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The summer of your life is about to begin. This package will get you stoked and fill you in on everything you need to know about OG and your region.

Contents

3 OUR APPROACH

4 A LETTER FROM YOUR TRIP LEADERS

5 TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

6 PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES PROFILE

7 ISRAEL PROFILE

8 GETTING IN & OUT OF THE MIDDLE EAST

9 TRAVEL HEALTH & MEDICINE

10 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

11 WHAT TO PACK

12 PACKING LIST CON’T...

13 MONEY

14 CULTURAL DO’S AND DO NOT’S

15 HEBREW FOR DUMMIES

15 ARABIC FOR DUMMIES

16 WHO WE’RE WORKING WITH

17 KNOWING STUFF MAKES YOU SMARTER

18 FINAL CHECKLIST

WE’re sparking a

movement of

globally active &

socially coNScious

BACKPACKTIVISTS.

OG Middle East Behind the Headlines l 3 >>

OUR APPROACH

Operation Groundswell combines cross-cultural education, meaningful volunteering, and off-the-beaten path adventure all in one awesome journey! Our approach may be a little different from other organizations, but we know that by the end of the trip, you’ll think we’re the coolest cats around!

Here are the values of every backpacktivist (that’s you!):

» Prepared to change: the most important quality in a backpacktivist is the ability to reflect and adapt.

» Full life livin’: we squeeze the sweet nectar out of

every opportunity the world throws at us!

» Conscientious: adhering to local traditions and customs allows us to understand the value of cultures different from our own.

» Respect: we always make an effort to understand all people...even the ones we don’t get along with.

» Humility: a backpacktivist may look silly searching for words in a new language, but the very attempt connects us to locals on a whole different level.

» Solidarity: a backpacktivist stands in solidarity with all peoples, regardless of race, gender, or class.

» Group-focused: leveraging the power of a group to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and of themselves.

» Thirst for learning: the road is the best classroom and a backpacktivist is searching for truth.

» Leadership: we are training the next generation of positive and diverse leaders.

Backpacking with a purpose is about being conscious and critical of our impact on the communities that we travel to.

OG Middle East Behind the Headlines l 4

A LETTER FROM YOUR TRIP LEADER

SHALOM/SALAM MIDDLE EAST BEHIND THE HEADLINES!

Dear fellow backpactivists,

I hope that you are as psyched to spend your summer with us as I am to spend it with you. An OG trip is the trip of a lifetime. You’ll meet lifelong friends, laugh your lungs out, see some amazing scenery, and have an experience that’ll make all your friends jealous (as well as your ex, who spent their summer wishing they could have you back, muahahahha!!).

But it’s not all going to be rainbows and unicorns and butterflies. An OG trip is tough. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. You’ll likely return home from the Middle East with more questions than you came with. You’ll cry a little about all of the tragedy and heartache in this little spot on the earth. But you’ll also see the hidden beauty, the charm that the headlines just don’t show you: the love, the hospitality, the passion that exudes from the people on both sides of an ugly wall. We’re going to learn. No matter what conclusions we come to, we’re going to go home knowing that we can’t just ignore our world anymore. It’s right here, it’s all around us.

I’m super stoked about our 2013 summer plans. It beats the hell out of being tied down to a desk. Israel and Palestine are dynamic, tough, and just plain awesome places to explore. Who hasn’t dreamed of walking this hallowed ground? We’re going to explore as much as we can, have tons of fun, and hopefully leave some little piece of us amongst the wonderful people who will welcome us to this amazing place.

Excited yet? Yeah, you should be. If you have any questions, I’m always here for you.

Signing off!!

Matt

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THE SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. HERE’S EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

HEBRON BREAKING THE SILENCE, CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKER TEAMS

Home to the tombs of the Patriarchs of the Jewish faith, Hebron is a complex and tense city with a Palestinian population of 180,000 and 500 religious Jewish settlers who have staked their claim to Hebron’s Old City. Breaking the Silence is a group of ex-Israeli soldiers that gives unique tours of Hebron, while CPT is an international observer organization that monitors the treatment of the Palestinians by the IDF and settlers.

