On January 26, fifteen YES alumni headed to Nablus to visit the Red Crescent’s Care Home for elderly. The alumni started the day by meeting the head of the elderly home, who is also the mother of a current YES student, Nasser Sabri (YES 2016-2017, West Bank, hosted by AFS in Phelps, NY).  YES alumni had visited this elderly home before, on March 22, 2014, to celebrate Palestinian Mother's Day. They were excited to go back in January to pitch in again and get to know the residents on another level.

To start the event, Nasser's mother explained how the home is run and what to expect from the residents, including insights on the level of participation in the different activities that alumni had planned for the day. Then, the YES alumni met with the residents and got to know them better. 

After the initial greetings and conversations, Izzeddin Said (YES 2013-2014, hosted by American Councils PO in Wausau, WI) played music on his Qanoun while Asil Qraini (YES 2012-2013, hosted by ACES in Trenton, MI) sang. The rest of the alumni and the residents joined hands on the dance floor and sang together. 

Aside from the indoor activities, the alumni also planted flowers and cleaned up the outdoor garden area. They wanted to make the space look nicer since many of the residents spend significant amounts of time in the garden.

Vivian Zambil (Cultural Affairs Specialist & Alumni Coordinator) and Fadi Adeeb (Information Outreach Specialist) from the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem also joined the alumni on this event and enjoyed the visit. 

To conclude the day, alumni and residents enjoyed a cake together to celebrate January birthdays. The residents and staff were happy and smiling throughout the day – just as the alumni were.