The Zajel Youth Exchange Program of the Public Relations Department at An-Najah National University, ended its 2006 International Work Camp “Meet Palestine, In the Memory of Asem” with an official closing ceremony at the University auditorium.
The work camp ran from July 12th-30th, 2006, and could count on the participation of 24 international volunteers from 11 different countries in Europe, Africa, North-America and Asia, and on the assistance of over 20 local Palestinian volunteers. The aim of the International Voluntary Work Camp was to provide international volunteers the opportunity to meet and discuss the Middle Eastern conflict, share ideas, enhance their practical skills, foster exchange between Palestinians and the wider world, and give assistance to members of the Palestinian community.
Local and international volunteers worked in the Social Development Center of Askar refugee camp, where they hosted workshops in drama, circus, dancing, arts, sports, games, and music. The workshops were both educational and recreational, and provided some welcome psychological release and all-important fun to the children of the camp. Many of them suffer stress due to the occupation and its effects on daily life. The workshops hosted by the camp participants brought a ray of sun to them in testing times. Due to a prolonged Israeli invasion which prevented access to Askar refugee camp for a number of days, the volunteers also contributed their efforts to the city services of the Municipality of Nablus.
Apart from providing an opportunity to volunteer at Askar refugee camp, the International Work Camp also offered its participants an inside view on cultural, social and political life in Palestine. This educational aspect of the camp took the form of study tours, lectures on diverse subjects, discussions, meetings with prominent local and extra-local figures, and a host of cultural activities.
Zajel means “messenger,” and it is our firm belief that cultural exchange is crucial to change the situation we live in. Our international volunteers will hopefully spread what they have learnt and seen here to their families, their communities, and their media. However, cultural exchange happens on many different levels, and the camp also fostered exchange on a micro scale. This was not only beautiful to see but also just as important – it means Palestine got under everyone’s skin and it’s there to stay.
Our sincerest thanks go out to everyone who made the Zajel International Work Camp 2006 “Meet Palestine; In the memory of Asem” a success. Thanks to An-Najah University, to the Askar Social Development Center, to all local partners without whom this endeavor would not have been possible, and last but not least to all the local and international volunteers who contributed time, hard work, courage and heart.

Closing activities:

The official closing ceremony was held in the Zafer Al-Masri auditorium of An-Najah National University, and was attended by the local and international volunteers, representatives of various partner organizations, representatives of the Ministry of Education, and representatives for An-Najah National University.
The opening speech was given by Saed Abu-Hijleh, Director of the Public Relations Department of An-Najah National University, who thanked the international volunteers for showing their solidarity and support, especially in these times of great instability in the region.
His speech was followed by a short word by Alaa Youssef, Coordinator of Zajel Youth Exchange Program. Mr. Yousef expressed his gratitude for the trouble-free proceeding of the camp, despite all odds. He mentioned, “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.” He also paid tribute to Asem Yousef, a talented young local volunteer who passed away earlier this year. The International Work Cam.