JENIN FREEDOM THEATRE

Jenin went from ground zero of the 2nd Intifada to what was held up as a model Palestinian city under PA control. The Freedom Theatre was a program started by an Israeli woman to help Palestinian children have an outlet for their emotions and anger due to the occupation.The theatre stands today as a testament to their legacy and a symbol of perseverance.

NABLUS NASEEJ CENTER, REFUGEE CAMPS, MOUNT GERAZIM

Head up Mount Gerazim to visit one of only 2 Samaritan communities in the world. Nablus is home to 3 refugee camps, including the West Bank’s largest in Balata. It also has a distinct culture, wonderful food, an ancient Old City, a vibrant university, and a recent history of pain and suffering. We’ll meet the leaders of an NGO called the Naseej Center, an organization that works in New Askar Refugee Camp and in the Nablus area to improve life for their society’s most disadvantaged people.

NEGEV DESERT CAMPING

Get ready for a fun weekend camping trip where we will hopefully meet with Israeli Bedouin communities. Stay tuned for more details on this!

YOUR TRIP ON A GOOGLE MAP

Here is the itinerary for the six weeks that we will be together! In the age of Google, we decided that an interactive map is the only way to roll. Feel free to play around with it, make it your browser’s homepage, and share it with your friends and family. Soon enough we’ll be on the ground doing that route for real.

Simply plug this link in your browser:http://bit.ly/UITk6x

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6 INCREDIBLE WEEKS. 1 PAGE.

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PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES PROFILE

Capital: Ramallah (temporary administrative center of Palestinian Authority)

Population: West Bank (2.6 million), Gaza Strip (1.7 million)

Major languages: Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by settlers as well as many Palestinians), English (widely understood)

Major religion: Islam, Christianity (mainly in Bethlehem, Ramallah and their surrounding villages)

Life expectancy: 75

Exchange: Israeli New Shekel ($1=3.8 NIS)

Time Zone: 7 hours ahead of EST

Palestine. The West Bank and Gaza. The Occupied Territories. Judea and Samaria. The future Palestinian state has a long list of names, each reflecting a certain legal, political, or religious ideology. The West Bank is a small but contentious chunk of land bordered on three sides by Israel with Jordan on its Eastern border. Fatah, the more secular and progressive of Palestine’s political parties, runs the show in the West Bank while the Islamic political party Hamas has its grips on the impoverished Gaza Strip.

Theoretically Palestine is a democracy, though democratic elections in 2006 saw Fatah oust Hamas from the West Bank and Hamas oust Fatah from Gaza. Though there has been recent communication, some sort of reconciliation between the two still seems far off.

Life in the West Bank has improved dramatically over the last half decade or so. However, many people in the West Bank live in refugee camps; they were either driven from their homes in ’48 or ’67 or are descendants of those who fled their original homes during those wars. The conditions in the camps are cramped, dirty, and oftentimes heartbreaking. The camps are also typically much more conservative areas of Palestine than are the cities and are subject to frequent incursions by the Israeli military.

There is also a lot of variety to be found in the West Bank from the labyrinthine alleys of Nablus’s Old City to the bars of Ramallah and the churches of Bethlehem to the tragedy that is Hebron. There is so much to see and the one constant in the West Bank is the hospitality. If you are invited to have tea with an old shopkeeper or to share a meal in a refugee’s home, say yes!!!

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ISRAEL & PALESTINE ARE NOT THE PLACES THAT YOU MIGHT EXPECT. HERE ARE THE DETAILS.

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ISRAEL PROFILE

Capital: Jerusalem

Population: 7.6 million

Major languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English

Major religion: Judaism, Islam (small Christian, Druze, and Ba’hai minorities)

Life expectancy: 83

Exchange: Israeli New Shekel ($1=3.8 NIS)

Time Zone: 7 hours ahead of EST

Israel is a Jewish and democratic state founded in 1948. It is in perpetual conflict with many of its neighbors. The region has a long and complicated history, one that defines much of the conflict today. Some of Israel’s neighbors do not acknowledge its right to exist, which is a source of tension in the region. Israel is a very small country but the variety in people, landscape, and geography is as wide as it is beautiful. One can drive from the sunny beaches of Tel Aviv to the mountains of the Golan and back down to the religious wonders of Jerusalem, all in a day’s work. Israel is a country of contrasts. Being at the crossroads of Europe,

Africa, and Asia has left its mark on the country. There are tiny Arab villages, nomadic Bedouin communities, and wild Tel Aviv with a European vibe.

