A while ago, someone asked me about visiting the Holy Land and what they can do during there visit. My answer was recommending the following program from “Holy Land Trust.” So here it is for all of you. Go ahead, VISIT PALESTINE!

THE 4th ANNUAL PALESTINE SUMMER ENCOUNTER
“Serve, Learn, and change your World”
May 24th - August 16th 2007
Bethlehem, Palestine

To our friends and Supporters,

Greetings from Palestine….

It is our pleasure to inform you that we are now opening registration for the 4th Annual Palestine Summer Encounter. You now have an opportunity to experience the Holy Land in a unique and life-changing way. Your presence in Palestine this year is very important. While a great part of your experience will be educational; learning Arabic, understanding the politics, and experiencing the culture; your presence will also be one of encouragement to the people of this land as you serve the local community and support it through your presence.

Many may tell you that this is not the right time to visit Palestine but we say this is your opportunity to come and be part of the global movement that is committed to working for peace and justice in the Holy Land.

Please read the following for more information on the Palestine Summer Encounter or send an email to encounter@holylandtrust.org.

In peace,
Sami Awad
Holy Land Trust

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Palestine Summer Encounter 2007
May 24th-August 16th 2007

- Live with a Palestinian host family
- Serve the community by volunteering with a local organization
- Study Arabic in an Arabic-speaking country
- Meet with Palestinian and Israeli peacemakers and activists

Palestine Summer Encounter is a one to three month cultural immersion and Arabic language training program in the city of Bethlehem, Palestine. Participants live with host families, study Arabic at a local college and are placed at individual volunteer opportunities at Palestinian nonprofits, schools, churches, hospitals and humanitarian organizations.

The purpose of the program is to create a dialogue between Palestinians and members of the international community. During the program, participants will learn beginner or intermediate conversational Arabic through language immersion and class and partner with Palestinian non-profit organizations as a volunteer.

Those who join the program will also have the opportunity to meet with both Israeli and Palestinian peacemakers and human rights activists. For details please visit http://www.middleeastfellowship.org/pse2007. A free packet of information, including a 15-minute DVD with interviews from former participants, is available upon request.

The deadline for applications is April 20th 2007.