IF YOU'RE STILL LOOKING FOR A SUMMER CAMP FOR THE KIDS.....

THIS IS NOT A PARODY

Come to Palestine, come stay with friends by Nathan Guttman
WASHINGTON - Registration for the upcoming season of Palestine Summer Encounter (PSE) is at its height. After a successful first season last year, organizers hope dozens of American students will take part in the program this time. The brochure promises prospective participants a trip "designed to develop relationships, break down stereotypes, foster philanthropic efforts and forge strategic partnerships to strengthen communities in the region," through living and studying in the Bethlehem area.

Interested students are asked to fill out a form stating why they want to participate. According to the organizers, most list a variety of reasons, such as desire to get to know the region, study Arabic and work with nongovernmental organizations. Some are majoring in Middle East studies, a few come from Arab-American families, a few are American Jews, and others just happen to be interested. Nearly all say they shied away from visiting the area till now because of the cost and that one PSE attraction was its reasonable price. But regardless of background, after a summer in the Palestinian territories, participants come away with a clear political picture.