Within Israel, there is a divide and some tension between the secular population and the religious population. The Haredim, or religious Jews, study religious texts, do not serve in the army, and are supported by the government. The majority of this population resides in Jerusalem, in ultra Orthodox neighborhoods such as Mea Sharim. Liberal Tel Aviv, the “white city”, is home to a vibrant LGBT community and a very secular population that is out and about, even on Shabbat.

In recent months, and off and on since 2005, Israel has been in great conflict with Hamas and other militant groups in the Gaza Strip. November’s “Operation Pillar of Defense”, an Israeli offensive in response to rocket fire from Gaza, claimed many lives and resulted in a fragile ceasefire brokered by the U.S. and Egypt.

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we peel back the layers of both sides of the Israeli/Palestinian divide

OG Middle East Behind the Headlines l 8

GETTING IN & OUT OF THE MIDDLE EAST

WHERE WILL WE BE SLEEPING?

We’ll likely be based in a Jerusalem apartment, which will either have shared rooms or some larger open areas where we’ll sleep on mattresses. When traveling in the West Bank and other areas of Israel, we’ll be staying in hostels as well as camping. All accommodations (with the obvious exception of camping) will include a kitchen where we will almost always be doing our own cooking. Cleaning up comes along with that so be prepared for some chores and whistle while you work!

PASSPORTS

You will need a valid passport with an expiry date of no less than 8 months after your estimated time of return. If you have not done so already, you should immediately begin the process of acquiring/renewing your passport as it can take some time.

For Canadian citizens applying for a passport, visit: www.ppt.gc.caFor U.S. citizens applying for a passport, visit:

www.state.gov

VISAS

We accept people from all over the world on our programs and visa fees and requirements differ by nationality. You are responsible for having all the proper visa requirements. We advise that you confirm visa requirements directly with the embassy though we are more than happy to assist you.

FLIGHT INFORMATION

With years of experience on how to arrange flights, Operation Groundswell has found the best way is to have participants book their own flights. We’ve found that most people can find cheaper flights on their own. Also, with people coming from all over the world, we can’t put one price on it! What we want to stress is that you MUST ARRIVE INTO TEL AVIV, ISRAEL ON JUNE 23, 2013. The official end date of the trip—a.k.a. the date we will drop you off at the airport to go home - is July 28, 2013.

If you want to arrive in the country early or leave for home later, this is your call and you can book flights that meet your needs.

We suggest checking Kayak, Vayama, Expedia, Google Flights and other flight sites to get the cheapest rate.

NOTE: If you arrive before the trip begins, you will not be under the auspices of Operation Groundswell. We cannot guarantee that anyone will meet you at the airport or arrange your accommodations. You will be entirely responsible for yourself until the first day of the trip.

**IMPORTANT** You will receive an email (if you haven’t already) with a link to fill out your flight information. It is imperative that you fill this out so that we can arrange pickups on the first day of the trip.

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SLEEPING. EATING. GETTING AROUND. SPEAKING. PLAYING. WE LIVE LIKE THE LOCALS FOR THE MOST REAL EXPERIENCES.

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TRAVEL HEALTH & MEDICINE

STAYING HEALTHY ON THE GROUND

Staying healthy on your trip is one of the most important aspects of enjoying an Operation Groundswell experience. With the proper preparation beforehand and careful attention on the trip, you can minimize most health risks while still having a great time. Operation Groundswell expects every participant to meet with a travel doctor before leaving his or her country of origin. You must be up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations and equipped with any necessary medications for travel in the Middle East. While we provide a lot of recommended information here, the travel doctor will know what you absolutely need at the time of departure according to which region(s) you’re traveling to.

KEEPING US IN THE LOOP

Soon we will send you an email asking you to fill out your health information and emergency contact information. To ensure that you are in good health and physically ready for this adventure, please fill this out!

