General Information

VOLUNTEERING IN BETHLEHEM

The abilities that you have are greatly appreciated and can be used for a short time or longer time while here you can:

1.      Do property maintenance

2.      Do clerical/office work

3.      Teach English, German or other languages in the school

4.      Teach fine arts in the school

5.      Talk with local residents who participate in ICB programs in your language to improve their understanding and conversation skills

6.      Introduce visitors/tourists to the International Center and the school

Ask what special skills are needed for the time you can volunteer

Visa:  You can stay ninety (90) days or less on a visitor's visa which is acquired at airport customs when you arrive.  Expect to be questioned by customs officers when you arrive at the airport and state that you will be going to Bethlehem.  If you wish to remain longer than ninety days, you can apply for an extension to your visa or leave, the country for a few days, maybe going to Cyprus or another country, and then return for another ninety (90) days.   Ask the International Center Bethlehem (ICB) for more information if you wish to have an extended stay.

TIME OF VOLUNTEERING:

The longer period of time you can stay, the more satisfying you will find the experience.  The long trip leaves you with the need for several days for the adjustment to the difference in time and food/water.  It will also take some time to determine how and where you can best be of service.

TRANSPORTATION TO BEN GURION AIRPORT/TEL AVIV:

 This is the responsibility of the volunteer and is best arranged by them.   The use of a good travel agent can save you money, give you the best routes, and assist you with any special needs you may have.  Check on the allowance of luggage you may bring - number and weight.

 TRANSPORTATION TO BETHLEHEM: This is best arranged by the International Center of Bethlehem, since they have access to the taxi, bus or personal transportation.  Determine before leaving on your flight if there is any cost and how it will be paid.

 HOUSING IN BETHLEHEM:  In most cases, this will be arranged by ICB according to availability and your needs.  An apartment with cooking and laundry facilities, furnished with furniture, linens, dishes, and cooking utensils, is the usual arrangement.  Prices vary, but expect to pay around $400.00/month plus utilities for a nice, two bedroom apartment.  You may be asked to share the apartment if other volunteers need housing, but it is your choice to house them and you would share the rent.  You may be asked to share an apartment with someone already here and you will determine if this arrangement is satisfactory.

CLIMATE IN BETHLEHEM:  This is an arid climate with rain during the winter months of November, December, January and February.  The average high and low temperatures are:

(Max/C.  F.)(Min/C.  F.)(Rain)

Oct.-Dec.       23.8  75       14.5  58   5.5

Jan-Mar.       14     57       7.5   45    22"

Apr-June       26.6  80        15.5  60  1.8

July-Sep        31     90       20.6  69      0

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU:

1.      Any needed prescription medications

2.      An additional copy of your passport and medical insurance for the ICB files

3.      Clothing suitable for the climate when you are here.  Shorts are not worn on the streets of Bethlehem even when it is very warm.  Western style clothing is typical dress for most people.  Most women do wear slacks.  You will probably need:  a suit or dress, casual no-iron attire, a pair of jeans, good shoes for walking, jacket or sweater, hats, swimming suit for dips in the Dead Sea or Mediterranean Sea, backpack, fannypack , or carrying bag, camera & lots of film.  You can purchase nearly all the toilet articles you need here as well as over-the-counter medications, but bring them and leave them so you have room for souvenirs.  You might bring items of clothing also that you could leave so you have luggage room on the way back.  Washcloths are not commonly furnished.

4.       Electric current converter.  Electrical appliances here need 220 volts as compared to 110 volts in the U.S.  The plugs are very different.

5.      A flashlight would be very useful. The electrical current goes out frequently, usually at night.

6.      Alarm clock, not electric.

7.      Radio - you can get BBC here very well in English.  Tape recorder would be helpful for recording the special sounds you hear in Bethlehem - bells, market place, etc.  Binoculars would be   helpful.

8.      A dictionary of Arabic words would assist you in communicating with the Palestinian people.

FINANCIAL ITEMS:  Do not plan to set up a bank account if you are here for a long-term volunteer time (over one month).  The banks are not convenient or the best rate of exchange.  Bring as much cash (US currency)  as comfortable for you.  You can exchange US money for New Israel Shekels (NIS) at the money changers with almost no commission, and money changers are plentiful in the city.  The money changers take about 2 1/2% commission on travelers checks.  Credit cards are not taken at most shops, only hotels and their restaurants.  ATM cards can be used in Jerusalem, but not in Bethlehem as of Fall, 2000.  The ATM machine in Jerusalem is located outside the bank at 21 Jaffa St, three blocks north of Jaffa Gate, on the left side of the street.  You can exchange money at the airport money changers upon arrival, but they charge a high commission, so plan on larger exchanges when you arrive in Bethlehem.  Some shops will accept checks from other countries so you  may want to bring those with you and the ICB will accept them for payment of services you need from them.

SHOPPING IN BETHLEHEM AND OTHER AREAS:

Usually prices are not marked on goods, and the prices are almost always negotiable.  Ask before buying, how many shekels, then purchase, ,or walk away, although if you stand around, the price may change.  Inform shop owners that you are working at the ICB or Christmas Church and you may

receive a more fair price from some shops.  It is best to buy bottled water, although some use the tap water with no side effects.  It is best purchased by the case at a supermarket.  If you wish to purchase a more expensive item, it is best to ask a Palestinian friend to accompany you to discuss  the purchase and to negotiate the price.  

