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TOP: YES4FUTURE Training Program for Teachers＞Program Site
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| Hebron, Palestine |
Hebron Governorate, the program site, is the biggest Palestinian governorate with the largest population in the West Bank. The City is also believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world, and according to the Old Testament, the city was created under leadership of Abraham (Ibrahim). |
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Hebron, or in Arabic "Al-Khalil", is located in the Southern edge of the West Bank area. Hebron Governorate is the biggest one in the West Bank with largest population, and it has 14 smaller administrative areas.
Map of Occupied Palestinian Territory
source:http://www.elections.ps/maps/maps.aspx
The City is also believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world, and according to the Old Testament, the city was created under leadership of Abraham (Ibrahim). Abraham is known as the founder of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Cave of Machpelah, where there is his burial site, is respected as Holy site from the believers of the three religions.
Even though New City area enjoys its recent economic boom, economic situation in Old City area is deteriorating, which main reason is the settlement policy adopted by the Israeli government. There are approximately 30 settlements by Israeli settlers in Hebron, including Kriyat Arba'a, which construction was started soon after the Israeli occupation of the West Bank in 1967, and also numerous outposts. These settlements/ outposts are regarded as illegal under International law, but in reality, many Israeli settlers have already settled there from long time ago. Soldiers with weapons stand by the bus stops near the entrance of the settlements and gate at the entrance are heavily fortified in order to protect settlers from perceived violent reaction by the Palestinians against settlement.
Palestinians living in Hebron suffers many difficulties arising as a result of the Israeli settlements.
Since 1994, in order to separate settlers and Palestinian residents in the town, some of the main streets in the Old City of Hebron were closed by the Israeli Army. Due to the closure, many families who lived alongside the streets had to move away, and many shops had to be closed. Some schools are still open, but students have to cross checkpoints and go through security check by Israeli soldiers. In order to go to Ibrahim Mosque, where Muslim worships as the tomb of Abraham (Ibrahim), they also need to cross the checkpoints, where soldiers, after check their belongings and IDs, sometime refuse their entry.
In addition, Hebron area is known to be very conservative society, where people are reluctant to adopt new ideas instead of old traditions, and youth are not endowed with enough opportunity to fulfill their potentials.
In this program, PB, using drama therapy as a tool, aims to develop network of the residents so that they can deal with stressful situation of children and problems inside the communities more effectively.
＊For more information, please read our blog (Japanese only)
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