About Us
AFECEM was created in 2014 to bring awareness to leaders in the United States regarding life in Palestine. The program currently educates US citizens, academics, journalists, physicians, lawyers, people of faith, political leaders, and students about injustice in Palestine through educational travel programs to Palestine. We provide opportunities for participants to gain first-hand experience in Palestine through meeting and interacting with people from the various strata of the Palestinian society.
In 2017, the program started sponsoring PalTrek trips for Graduate students from prestigious National Universities. The goal of this expansion was to enrich the educational experience of hundreds of graduate students during their trips to Palestine. AFECEM currently supports programs by providing expert panels, meetings with elected officials, academics, and non-profit organizations. In addition, the program organizes cultural activities such as music and dance performances by local groups.
Our Mission
To open the eyes, minds and hearts of delegates by personally experiencing Palestine’s rich heritage, traditions, history, culture, and gracious hospitality. The purpose is to increase their awareness of and appreciation for Palestinians.
Our Vision
Our Vision is that mission delegates will become ambassadors for Palestine after being immersed in our rich traditions and gracious hospitality, and eagerly educate others about who we are.
Next Mission: Accepting Applications
Our History
Established in 1958, the American Federation of Ramallah Palestine was created as a non-profit, charitable, and educational organization. Members of AFRP descend from the Christian family of Rashid Haddadin and his sons, originally settled in the city of Ramallah in the mid-1500’s. The purpose behind the organization is to perpetuate and promote the rich heritage of this Ramallah family and their descendants in the diaspora, estimated at approximately 40,000 in the United States. To achieve this goal, the organization provides programs that foster cultural and social interaction, as well as educational, humanitarian, civic, and charitable opportunities.
The American Federation Educational and Cultural Exchange Mission (AFECEM) is one of many such programs offered by the AFRP.
The mission program is administered by an independent committee with sponsorship from AFRP, the United Palestinian Appeal, and the Bank of Palestine. The program is hosted in collaboration with Taawon, the Palestinian welfare organization. AFECEM hopes to foster an educational bond between the United States and Palestine by providing opportunities to help propel cultural and social interaction.
In 2017, the program started partnering with graduate students’ delegations to Palestine from prestigious National Universities. This expansion aimed to enrich the educational experience of hundreds of graduate students during their trips to Palestine while they are in Ramallah. Some of the events hosted are expert panels, sessions with academics and non-profit organizations, and meetings with elected officials. In addition, the program organizes cultural activities such as music and dance performances by local cultural groups.
Want to know more about our other programs? visit our federation website!
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If you would like to know more about the American Federation of Ramallah Palestine or if you would like to receive updates about upcoming missions, we would love for you to subscribe to our newsletter!