Orientation and training is mandatory for all who are coming to join the ISM campaign. Even if you have been on previous ISM campaigns or otherwise have significant experience in the region, affinity group building and updates on the situation are important elements of the training and orientation that cannot be missed. Two levels of training and orientation will be offered to accommodate those that have previous experience.

Training dates: December 15 & 16

December 21 & 22

December 28 & 29

January 4 & 5

January 11 & 12

Training site:

Training sites may change due to circumstances in the region.  However, when you arrive in Jerusalem and contact the ISM, you will be given updated information about the next training.  If possible, an ISM volunteer will meet you and other new arrivals on the morning of the training and accompany you to the training site.  Trainings are usually held in hotels where we can all be together. You can expect to pay approximately $15 - $20 for the night's accommodation at the hotel.

Costs:

In addition to the cost of your airline ticket, you can expect to spend approximately $100 - $150 per week of stay in Palestine. This will include food, accommodation and travel.

Other costs (not required)

Purchasing a mobile phone: $80 - $100 Better and in the end cheaper than renting at airport

Mobile phone cards: $35 per week on average

Accommodations:

If you arrive in Palestine before the scheduled training and orientation dates, there are a number of low-cost accommodations available in Jerusalem:

Hostels - there are many. Generally activists choose:

Faisal Hostel: 20 NIS per night (approx. $4.50). Usually crowded, noisy and less than clean, but the location is great - across from Damascus Gate, and you will meet a lot of activists.
Phone number: +972-2-628-7502

Golden Gate Hostel: 30 NIS per night (approx. $6.50) Very clean; generally quiet. Located inside the Old City walls (enter from Damascus Gate, take the right fork in the road, after approximately 50 meters (at the Via Delarosa) take a right.  The Golden Gate is on the left.)
Phone number:  not available.

Hotels:

The Knight's Palace: $22 per person per night based on double occupancy. Located inside the New Gate. Reservations usually not required.
Phone number: +972-2-627-4058

During the campaign

International activists will be staying in towns and villages in the West Bank and Gaza.  When possible, arrangements will be made for activists to stay with Palestinian families.

Upon Arrival:

Please contact one of the following people upon arrival to Tel Aviv, or Jerusalem

ISM Office – 02-277-4602
George N. Rishmawi - 052-299310
Ghassan Andoni - 052-595319 
Neta Golan 059-839220 / 067-360810

How to prepare to come to Palestine?

Click here

For info on traveling to Palestine, click here

For more preparatory information, please click here for a downloadable version of the ISM Handbook.