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you do not have travel insurance, don’t worry! We are partners with one of the world’s top adventure and volunteer insurance providers: Volunteer Card.

Just call 1-877-865-6877 and mention that you are with Operation Groundswell or sign up online quickly and easily here.

Representatives can assist you with a travel insurance plan to fit your needs. It should not cost you more than $60.

**IMPORTANT** You will receive an email from us (if you haven’t already) with a link to fill out your insurance details, including:

» OHIP/GHIP Number (or similar provincial/state plan)

» Insurance company/plan » Policy Number » Emergency contact number for insurance

company

REGIONALLY RELEVANT MEDICINE

Hepatitis A & BRecommended for all travelers.

TyphoidRecommended for all travelers.

Yellow feverRequired for travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas.

RabiesFor travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, or at high risk for animal bites, or involved in any activities involving contact with bats.

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given.

Tetanus-diphtheriaRevaccination recommended every 10 years.

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HEALTH & SAFETY AREOUR TOP PRIORITY.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

STAYING SAFE ON THE GROUND

As a well-established and experienced volunteer-abroad organization, Operation Groundswell takes active precautions to keep you safe and secure while overseas on your program. We take travel safety very seriously. Each section of your program undergoes a standardized risk assessment. Your trip leaders do a dry run of your trip before you arrive to confirm the nearest medical facilities and potential risks. At least one trip leader on each program has taken a Wilderness Advanced First Aid course and is fully certified by Wilderness Medical Associates. Our trip leaders are proficient in local languages (where it is necessary) and have met and discussed safety concerns with our local partners.

Each program checks in daily with our Toronto headquarters to relay important information and ensure the health and safety of participants. Our Programs Director reads regional travel warnings daily and is available 24/7 to deal with emergencies on the ground.

With that in mind, it is important to remember that every OG trip prides itself on taking you directly into the experience of living in that region. Pick pocketing, purse snatching, and various types of scams are the most common forms of crime confronting visitors. Those who limit their display of jewelry and handle their cash discreetly reduce their vulnerability to crime. Participants are advised to carry limited amounts of cash for this reason.

Since the winding down of the 2nd Palestinian Intifada and the building of the Separation Wall, suicide attacks in Israel are no longer a major issue. Security at Israeli bus and train stations is tight and the presence of heavily armed soldiers and police patrolling in Israeli cities is common. OG trip leaders and contacts on the ground will be constantly monitoring the “cease-fire” between Israel and Hamas to ensure that travel to southern Israeli towns such as Asdod and Ashkelon is safe, as these towns have been under a steady stream of rocket fire for the last 8 years. The same goes for travel to the far north of Israel and the Golan Heights, as these areas are sometimes bombarded by Hizbullah rockets or an occasional stray Syrian artillery shell.

OG and its partners are familiar with these risks and will takeall necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security

of its participants.

This includes maintaining an effective flow of information and using the knowledge of our wonderful partners, local contacts, and officials. Equally, OG trip leaders will endeavor to project an inclusive, respectful, and non-partisan image. They will be running through the entire trip prior to your arrival to ensure that everything is safe and secure. Nevertheless, trip logistics will remain under review and the itinerary flexible to unforeseen developments.

**IMPORTANT**There are also a variety of safety precautions that we require you to undertake prior to and immediately upon arrival in Tel Aviv.

First, participants should read the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trades Travel Advisory for Israel here.

NOTE: Keep in mind that government advisories provide a country-wide assessment of risks and we will provide more region-specific information.

Second, all Canadian participants are required to register with Consular Services Canada as a “Canadian Traveling Abroad.” This will allow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to contact us in case of an emergency. Please make the required registration for a trip to Israel here.

Those traveling with a U.S. passport should register here.

STAYING IN TOUCH

Internet will be available periodically for you to email home. Telephone access will be limited. Buying a local cell phone can be a more cost effective way of keeping in touch. Your team will be blogging throughout the trip so pass on the address to family and friends: www.operationgorundswell.com/og-blog. Additionally, both your trip leaders have locally serviced cell phones for emergency use. They will be in regular contact throughout the summer with OG’s Programs Director. In case of emergency, please ask your family to call OG’s Programs Director Laura Desjarlais at 647-218-3552.

