Between 19 and 21 September, Mada al-Carmel, in partnership with MADAR – The Palestinian Forum for Israeli Studies, held its annual Academic Camp for Undergraduate Students in Ramallah.
Over three inspiring days, thirteen students from across Palestine engaged in intensive learning, critical dialogue, and field visits to key academic and cultural institutions, including the Institute for Palestine Studies, Birzeit University, and the Palestinian Museum. Lectures and workshops covered research methods, critical writing, ethnography, and the intersections of academia and politics – led by three Palestinian feminist and critical scholars: Dr. Areen Hawari, Dr. Honaida Ghanim, and Dr. Himmat Zoubi.
Beyond its academic value, the camp created a rare space of safety and belonging for students navigating increasingly repressive university environments.
The participants came from Haifa, Jerusalem, the Galilee, and the West Bank. Students described the camp as “a guiding light in a time filled with feelings of estrangement and fragmentation” (Ruya), “a safe space where I could think and speak in ways that truly reflect who I am — without filters or self-censorship” (Ruaa), and “a unique and comforting experience with people who feel like home” (Tala). For Ahmad Abu Odeh, it was “a breath of hope,” while Adan Jamam‘a said it “helped me renew energies I didn’t even realize I needed.” Two students also expressed interest in volunteering with Mada al-Carmel in the future.
Notably, most of the lecturers and facilitators, such as Aisha Musallamani, Ahmad Mahmood, and Dr. Shihab Idris, were themselves past participants in Mada al-Carmel’s PhD seminars and workshops. They had approached Mada after seeing the seminar announcement, asking to take part – reflecting the center’s growing academic network and intergenerational continuity.
