Safety & Security in the West Bank: For many foreign students, interns and individuals who are interested in traveling to Palestine, the West Bank to volunteer with Salam Palestine, safety is one of their main concerns. There are several reasons for this, perhaps no more than as a result of the media’s coverage of the region. We want to assure all of our volunteers and guests that Palestine is safe for travel by providing a correction of a distorted image of Palestine, its cities, and its people.
Palestine In The News
When Palestine is in the headlines of world news, more often than not, its portrayal ranges from violent street clashes to an active war zone. Indeed, the situation in Palestine is often tense, however, internationals who come to Palestine find that they are largely able to live their daily lives without experiencing a greater danger than living in bigger cities in other parts of the world. Nevertheless, visitors to the West Bank, especially to Hebron will find it difficult to not notice the presence of Israeli occupation forces and settlers.
Tensions In Palestine
The presence of Israeli occupation forces and settlers creates and perpetuates the tense situation in Palestinian cities. However, it is important for those intending to travel to Palestine to note that—as foreigners— they are extremely rarely the target of clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. In fact, the overwhelming majority of visitors are more likely to hear about clashes than experience them firsthand. As one volunteer stated, “There would sometimes be clashes between Israeli settlers, Palestinians and soldiers but these were very easy to avoid and locals were a great help with this.”
It is a fact that there are disturbances from time to time and the situation can be tense. However, internationals who come to the West Bank, Palestine find that they are largely able to live their daily lives without particular safety concerns above and beyond those typical of living in big cities. The purpose of this article is to provide an accurate overview of safety in Palestine. We hope to alleviate some of your worries.
Palestine Is NOT An Active War-Zone!
Some people associate Palestine with violence and turmoil. This is probably due to the fact that most international media outlets frequently portray violence in the West Bank and Gaza, often with no context and without explaining the full story.
International visitors may be apprehensive about coming to Palestine, fearing that they will be living in an active war zone and, unfortunately, other potential volunteers– influenced by negative media coverage– may decide not to come altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions About Safety In The West Bank, Palestine
- What is the real safety situation in the West Bank?
- What is the security situation in the West Bank?
- Is Palestine really safe to visit?
- Is Palestine a dangerous place to travel to?
- Is Palestine safe for Americans or tourists?
- I am visiting Israel and I am thinking of coming to the West Bank but I am wondering if it is safe there?
- I have never been to Palestine but I am aware of the everlasting tense situation. How will this affect me?
- What is the advice for travelling to Palestine?
Many Misconceptions About Safety In The West Bank
We expect these sorts of questions and they should be asked before you embark on travel to the West Bank, Palestine as most people are only aware of its conflict, war, tense clashes and many other unfavourably reported issues.
However, while these matters cannot be denied, they are only one aspect of the multifaceted location that is Palestine. We want people to understand the other side of the story about Palestine, that is the story that rarely appears in most of the media. The majority of people only know Palestine through media channels such as CNN, BBC, Aljazeera, Fox News and other like organizations.
Palestine Is Considered A Medium Safe Destination
The news agencies report from Palestine during periods of unrest but the day to day life of its citizens, the friendly welcome received by visitors, the beautiful natural landscape, the rich creativity, culture and cuisine are all sadly overlooked. As a result of this and the negative image portrayed in much of the media, many people are wary of visiting Palestine. We hope that by providing you with the facts, we can change this for the better!
Palestine is considered to be a medium safe destination- you can check the safety rating of Palestine and other countries by clicking here.
The Security Situation In The West Bank In Comparison To The Gaza Strip
However, the safety and security situation in the West Bank is very different from the one in Gaza. Palestinians who live in the West Bank have a much more stable life than Palestinians in Gaza. Unfortunately, people in Gaza face a lot of problems and difficulties due to the Israeli siege, blockade and Occupation.
In the West Bank, there is no “military resistance” like the situation in Gaza, which makes it safer for internationals and generally much less tense and stressful. The West Bank is under Israeli Occupation and although this causes some difficulties and inconvenience, daily life continues as normal. Those most greatly affected are the Palestinian people. International visitors do not usually have any problems.
Israeli Military Checkpoints
The most frequent place where tensions manifest themselves are at Israeli military checkpoints, which are commonplace throughout occupied Palestine. However, as noted above, international visitors are in most instances allowed to move freely throughout the West Bank cities. In Hebron, the biggest city in the West Bank, there are occasional issues in the Old City. Marwa Shantir, Coordinator at Salam Palestine, explains “Most of Hebron and Palestine is very safe” adding that though “There are sometimes problems…it is not usually dangerous for foreigners.”