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HEALTH & SAFETY AREOUR TOP PRIORITY.

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Remember: The rule of thumb is always to pack as lightly as possible!

WHAT TO PACK

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

» Passport » Extra passport photos (if you have some) » Copies of passport/tickets/credit cards (you want

extras in case you lose a document) » Customer service numbers for credit cards/

insurance » Proof of vaccinations » Student Card/ISIC Card (even if it’s expired!)

BACKPACK & DAYPACK

Because we’re not wheelie-baggers, we’re backpackers! We recommend going to an outdoor adventure store and getting a pack fitted to you. Most people should only need a 45-65L pack. Try a bunch on and compare prices to find one that is right. You could also borrow from a friend!

It is also important to bring a daypack for short trips and daily use. Also, you’ll probably want to have room in your bag so you can pick things up along the way like weavings, coffee, or books.

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PACK YOUR BAG, THEN REMOVE HALF OF IT AS YOU PROBABLY WON’T NEED MOST OF IT.

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PACKING LIST CON’T...

OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS

» Sleeping bag (lightweight, not too bulky) » 1 bath towel (Quick-dry adventure towels) » Flashlight (headlamps are popular) » Min. 1 reusable water bottle » A pocket knife (do not pack in carry-on luggage) » Sleeping pad, e.g. Thermarest (highly

recommended)

GENERAL CLOTHING

» 5-6 pairs of underwear » 5-6 pairs of socks » 1-2 pairs of shorts (ladies, please try to keep them

knee length, short shorts don’t go over too well in some areas and we want to be culturally sensitive)

» 3-4 t-shirts/tank-tops (revealing clothing isn’t your best bet but we also know that it lets damn hot during the day so try to keep a balance)

» 1 or 2 pairs of jeans or khakis and a nice shirt/polo for when we meet community leaders/important folk

» 1 longer sleeve shirt as it can get cold at night and it’s good to layer

» 1 sweater - A good quality fleece is great because it is warm but LIGHT.

» One waterproof jacket (a shell that you can layer a sweater underneath is probably the best!)

» A hat to protect you from the sun

OTHER CLOTHING ITEMS

» Min. 1 bathing suit (Note: modesty is your friend) » 1 pair of sunglasses (optional) » Belt » Running/athletic gear

Remember we are doing some projects involving manual labor, working outside with children, hiking in the Negev desrt, and depending on your ITT plans you could be on a beach in Sinai or walking through the wonders of Petra. The weather in Israel and the Palestinian Territories is quite hot during the summer, with highs frequently in the mid 30s (degree celsius). It can get chilly at night time in the higher elevated areas (the hills above Nablus and Ramallah) as well as in the Negev Desert.

SHOES

If you buy new shoes, break them in before the trip » 1 pair of sturdy hiking boots/trail shoes » 1 pair of water proof shoes/sandals » 1 pair comfortable casual/dress shoe (optional)

PERSONAL HYGIENE & TOILETRIES

» Regular hygiene items - e.g., soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, etc. (Note: these are all readily available locally in smaller quantities and at a cheaper price if you would rather buy them down there. Another good option is bringing small quantities to begin with and refilling once in-country)

» Vitamins, painkillers, cold medicines, etc. » Toothbrush/toothpaste » 1 Extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts (if

required) » Contact solution if needed » Tampons and pads (it is always a good idea to

bring more than enough tampons though you can buy this in country)

» Sunscreen & lip balm » Bug spray & after-bite » Immodium/Pepto Bismol (You will want this) » 6 week supply of prescription medicine (i.e.

Diarrhea meds) » If you have asthma and you need a puffer,

bring it, even if you rarely use it. Same goes for allergies and EpiPens.

» All trip leaders are equiped with First Aid Kits, so although it is useful to have basics like advil/tylenol -- you do not need to pack a pharmacy.

OTHER NICE-TO-HAVE ITEMS

» Oil of Oregano (This stuff does wonders on the immune system and might just make the trip that much more pleasant! Tastes awful, but it works. You can find it at health supplement/vitamin stores.)

