What am I expected to do as a volunteer with ISM?
ISM is a Palestinian led organisation. That means that we respond to Palestinians calls for protective presence. This could be being present at demonstrations, i.e. take photos and videos, be visible to Israel forces to let them know their actions are recorded. It could be staying in a family`s house if they are being targeted by settlers or soldiers, again as a protective presence – bearing witness and recording breaches of human rights. Accompanying children on their way to school. Being present in villages which are facing demolition, farming communities where water pipes are being destroyed etc. During the olive harvest, which is in September/October we provide a protective present to farmers who’s harvest is frequently disrupted by settlers and soldiers.
Sharing our experiences is an important part of our work. We take photos, write reports and journals, which are shared on this page and through our social media. Volunteers are also encouraged to contact media in their home countries, to get stories published. When returning to their respective countries, volunteers are encouraged to talk about their experiences, through interviews and talks. Sharing what we witness with the world is immensely important!
Will I be in any danger?
Because of the nature of the `job` you will be facing dangerous situations, but if you feel uncomfortable or scared you are encouraged to pull back. You will never go to an action by yourself, nor will you be expected to go if you feel it is outside your comfort level. The Israeli army use teargas, stun grenades, rubber coated steel bullets and live ammunition on the civilian population and they do so `generously`. There may also be situations where you come face to face with settlers, who are known to be particularly aggressive and sometimes violent. As an international worker you are of less risk of becoming a target – but this do not mean it is risk free!
Prior to joining ISM you will receive thorough training on how to deal with and behave in dangerous situations.
Where in Palestine will I be based? Can I choose myself?
Depending on how many volunteers there are at the time you join and where the need is strongest you will most probably be based in Ramallah or Hebron. During olive harvest we also have bases in the farming communities in Nablus Salfit and Hebron regions. If you have a preference ISM will do their best to accommodate them.
Training is in the beginning of each month, if I come mid-month can I still join ISM and stay in one of the apartments?
Yes, you can. If you are only able to come mid-month, you can still join other experienced volunteers in actions – whilst receiving basic training beforehand.
What preparation do I need to make before traveling?
If there is a local support group in your country, we encourage you to make contact with them for a conversation prior to departure. Otherwise it is up to you. We would encourage you to learn some basic arabic phrases, it is not a must – but it will make your transition a little easier. Read reports and updates on this site to familiarise yourself with the work of ISM. If you have the possibility it is also good to create a network of journalists in your own country, whom you can contact whilst here. You do not necessarily have to contact them and inform them of your travel (!), but collecting contact details of journalists whom you know have previously written fair accounts of the situation in Palestine, can be very useful once you get here. Contact details of your embassy in Israel and Palestine.
What do I need to bring?
The only `must` is to have a phone with a camera or a separate camera to record events that you will be witnessing. Otherwise, items which will make your life a bit easier as a volunteer are:
- Laptop – as we do write reports and journals, it will make it easier for you if you bring your own laptop. We have one communal laptop in each location.
- Sleeping bag – you may have nights where you sleep outside the base, this could be in bedouin villages or in people’s houses, so you may want to bring a sleeping bag. We often get provided with blankets etc. in the communities where we spend nights.
- Running shoes or shoes that you can move fast in.
- Some people bring swimming goggles to protect their eyes against teargas.
- A headlamp can be useful and a small backpack to bring with you on actions and if staying overnight.
Expect to make many friends in the local communities, which means you may be invited to weddings or other festivities, so a shirt or a dress might come in useful.
What assistance can I expect if I get arrested or if I get hurt?
You will receive thorough training on your legal rights prior to joining an action. Should you get detained or arrested during an ISM action, you will be provided with an experienced human rights lawyer working on your behalf. If in exceptional circumstance, the legal bill is very high – then we would ask you to participate in fundraising to cover it.
With regards to medical expenses should you get ill or hurt, this needs to be covered by your own travel insurance. Please check with your travel insurance provider prior to departure, to make sure you have appropriate cover.
Is the ISM affiliated with any political party?
No. The ISM is not affiliated with any one political party. The movement is open to all individuals and groups who choose nonviolent direct-action and other forms of unarmed resistance as a method for confronting and challenging the Israeli occupation. We work with grassroots community organizations, town and village councils, NGOs and Palestinian political parties.
The ISM is not funded by any Palestinian political party, nor by the Palestinian Authority. Funds are raised from private citizens in communities around the world, primarily in the US and Europe. If you want to support the work ISM does, please consider a financial donation.
Do you have a question that you feel should be included here? If so please contact us with your question.