You will find food plentiful in the shops and markets, although you may find higher prices than America, especially for meats, milk, cheese, juice and American brand of items.  Paints and finishes of U.S. quality are difficult to locate and you will pay about twice the price.    In Bethlehem, many of the shops are closed on Fridays for the Muslim holy day and Sunday for the Christian holy day.  In Jerusalem you will find many shops closed on Saturday for the Jewish holy day.  Plan your shopping accordingly.

   The following shops and business in Bethlehem are some that are  recommended.  The numbers will correspond with location on the map that is included with the guidelines:

1.      A'la Supermarket

2.      Market across from Grand Hotel

3.      Bakeries with Arabic breads are numerous, this is the Italian bakery.

4.      City Market with fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats, operates mostly on Saturdays.   Supermarket at entrance to market place is good for purchasing milk and juice.

5.      Gourmet selection of cookies.

6.      Post office, lower level

7.      Banks

8.      Electronics Store - be sure to mention ICB.

9.      Stationery Supplies and Copying, book repair supplies

10.Electrical supplies'

11.Keys, Locks, Hardware

12.Paint & hardware

13.Garden plants and supplies

14.Garden plants and supplies

15.Large plumbing supply - top quality

16.Smaller plumbing supply-less expensive goods

17.Cabinet equipment, handles, etc.

18.Grand Hotel

19.Shepherd Hotel

20.Jacir Palace Intercontinental Hotel

21.Ruins Restaurant

The Cave Gift Shop is operated by ICB and is located near the main offices.  It has a wonderful selection of Palestinian products, many are produced in the workshop operated by ICB. 

TRAVEL IN BETHLEHEM:

Walking is the best method of transportation and may be all you need.   You can get an International Driving License at AAA in the USA before you come which would enable you to drive here.  The school is a thirty (30) minute walk from ICB so you may want public  bus which should cost 1 NIS (shekel) or one of the long yellow taxis for 1 1/2 (shekel) NIS.  These were the prices in fall, 2000.  Be sure to ask the taxi how much before getting in, or just get in and hand the driver 1 1/2 NIS after the taxi leaves.  These prices are from the intersection of Paul VI St. and Nasser St.

TRAVEL TO JERUSALEM:  The best forms of transportation are the bus which costs 2 NIS or the white "service" taxi or mini-van with yellow license plates, available at Paul St. and Hebron Rd. for 3 NIS.  This is most economical since a taxi pick-up at your residence would cost 40-50 NIS for one way transportation.  Do not ask a Bethlehem resident to take you to Jerusalem since they have difficulty getting through the checkpoints.   One resident of Bethlehem has only made the trip to Jerusalem four times in his lifetime of 40 years because of the harassment he encounters at the checkpoint.  Jerusalem is only six miles from Bethlehem.  You, as a tourist, can usually travel easily in both Palestine and Israel since both groups desire your tourist dollars. During times of conflict, it may be more difficult, but the ICB and local residents will assist you in making decisions as to whether is is safe to go out of the city. It may take you a little longer at customs or checkpoints since your destination is Bethlehem which is in Palestine, an autonomous area of the West Bank.

RESTAURANTS:  The hotels have fine restaurants.  The Mariachi at the Grand Hotel, on Paul VI St., offers Mexican food at about $20.00 for two. The Shepherd Hotel, on Nasser St. and the Ruins Restaurant on Manger Square offer delicious local cuisine at about the same price.  Exceptional food and service can be obtained at the Jacir Palace Intercontinental Hotel on Hebron Rd. for about $40.00 for two.  There are many small restaurants on the streets which are wonderful to try.  Be sure to try the shawarma for $2.00, Qubba (meat in a pastry), sfiha   at 12 for $4.00.  The salads and kabobs with pita bread are most delicious.

WORSHIP:  Church services at Christmas Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, are at 10:30 a.m.  Much of the service is in Arabic, so bring your Bible so you can read along with the lessons.  You can meditate during  the sermon.  It is easy to follow the order of service - hymns, confession of sins, creed,  Scripture readings, Kyrie, Lord's Prayer,  benediction, etc. and speak it in English.  You may wish to attend Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jerusalem at 9:00 a.m. where services are always in English.  Again, you can take the  bus or 'service' to Jerusalem for  two or three shekels, get off at the Jaffa Gate and walk a few blocks to the church.  The service is in a side chapel.  You might wish to climb the stairs to the top of the tower for a wonderful view of Jerusalem.  There is a minimal charge for the entrance to the tower.

TOURING IN THE HOLY LAND:  The Authentic Tour Guide classes that meet at the center usually take field trips every Friday.  You may be able to accompany them on their trips.  The person in charge of this activity is Andreas Kuntz.  If the political situation is not safe, you will be informed.  These are excellent informative tours and also give you the experience of communicating with the Palestinian people.  A tour agency that leaves from Jerusalem is the Mazada Tours, 623-5777.   They provide tours of different lengths to various sites and longer trips to Egypt.  A Palestinian tour service, Alternative Tours,05-286-4205, offers a number of one-day trips at reasonable prices.

STAFF MEETINGS:  Volunteers are included at staff meetings which are set for the most convenient for all.