During the month of Ramadan in 2011, alumni from various U.S. government funded exchange programs participated in activities funded by the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem. Activities varied from providing and serving an Iftar dinner, to visiting an amusement park occurred in different cities such as Tulkarem, Bethlehem, and Ramallah. For details for all the events, please see below for highlights:

Bethlehem Talent Show

On August 17^th, approximately 10 alumni from three programs including, Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program, English Access Microscholarship Program (Access), and Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), participated in the Bethlehem Talent Show. Prior to Iftar dinner, alumni played various games and activities with more than 40 orphans. Upon breaking their fast, alumni helped to clean the hall and set the stage for the ACCESS Talent Show. Ten students from the ACCESS program held the Talent Show that included solo and group performances ranging from singing to dancing, and poetry recitations.

Engaging Over 50 Orphans

On August 24^th, alumni from the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program joined alumni from the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) to organize a fun day for 53 orphans. The day started with a bingo game, which awarded six winners with different prizes. After the iftar dinner, alumni guided orphans across the street to Mega Land Amusement Park. Participants were excited to get on the rides; and even the U.S. Consulate staff joined them to enjoy the rides together.