Location
Nazareth is the largest city in the mountainous Galilee region of northern Israel, approximately 102 km north of Tel Aviv and 40 km east of Haifa. The population is made up predominantly of Christians and Muslims with a Jewish community in Upper Nazareth. In the New Testament, the city is described as the childhood home of Jesus, and as such is a center of Christian pilgrimage, with many captivating attractions and religious sites. Between the many Christian sites and churches hides a vibrant multi- cultural city that offers exceptional insight into modern life in the Middle East.
About the project
The Fauzi Azar Inn is a beautiful 300 year old Ottoman building that was converted into an inn in 2005. The Fauzi Azar Inn promotes ecotourism in Nazareth and works with the community to contribute to its development in various areas. The inn uses local resources to create new work places, to raise the self- image of the local community, and to encourage economic growth while preserving the universal values of natural and cultural preservation. The aim is to introduce in Nazareth, which is the largest Arab city in Israel, a new model of tourism and thus "bridge the gap" between Arabs and Jews. At the same time the Inn is creating a model for increased tourism along the Israel National Trail (Shvil Israel) and the recently completed Jesus Trail in order to promote both trails and the corresponding economic potential. The Fauzi Azar volunteer program is also recommended in Rough Guide Clean Breaks addition.
We greatly value and appreciate the volunteers' time and efforts. We want their time here to be meaningful, fulfilling, and educational.
Volunteer work and contribution
As a volunteer you will be involved in hosting the guests and reception work, which includes check-ins and check-outs, answering local area questions, making tea, coffee and cakes. You will also be encouraged to volunteer with other projects associated with our Inn such as the Jesus Trail (a new hiking trail from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee). We also want volunteers who can help teach our staff a new language or other skills that can be extended to the local community. Your volunteer commitment is 4 to 6 hours per day, with 1 or 2 days off per week. Most of the volunteer hours will be in the afternoon and evening.
No matter what your skills and talents, there is also a lot of room for initiative that can benefit the Fauzi Azar Inn. Past projects include:
- Website translation
- Eco-tourism development
- Brochure writing
- Event planning
- Guiding tours
Orientation
The majority of volunteers arrive on Mondays in the early afternoon. After the pre-departure meeting in Tel Aviv, you will board a minibus (sherut) taxi to Nazareth, a trip of about 2 hours. Activities for the first day include a brief meeting at the Inn, with the rest of the day to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Food, laundry, the Post Office, bakeries, markets, the "Souq" and numerous Nazareth attractions are all about a 5 minute walk from the Inn. Your second day will begin with a welcome breakfast at 9:00 a.m. with all current staff and volunteers. The breakfast features traditional Arabic foods such as pita bread, fruits, and strong coffee. After breakfast, you will join the Old City Tour for an insider's view of the area. The tour lasts for about an hour and a half. In the afternoon, you will begin your training regarding the operational aspects of the Fauzi Azar. The next two days you will train with the seasoned staff, and by the third day you will be ready to work on your own.
Accommodation
As a volunteer you will live in accommodations which are similar to those living in the neighborhood. The volunteer quarter is a small apartment around the corner (20 meters) from the Inn. The bedrooms, bath, and common areas are shared. Up to four volunteers will share a bedroom. Utilities and linens are provided. Volunteers are also welcome to use the Fauzi Azar facilities such as the kitchen for cooking meals. A brand new washer is also available; however, you will have to line dry your clothes.
Please note that drinking at the volunteer house is prohibited. Smoking is allowed outside only.
Travel highlights
The inn itself is situated in the heart of the Souq (Market) Quarter of the Old City. Just one minute by foot from the vegetable market, and only a few minutes from a host of restaurants and coffee shops, you are never far from anywhere. All of Nazareth's major sites, including the Basilica of the Annunciation, the White Mosque and St. Gabriel's Church are only minutes by foot. Wandering through the narrow streets of the Old City is a delight in itself and both the Fauzi and other vantage points nearby afford wonderful panoramic views of Nazareth. On your days of you can travel to other beautiful locations in Northern Israel such as the Sea of Galilee and the historic port of Akko (Acre) on the Mediterranean coast. Volunteers also hike parts of the Jesus trail that starts from Nazareth.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18
- Cultural tolerance and open-mindedness
- A minimum 4 week commitment
- High level of independence and flexibility
- Good level of English
- Motivation to work with tourists and local community
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)
Latest volunteer feedback
My volunteering was a good opportunity to visit deeply the Galilee Region as it is really easy to go somewhere with the bus in Israel and of course have a deep insight in the city of Nazareth. Moreover, I have been able to take days off to go to different places in Israel (Dead Sea, Jerusalem,...) and see how diverse the country was. This experience has enabled me to travel in a really easy and convenient way. If I should give a piece of advice, volunteers should keep some days at the end of their stay to travel around as it takes a lot of time to see all the spots of high interest. This proves how rich, interesting and beautiful the region is.
My experience was also about getting to know the cultural differences better. Indeed, Israel is full of people from different religions and different cultural backgrounds. This volunteering has enabled me to understand the cultural diversity of Israel. I have been able to talk to different people thanks to my stay in the Fauzi and try to understand what Israel is made of. Even if I came back with many uncertainties about the country, I know more and better about the people composing this puzzling region. Moreover, Nazareth is an Arabic city. You can then experience a different side of Israel that is off the beaten track. Indeed, the media often induce us to believe that Israel is only Jewish and the occupied territories are only Arabic. Nazareth proves the media wrong and makes you experience how much Israel is more complex than just 2 territories fighting.
Finally, my experience was also about meeting people. First, I met local people. Secondly, I met other international volunteers and tourists. I can say now that some have become friends. I met new people every day which is also a highlight of my trip. I tend to think that the people you meet on a trip are what make it unforgettable.
To put it in a nutshell, I would say that this month and a half in Israel has been really fulfilling. It has also been a great opportunity to change my prejudice about the country and discover a land I want to go back to.
Thomas Grosset - July 2009
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