Law Internship in Palestine - Intern at a Law Firm

I am a twenty-two year old female from America. I study International Relations and French in the United States. I came to Palestine briefly in the beginning of the year and really loved it. I knew that I needed to return, but I wanted to stay in a capacity larger than just tourism—to be truly engrained in the culture and way of life here.That is why I chose the Palestinian Center’s Law Program. It allowed me to stay with a host family, live like a Palestinian, and meet local people every day. The Law Program truly opened my eyes to what life is like under the occupation and how Palestinian law operates underneath Israel’s control. I was able to meet with many different lawyers, go to court, attend classes in the College of Law at the University of Hebron, and meet with many different human rights organizations. In addition, if there was anything else that I was interested in doing, the Palestinian Center (Go Palestine) was very happy to organize it for me. I toured two different hospitals and traveled to Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem with the Center’s help. The kindness of the Palestinian people exceeded expectations—everyone I met ensured that I felt welcomed and content. Everyone would drop everything to help me or assist me in anyway. I felt very, very safe in Palestine, and especially Hebron. I recommend this program to absolutely anyone interested in Palestinian law and Palestinian life in general.

Hello, my name is Alex, and I'm from the United States. I had the privilege of participating in the Lawyers in Palestine program, where I spent an unforgettable month in Palestine. My time there was nothing short of incredible. The people were overwhelmingly kind even in these hard times, always ready to lend a hand and make sure I was well taken care of, happy, and enjoying my experience. The hospitality here is unmatched. Throughout the program, every day was filled with new learning and adventures. I met numerous lawyers, attended court sessions, and even visited hospitals and schools. I had the unique opportunity to sit in on a class at the College of Law at Hebron University, where I was able to engage with the Dean and other students. Beyond my academic experiences, the Go Palestine team organized excursions to Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah, and other smaller cities around Hebron. I also met with various human rights organizations that gave me valuable insights into the complexities of the Israeli occupation and Palestinian law. One of the things that stood out to me most was the legal system in Palestine. There is such a fascinating and intricate mix of laws at play Israeli law, British Mandate law, Jordanian law, Sharia law, and civil law. It was eye-opening to see how all these different legal frameworks interact, and the Go Palestine program made sure I had the chance to meet experts from each area to understand how they shape the daily lives of Palestinians. Throughout my stay, I always felt safe. Even when traveling through checkpoints, I was well-informed about the procedures and knew exactly what to expect. I would encourage everyone to visit Palestine, and if you're unsure about how to go about it, I highly recommend the Go Palestine program. They made me feel like family, and they will do the same for you.

I don't know where to start. The Palestinian people are warm, the landscapes are beautiful, and every day brought something new to discover. At the center, I made great memories, met amazing people, and gained insight into Palestinian life. Through the program, I visited lawyers, courtrooms, and human rights NGOs, learning about the unique legal system and the important work being done for local communities. What stood out most was the culture, history, and people's hospitality of the people. Despite common misconceptions, I felt completely safe throughout my stay. I highly recommend visiting Palestine and joining the law program.