The conflicts between Israel and Palestine are a primary factor for countless tragedies and heartache. But there are two women that are trying to combat the violence in a peaceful manner.

Dunya Alwan and Hannah Mermelstein have created Birthright Unplugged, a nonprofit tour company that organizes trips to help visitors understand the true people and reality of the area.

Both Dunya and Hanna are Jewish and have many years of experience working on social issues. They hope that with their tours, peace will be created through education and understanding.

Birthright Unplugged offers two different trips:

1. Their main trip is for any Westerner, Jewish or not. The cost is between US$350 and $500, based on a sliding scale (that includes everything except airfare). The focus is to help people meet and learn about the lives of Palestinians. Six days are spent meeting the local people, hearing their stories and visiting the ruins of lost villages. Guests will stay with Palestinian families, in their homes, learning the customs. The true feelings of these people are learned through the locals themselves. The itinerary includes meeting different people, seeing landmarks and cultural activities, to help the guests become a part of their surroundings.

   After the six days of cultural immersion the guests are welcome to help continue the project of peace, with fundraisers, sponsored trips, etc, between Palestinians and Israelis with assistance from Birthright, if desired.

2. The other program that Birthright offers is for the children of Palestine. These children live in refugee camps and are the offspring of the exiles that once lived in what is now Israel. Because of the inability to travel outside the camp walls, these children have never set foot in the world beyond. The program introduces them to new and important cultural aspects of themselves. The two day program starts out visiting the city of Jerusalem. The children are allowed to view the city from high rooftops, visit holy sites and browse the outdoor markets. Afterward they travel to the sea for the first look of their lives at the salty expanse of water. That night, they are able to sleep by the sea in the homes of Palestinians living in Israel. The second day, the children visit their families villages that were fled from in 1948. Upon returning to their refugee camp, the children organize an exhibit of the photos and keepsakes found on the trip. The village shares in the children’s documentation of their trip with song, story and dance, helping the young learn about their heritage. The exhibit is then offered to organizations to help spread the word of peace.

Birthright Unplugged is created on the belief that all people deserve peace and happiness in their lives. With these tours, tourists and locals alike are bonding together to create a better future.

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