Summary of Requirements
- Must be an American citizen of Arab background
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Enrolled or have graduated from a program of higher education in good academic standing
- Demonstrate leadership skills
- Must not have participated in a Palestinian education trip prior to your applying to the Homeland Project
- Have not lived in Palestine for more than 2 consecutive years, past the age of 12
- If one has a Palestinian Identification card (hawiyya), He/She must physically possess the card and provide a copy upon submitting the application
- No criminal record
Homeland Project Frequently Asked Questions
How will participants be chosen? What are you looking for in candidates
Applications will be reviewed anonymously on a rolling basis by our application committee. Top applicants will be offered an interview and then ten outstanding applicants will be selected to participate in the program. Determinations will be made based on a thorough review and assessment of the application, project proposal, CV, and letter of recommendation (if submitted). The committee will select applicants based on their leadership qualities, commitment to service, eagerness to learn more about Palestine, and their potential to advocate for and raise awareness about the Palestinian cause.
Do I need to be fluent in Arabic to participate in this trip?
Although it would be helpful, fluency in Arabic is not required for participants. Although the majority of our activities will be in English, translation will be available for presentations and discussions that are carried out in Arabic.
Are non-Palestinians eligible for this trip?
Yes! All Arab-Americans are welcome and encouraged to apply
I am not an American citizen. Am I eligible to apply?
At this time, we are only accepting applicants who are American citizens
I have a hawiyya (Palestinian Identification card). Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, individuals with Palestinian Identification cards and/or passports are eligible to apply. If you have a hawiyya number and do not have the actual card, we discourage you from applying. However, if you have a hawiyya number and hawiyya card we encourage you to apply, though it is not a necessity. Please provide all information regarding your hawiyya status in the “About You” section of your application. Unfortunately, if you have a Hawiyya from Gaza, you are ineligible to apply.
What happens if I am denied the ability to visit a certain area because of my hawiyya?
We are going to work on applying for permits (Tasareeh) for all those who carry a hawiyya; however if we are unable to get the permits, we will have an alternate plan for those who have travel restrictions. At least one chaperone will be present at all times
When should I expect to hear back regarding the status of my application?
Final applicants will be notified by May 15, 2020
Can I leave the rest of the group to visit a family member or visit a site on my own?
Due to the nature of this trip, we expect all participants to stay with the group and follow the itinerary for the duration of the program. We will be providing a free day in the itinerary where family visits can be done.
Given the instability of the region, what happens in case of an emergency/security situation?
The safety of our participants is our number one priority. Organizers will be constantly monitoring conditions at all destinations of the itinerary throughout the trip. We will make every effort to avoid unsafe areas and will adjust the itinerary as necessary. Additionally, in the event an emergency situation arises, the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem and/or the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv will be contacted for assistance
What happens if I am not permitted to enter at the border?
Will be discussed in the interview
How can I prepare in advance for this trip?
Before applying, participants are highly recommended to attend PACC's conference or PACC’s Freedom is the Future course. If they missed it, participants chosen will be required to watch the video recordings of the conference and classes
What expenses are covered by the Homeland Project?
If chosen, the participant will cover the travel cost which includes airfare and border crossing fees. The Homeland Project will cover all other expenses which include lodging, on-ground travel accommodations, breakfast, lunch and any attraction fees that are part of our program
How is the Homeland Project funded?
The Homeland Project was made possible by the generosity of private donors.
Why is PACC sponsoring this trip?
PACC saw the need for a program that would educate young Arab Americans and strengthen their connection to Palestine. Although there are plenty of other ways one can learn more about Palestine, we aspired to create a program that would allow participants to personally experience the vibrant culture of Palestine and learn about its history first hand. The establishment of the Palestinian American Community Center was based on the values of serving our local community and those back home in Palestine. Our aim to build the bridge between both communities is brought to life through The Homeland Project. We're taking our local youth to Palestine to establish a bond that is guaranteed to last a lifetime
Is this a partisan trip? Does the Homeland Project align itself with a certain political party or seek to promote a certain political stance?
The Homeland Project does not promote or align itself with any political party or stance. The Homeland Project is being supported by PACC, which is a strictly non-political and non-religious nonprofit organization
Can I make a donation in support of the Homeland Project?
Yes! Your support and generosity for this extremely important initiative is much appreciated. Please donate by visiting PACC's donation page and indicate that this donation is meant for the Homeland Project.
If I am already in Palestine at the time of the program, can I join the trip?
If you are already in Palestine, you must still go through the application process and be selected to participate in the program. Please make a note of this somewhere on your application. We are going to be opening up a certain number of seats to people who are already in Palestine; however, this will be a seperate application process and will not include accomodations. If you are interested, please email [email protected]
Will men and women have separate housing arrangements?
Yes, men and women will be housed in separated areas
How can I stay updated about PACC’s other events and programs?
I have another question that wasn’t addressed here. Who should I contact?