then Holy and Rory about Irland, Holy’s skirt is really so nice all teh girls likes it and were talking about!!Holy has a really nice character so smiley and always talking and smiling to every one.

Day 7: 19th July.

Wednesday: Change of plans = visit new and old campus, Women’s union and the hospital, in the afternoon Bassam Al shakaa, visiting the catholic church of Rafidia.
By Adam.

This morning (24 brand new hours for Mischa!) there was an Israeli presence in the East of the city, with the local police trying to go back to work and being prevented (violently) from doing so by our friendly neighbors. Unfortunately it meant we couldn't make it out to Askar today, and after a (very) early morning and a rushed cold shower we all found ourselves sitting around after breakfast at a loose end with only ping pong and chit chat (Creationism vs Darwinism, AGAIN) to occupy us. UNTIL! Jehad found us a "fun" activity which kept us occupied for a couple of minutes. ya3ni, finally, we set off to have a little tour of the two university campus' here in Nablus (one's brand new and very clean and university like, the other is slightly less new and clean and university like) and then to the Arab Women Union Society Orphanage and Hospital.

The last few days have been pretty interesting. As everyone here spends more and more time together, and share experiences and stories, real bonds of friendship are starting to form. We laugh a lot, and there's rarely a dull moment. As all of us, local and international, try to keep up with what's happening here in Nablus at the same time as running activities at the Development Centre and get the odd hours sleep, we're learning a lot about our new friends, and about how life is here. For you out there reading this blog… life here goes on. No matter what happens every night, and how much life is made difficult for the people of Nablus by the Israelis, life goes on, and every moment is an adventure.

Day 6: 18th July.

Tuesday: screening the film (such a normal thing), going to the university (party)
By Adam.

So last night after watching a great documentary about the situation here between Palestine and the other place, we went to the University to watch some Dabka (traditional Palestinian Dancing) whilst chomping sweet-corn with salt and being generally a bit scared of sinister clowns and over friendly Pandas and gnomes while Kenji (our Japanese Action Figure with complete working parts) made friends with all the locals. Afterwards we all piled back to the girls' school for dinner and discussions. The omelette was good, and as usual the conversation was lively and varied. Sometimes it seems like every conversation here is tinged with politics, religion and news, but then I think we all enjoy the debate, and having so many different types of people means it's always a learning experience but always fun too.

Day 5: 17th July.

Monday: visiting the medical relief, Fairiziyat Roof..
By Holly

After a really informative discussion at the Palestinian Medical Relief Center, we finished up the evening with a beloved Argila in a rooftop café overlooking the city.

Late last night there was a small scale incursion in the old city( either that or a very large wedding) but the girls especially Huda, were more worried by a cockroach than anything else !!

Classes today were energetic as usual, Abul-Hassan managed to detect the well overly energetic kids and warned us of utting them in classes together – Thank you Abu!!

Everyday there are more suggestions so things are going smoother, can’t wait to get Adam’s committees into action. So hopefully, we’ll have a rock garden, a mural and preparations for the final show under way in the next few days. Everybody …… if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands!

By Mark:

We have spent almost a week here at the Zajel project in Nablus, and things are going very well. There has been no danger or troubles from anyone and I personally feel very safe, especially under the guidance of the local volunteers, who know the situation and city very well. We have had three full days at the development centre in Askar refugee camp, and today – Monday 17 th – it felt like things were really starting to go well with the teaching of the children, now that they are used to us, we have got to know them, the locals at the centre, and the environment and culture itself. There are a list of activities that we participate in – art and drawing, languages, (English and Spanish) Drama, Music, circus, communications and psychological development, dancing and lastly physical work.

The internationals lead each class, with help from both the Zajel volunteers and the volunteers in the refugee camp, who help with organisation and translation. There are around 100 children each day at the camp, boys and girls, ranging in age from about 5-13, and we teach from 8.30-10.30 and then from 11-12.30, with 3 to four different groups of children going to each class, ranging in size from 6-25. The work itself is tough, tiring and demanding but also extremely rewarding and very much fun. The children in Palestine, especially in areas such at the refugee camps, do not get the chance to have a normal childhood in any sense, faced daily by the misery caused by the military occupation that they are born into and grow up in, with many of them suffering psychologically in many ways. The summer school provides an invaluable release for the children who can play, learn, develop interact with foreigners, and are shown that people do care about them and, quite simply, it is a place for them where they can laugh and feel safe. I personally feel proud and honoured to have the chance to come here and participate in this work, and am very much looking forward to continuing this work in the coming days and weeks ahead.

Mark Robert Hesling, Scotland, Monday 17th July.

Day 4: 16th July.