» Watch (fairly cheap and water-resistant/proof) » Pajamas » Handkerchiefs or Bandanas » Money belt/discreet wallet » Digital camera (No need for a computer as we will

have internet access on occasion) » Journal & Pen » Decks of Cards » Books » Dictionary (pocket size) » Ziploc bags for your books/documents » Travel Guide » Music (but be aware MP3 Players, especially iPods,

can be targets for theft) » Instruments (Harmonica or something small and

portable.) » Comfort foods (favorite snacks)

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MONEY

IT’S EASY TO GET AROUND RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVELY ON AN OG TRIP. WHAT YOU SPEND IS REALLY UP TO YOU.

The trip fees cover the costs of accommodations, food, transport, and the excursions that we will be doing (such as trekking). They do NOT cover any personal expenses, such as souvenirs, that occasional beer, or that delicious local snack you buy every time you see it! For these instances, you will want to bring some spending money. Here are some guidelines for money in the Middle East:

We recommend that you bring $50-$100 USD (don’t carry too much). You can conveniently change your cash into Israeli shekels at either Ben Gurion International Airport or at a money changer in Jerusalem.

It is also important to remember that while food, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs are relatively cheap in the West Bank, prices in many Israeli cities are more along the lines of what you’d find in big cities in the U.S. or Canada.

MONEY TIPS

» Leave any traveler’s cheques and Canadian money at home. They are problematic to cash or exchange.

» VISA is the most widely accepted credit card (where credit cards are accepted). Many restaurants, bars, etc. in Israel will accept credit cards. However, cash is your best bet in the West Bank.

» Debit is also an effective option. ATM/ABMs are widespread and can dispense up to $200 USD equivalent. There is a transaction charge of approx. $2.50-$5.00 USD, but they are the most convenient and safest option.

» Call your bank and inform them of your travel plans so they don’t place a hold on your account when they see money being withdrawn in a foreign country (you do NOT want this to happen).

» Money, Interac/Credit Cards, etc. should NOT be carried in any one location and we recommend using money belts/discreet wallets.

MONEY THINGS. CHANCES ARE SOMETHING IN ONE OF THE VIBRANT LOCAL MARKETS WILL CATCH YOUR EYE.

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CULTURAL DO’S AND DO NOT’S

There are a wide range of cultural norms and views in Israel and the Palestinian Territories that we need to be aware of and be willing to adapt to.

DO...

» Dress conservatively. Many Israeli and Palestinians adherents of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are quite conservative. We need to respect those beliefs and the many holy places we’ll be visiting (even if it is crazy hot!).

» Step outside of our comfort zone! Eat something you’re not used to, wear something you don’t want to, make a fool of yourself to fit in!

» Dance a traditional Palestinian or Israeli dance. » Keep public displays of affection and the showing

of skin (stomach, legs) to a minimum. » Ask questions before making statements. » Be respectful of all of the people you meet

along the way. We’ll be having group meetings and guest speakers throughout our trip so we’ll all have the chance to share our thoughts and opinions and learn from one another.

DO NOT...

» Do not smoke in public places in the West Bank, especially for you ladies! This will more than likely invite unwanted attention and perhaps a stern rebuke from a total stranger.

» Many Muslim women will not shake hands with a male non-relative. As a male, when meeting Muslim women in the West Bank, the rule of thumb is to let them act first. You may find a handshake waiting for you, but often times you won’t. Letting them make the first move will avoid an embarrassing situation for the both of you.

» Don’t put all your money and credit/debit cards in one place. Have a few locations only you know about.

» Don’t leave your bag or purse unattended, especially in markets and on buses. It’s smart to wrap the straps around your legs if you plan on snoozing.

» Always follow Rule Number Eight: Don’t be a twat. (Most cultural “do nots” are common sense. Be polite, be courteous and have a great time!)

THE BEST WAY TO FIT IN IS TO DO AS THE LOCALS DO.

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HEBREW FOR DUMMIES

Hello:Shalom

What’s up?: Ma Koreh

Please: Bevakasha

Thank You: Toda

Good, ok, alright: Beseder

Yes/No: Ken/Lo

Stop or enough: Dai

How much (does this cost?): Kama ze ole?