Checkpoints in the West Bank are commonplace and the military presence in occupied Palestine is pervasive, but problems affecting visitors to Palestine are rare. Although there may be occasional traffic delays related to checkpoints, visitors to Palestine are usually able to move freely throughout the West Bank cities. This is sadly not always the case for Palestinians.
Clashes
From reading the news, you might anticipate that you will see clashes occur during your time here, but that is not necessarily true, unless you are specifically going out of your way to look for it. While most of our volunteers in Palestine never find themselves in such a situation, it will help you feel less nervous to know what to do if any incidents erupt.
What Happens If Violence Erupts?
You might still wonder, “What happens if violence erupts and I just happen to be in the area?” One thing to keep in mind is that clashes between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers usually occur in a localized manner, which means that if there is an incident in one part of the West Bank or even one part of the city, it does not mean that there is instability everywhere.
Usually, Israeli incursions into Palestinian-controlled territory are for the purpose of arresting Palestinians, and as a foreigner, this will not affect you. Still, if you should find yourself in the middle of a clash, it is advised to move to another area where things are quieter. Often this could be as simple as turning around and going to another street. If you happen to be at home, you can just stay inside until the tensions subside and you will be perfectly safe.
Experience On The Streets Of Hebron
Beyond Salam Palestine’s center, foreign guests will note a similar experience on the streets of Hebron (and other Palestinian cities). Inevitably, foreigners will stand out as they walk down the street but most of the locals are accustomed to visitors to their cities and, at the most, will jump at the opportunity to welcome you or to practice their English with international volunteers.
We understand that at times this can be an inconvenience to visitors, however, we want to assure our guests that these experiences do not pose a danger and, though frequent street conversation can be tiresome at times, they can also serve as positive cultural experiences.
Safety At Night In The West Bank `
It’s GENERALLY safe to walk around at night in any city of the West Bank including Hebron. However it’s always best to avoid areas that lack crowds of people and in particular the one which is under Israeli control where the settlers live. Do as you would at home and avoid them if you are walking around by yourself. We would recommend that you take a taxi instead of walking home by yourself at night.
Traveling As A Woman To Palestine
Women travelers are generally familiar with the reality that often there are a few more things to consider when traveling abroad. A completely new culture may make traveling to a place like Palestine a bit more daunting for some women. One key thing to remember for all visitors to Hebron, but women in particular is to dress modestly. Female visitors are not required or expected to wear a hijab, but dressing modestly will show respect to the local people and will help avoid extra unwanted attention.
Salam Palestine Has Many Female Participants
At Salam Palestine, we have many female volunteers, interns and Arabic language students. Our female participants stay with a host family, usually spending the evenings and sharing dinner time with their host family.
Your Palestinian host family will take care of you and support you if you need anything during your stay. In some families, the older members don’t speak any English. However, their children generally have English speaking skills, so it is usually easy to communicate with the parents through their children.
Feeling Safe In Palestine As A Woman
In summary, Palestinian people are overall accommodating and friendly people. Host families will welcome you into their home and treat you as a member of the family. Lauren Souz, a volunteer from the United States notes, “I feel incredibly safe in Palestine…I actually feel much safer than in America…I am never harassed, and never have any problems. I have been bothered by the attention at times but have never felt unsafe.”
For this reason, we do recognize however that the potential for street harassment does exist for women. Cara van Dusen, another volunteer from the U.S., writes,
I was walking down a quiet street at dusk when a teenage guy started following me and grabbed me. He was just a kid so I could push him away, but it made me more wary about walking by myself. Overall, I still feel very safe here…what happened to me could have happened anywhere and is not specific to Palestine. I am just generally more aware of my surroundings, and especially cautious at night.
Palestine Has A Warm And Welcoming Atmosphere
Nevertheless, Cara did come back a second time to volunteer with Salam Palestine, participating in the Teach English Speak Arabic Program. What Salam Palestine volunteers can expect is an atmosphere of warm and welcoming Palestinian hospitality. Teachers, staff and host families are eager to welcome guests, volunteers and students and provide them quality education, a memorable cultural experience and exceptional traditional Palestinian cuisine.
Yousef Sabarna, a teacher at Salam Palestine, says “We love to learn about international cultures and share our own culture in return”. Visitors to Palestine will almost immediately notice that this is a common sentiment among Palestinians—who freely offer to help with any issues or questions visitors have related to living in a different culture.
Transport: Public Transportation Is Safe And Affordable
Public transportation is safe and affordable, with readily available shared taxis and buses serving as the main source of transport for foreigners. Shared taxis, or “servees” as they are called locally, are very easy to spot and hail in Hebron and other larger cities in the West Bank.
