We were very impressed by our guide in Palestine, Mahmoud. At 25 he’s lived a rather extraordinary life. He volunteered as a paramedic during the 2nd Intifada and told us many sobering stories of the 22 day siege of Nablus. He led us around the old city and, his voice cracking as he described losing both friends and family members as a result of the fighting. Having seen the horrors of war first hand, Mahmoud now devotes his time to 3 organizations. Project Hope, an organization providing educational and recreational activities for children in Nablus, West Bank Tours, a local tourism company hoping to show people the real Palestine, beyond the sensationalism and headlines, and As-Sirk As-Saghir, a volunteer circus that puts on shows and teaches kids juggling, clowning and performing. He told us his goal is to reach a new generation, helping needy kids find positive outlets growing up in an extraordinary situation.