Amid conflict and adversity, a Singaporean finds resilience and warmth in the Palestinian community.
Atikah Syarah’s journey began with a simple mission: to teach English in a Palestinian refugee camp. The 33-year-old Singaporean volunteer stepped into a world far removed from her expectations, where bare concrete buildings replaced the canvas tents typically associated with refugee camps.
The Al-Fawwar Refugee Camp, located south of Hebron, houses over 12,000 people—descendants of those displaced by the Arab-Israeli conflicts. These structures, initially temporary shelters built in 1956, now serve as permanent homes. Despite decades of turmoil, the community continues to find ways to create a sense of normalcy, even as the Israeli occupation shapes every aspect of their daily lives.
Finding Resilience Amid Conflict
Atikah’s volunteer work at The Excellence Centre and periodic teaching in Al-Fawwar offered her an up-close view of the challenges and resilience of Palestinians. Students, many from families displaced by violence, show an eagerness to learn that reflects their hope for a better future.
Education, even in conflict zones, becomes a pathway to opportunity. Literacy rates in Palestine are among the highest globally, and Atikah’s students mirror this thirst for knowledge, often arriving hours early to their lessons.
“The younger students know no life outside the occupation,” Atikah explains. “But they still go to school, spend time with friends, and build families despite everything.”
A Life-Altering Perspective
Leaving Singapore’s comforts for the conflict-stricken region wasn’t an easy decision for Atikah. After saving for a year and preparing emotionally, she took a sabbatical to experience life in Palestine. Her parents, initially concerned, supported her journey as a step toward growth.
Her time in Hebron came with cultural challenges, such as mastering the Palestinian dialect of Arabic and adjusting to a more communal way of life. “The warmth and hospitality of Palestinians were overwhelming,” she recalls, recounting evenings spent breaking fast with locals who shared their limited resources generously.
The Stark Reality of Occupation
Even amid warm hospitality, stark reminders of the conflict are unavoidable. Military checkpoints dominate the landscape, creating barriers to movement and daily life. Atikah herself experienced the dehumanizing scrutiny of such checkpoints, an experience she describes as stressful but minor compared to what Palestinians endure regularly.
More recent events, including escalated violence between Israel and Hamas, have further impacted her students’ lives. Restricted movement and blocked city gates mean many are unable to attend school or access basic healthcare.
Lessons Beyond Borders
Now volunteering in Lebanon, Atikah continues her mission to support refugees, bringing with her a deeper understanding of resilience and humanity in the face of adversity. “Living in Palestine taught me much more than what’s portrayed in the media,” she reflects.
Amid the ongoing challenges, Atikah remains inspired by the generosity and spirit of the Palestinian people. “The warmth of the Palestinians is unforgettable,” she shares. “Everyone should experience it at least once.”
