Every spring, people from all over the world gather in the ancient city of Bethlehem for the International Palestine Marathon. This event provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and exercise, raises awareness about the struggles of Palestinians, and adds value to the Palestinian tourism sector and economy.  

YES alumni volunteered in organizing this huge event, which took place on March 10. In preparation for the day of the marathon, four YES alumni volunteered to hand out running kits to participants. On the day of the marathon, 15 YES alumni volunteered to organize the tables which held the finisher medals, hand out medals to participants upon completing the race, and provide information and assistance to runners as needed. Overall, there were more than ten thousand runners from over 90 countries participating.  

The YES alumni met many different people from different countries and shared their background as YES program alumni with the people they met.  

Shahed Ayoub (YES 2017-2018, West Bank, placed by AFS-USA in Saint Charles, IL)