Rafi

« My name is Rafi. I come from Israel, and I am Palestinian. The summer school was an amazing experience for me. I had so much fun getting to know new people, learning where they come from, and hearing how they see the world. It was fascinating to discuss the different problems facing the world today and to debate topics such as faith and
politics. At the same time, we never forgot to have fun. We shared countless laughs and
memorable moments together, whether we were walking in the mountains, playing volleyball, watching movies, or simply spending time with one another.

For me, the learning aspect was especially interesting. Although there were a few slower
moments, the experience was overall very eye-opening. I am grateful for everything I learned about narratives and stories, and how deeply they shape our lives and influence the way we view the world.

One of the most interesting parts of the experience was seeing and hearing how people from different backgrounds reacted to what we were learning. Because we came from places such as the Middle East and Europe, we each understood the material in different ways. The participants from Lebanon connected with many of the topics on a more personal level because they experience these realities in their daily lives. Those from Europe often approached the discussions from more of an outsider’s perspective, which sometimes allowed them to see the bigger picture more clearly and ask different kinds of questions. Hearing these different perspectives helped me appreciate how our backgrounds shape the way we understand the world.

One of the coolest parts of the experience was the location itself. We stayed in the mountains, which meant dealing with bugs, sharing rooms with roommates, and facing many challenges that I was not used to. Surprisingly, this became one of the highlights of the trip for me. It encouraged me to talk more with others, share my thoughts more openly, and become more comfortable living without many of the luxuries I normally have. Although the experience was difficult at first, it became a valuable learning experience, and by the end I was truly grateful for it. »