These means of public transport can be taken to other cities such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Nablus. The drivers often speak English and look forward to conversations with English speakers. In terms of safety, Melanie Lipinski, a Teach English Speak Arabic volunteer from Canada, wrote “I always feel very safe and welcomed on public transport”.
Safety Of Our Guests And Volunteers
Safety of our guests and volunteers is one of our top priorities. We want to ensure everyone who stays with Salam Palestine has a positive experience. We also want to note that our center, our teachers, and staff have deep ties to the community in Hebron. Therefore, many locals throughout the city know about our center and may ask you if you are at our center when they welcome you.
As Cara expressed in a letter to us, “I feel safe and loved, and would encourage anyone thinking of volunteering to come and experience this for themselves.” These sentiments are echoed by numerous other foreign volunteers, interns, students and visitors we have had the privilege to host and teach over the last several years.
Safety Risks Are Minimal
We recognize that those considering coming to volunteer at Salam Palestine in Hebron, Palestine will have initial concerns about safety. For this reason, we want to assure everyone who is expressing interest to come and work with us, that safety risks are minimal.
Transportation is reliable and safe. Streets are no more dangerous than those in larger cities in the West. And, most important of all, we are committed to demonstrating what Palestine is truly known for—an incredibly hospitable community that is eager to share their culture with foreigners and have them experience a deeper understanding of Palestine, its history, and its people.
Palestine Is Safer Than Some Western Cities
It is easy to trust the people of Hebron and visitors can generally walk alone on the streets without concern for theft or potential problems. “My biggest takeaway would be the people in Palestine. They are some of the, if not, best people I’ve met on my travels,” says Monalisa, an Salam Palestine volunteer from Singapore.
“Everyone has been so kind and helpful and I have never felt safer anywhere else. Safety, in general, was a concern of mine when coming but it soon became something I never thought about because of how safe and welcomed I felt.”
Archie, one of our volunteers from the UK says, “I have felt completely safe. I have never felt that I have been in danger. It is safer to walk through Hebron at night than it is to walk through Leeds in the UK.”
Recommendations
We recommend that visitors behave sensibly, remaining aware of their surroundings and respectful of the local customs and traditions. We do not anticipate any problems for our international visitors. Salam Palestine is always happy to give advice and provide information to help answer any questions and ease any concerns.
Palestinians Are Eager To Meet And Host Internationals In Palestine
Noor Siaj is a Palestinian student who studied English with us and whose family has welcomed international visitors into their home in the past. He states that he loves spending time with international volunteers, interns, students or visitors, and is especially grateful for the opportunity to practice his English.
Most Palestinians enjoy sharing their own culture with visitors and are genuinely interested in learning about their foreign guests as well. For many years there were few visitors to the West Bank and Palestinians appreciate the opportunity to share their culture and experiences with internationals- it is a way for them to have their voices heard and to raise awareness of what life is like in Palestine. Also, most Palestinians relish the chance to develop their English language skills and find out more about other cultures. You will probably find some distinct cultural differences but also many similarities too.
Hospitality In Palestine
This attitude of hospitality endures not only within Salam Palestine’s center itself, but also on the streets of Hebron. Foreign guests will encounter an enthusiastic and at times possibly almost overwhelming welcome. Please do not be offended or worried if people are eager to speak to you or if you are offered unexpected hospitality. The majority of Palestinians will be delighted to see visitors and will be keen to show them some hospitality and make them feel welcome.
Visitors – especially foreign women who do not wear the hijab – stand out in Hebron and are greeted almost constantly in the streets.
Locals are excited to practice their English and jump at the opportunity to speak with international volunteers. Although this can at times be tiring for visitors, the warmth and generosity of Palestinians usually greatly outweighs any slight inconvenience.
Final Remarks
We recognize that those considering coming to volunteer at Salam Palestine in Hebron, West Bank will have initial safety concerns. For this reason, we want to assure everyone who is expressing interest to come and work with us that safety risks are minimal. Transportation is reliable and safe. Streets are no more dangerous than those in larger cities in the West.
Most importantly of all, we are committed to demonstrating that which Palestine is truly known for—an incredibly hospitable community that is eager to share their culture with foreigners and have them experience a deeper understanding of Palestine, its history, and its people. We hope that all visitors to Salam Palestine – and the West Bank in general will have a pleasant and memorable stay.
International visitors help to ensure that Palestine is seen and that Palestinian voices are heard by other parts of the world. This is vital to raise awareness of the reality of life in Palestine. It helps to dispel any misconceptions and false representations. This in turn means that more people are encouraged to come to Palestine and experience its rich culture for themselves.