Awesome, splendid, cool, amazing: Sababa

I would like a falafel sandwich in a pita with everything on it: Falafel beh pita im ha kol, bevakasha

ARABIC FOR DUMMIES Hello: Salam

How are you?:Ki fek?

ExcellentMumtaz

Please:Min fudlik

Thank you:Shukran

You’re welcome:Afwan Yes/No: Aiwa (or Na’am)/La

Stop or enough:Khalas

How much is?B’addeesh...

What is your name?Shu ismek (male)/ Shu ismak (female)?

My name is...Ismi...(your name)

LIVING IN THE LANGUAGE.

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WHO WE’RE WORKING WITH

RABBIS FOR HUMAN RIGHTSwww.rhr.org.il/eng

RHR is an organization that brings together volunteers, activists, rabbis, and rabbinical students. It was founded in 1988 and has, since its inception, been active in advocating for the rights of marginalized members of society, in defending the rights of minorities and foreign workers in Israel, and of protecting the rights of Palestinians in the West Bank. The organization puts pressure on the policy makers in Israel to protect the human rights of vulnerable groups, including the right to medical care, shelter, education, and minimal living standards. Since RHR’s inception, thousands of volunteers have participated in hundreds of actions aimed at achieving justice in the State. RHR roots its work in 2 main sources: the humanistic Jewish tradition and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Naseej Center (Nablus Association for Community and Social Development)

Naseej is a Palestinian-established and Palestinian-run non-profit organization established in 2008 with the vision of contributing to the progress of the society through education and peace-building amongst all strata of society. The organization has several centers in Nablus and in some of the surrounding villages. Much of their work focuses on enriching the lives of Nablus’s more vulnerable, including women, children, and the disabled. They run libraries, computer labs, sports teams, dance groups, and education centers.

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WE RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF OUR LOCAL PARTNERS.

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KNOWING STUFF MAKES YOU SMARTER

RESOURCES BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

BOOKS

Walking Israel by Martin Fletcher

Jerusalem: A Biography by Simon Sebag Montefiore

The Zionist Idea edited by Arthur Hertzberg

Palestinian Walks by Raja Shehadeh

How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less by Sarah Glidden

News

www.haaretz.com

www.timesofisrael.com

www.jpost.com

FILMS

Israel vs. Israel (2011)

Paradise Now (2005)

The Lemon Tree (2009)

YOUTUBE CLIPS

Promises: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLKaK036hY

Hadag Nachash (political commentary song):www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIbjpev6U5s

Translation of Hadag Nachash www.hebrewsongs.com/song-shirathasticker.htm

MUSIC

Matisyahu: American Orthodox Jewish raggae artist

Dam Rap: Arab-Israeli rappers from Lod

Moshe Ben Ari: Israeli musician, lyricist, and composer

Machina: Popular rock band

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TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OPEN YOUR MIND AND SOAK UP EVERYTHING YOU CAN.

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FINAL CHECKLIST

Don’t panic! We’ve gone through each point in this package!

¨ Make sure you have a valid passport! You must have a passport valid 8 months after your expected date of departure.

¨ Make an appointment with your travel doctor ASAP and make sure you’re up to date with your vaccinations.

¨ Fill out your health and emergency contact form (sent to you via email).

¨ Book your flight ASAP!! You are responsible for booking your own flight. Double check with your trip leader before booking to make sure that you arrive on the right day and time.

¨ Let us know your flight details so that our trip leaders know when to pick you up (form sent to you via email).

¨ Pay your final installment.

¨ Get travel insurance.

¨ Have all of your vaccinations at least three weeks before your trip.

¨ Sign online waiver (Will be sent to you via e-mail).

¨ GET EXCITED!!!

>>

Final checklist for the adventure of a lifetime.

OG Middle East Behind the Headlines l 19

GET READY

SUMMER.

BACKPACK

PURPOSE

ALL OF THE PHOTOS IN THIS BOOK ARE

MEMOrIES CAPTURED BY OG ALUMNI

WITH A

THIS

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