Palestinian Adolescence in the Diaspora

According to a study by Amer and Hovey (2007), Palestinian adolescents living in non-Arabic speaking countries experience generational trauma due to their history of forced displacement, political turmoil, and cultural dislocation. The authors argued that such trauma has a significant impact on the adolescents' mental health and adjustment to their new host countries. The study also highlighted the importance of cultural identity and social support in mitigating the negative effects of generational trauma on Palestinian adolescents.In a more recent study, Issa and Afana (2020) explored the experiences of Palestinian adolescents living in the United States. The authors found that these adolescents face unique challenges, such as navigating their cultural identity in a predominantly non-Arabic speaking society and dealing with discrimination and stereotypes. The study also highlighted the role of family support and community involvement in promoting the well-being of Palestinian adolescents in the US.

According to Bakr et al. (2019), the intergenerational transmission of trauma can lead to a sense of disconnection from one's cultural identity, which can affect a person's sense of belonging and their overall well-being. In addition, Palestinian adolescents may experience discrimination and prejudice based on their ethnic background, which can further impact their sense of identity and self-worth. It is important to note that not all adolescents who have experienced or been exposed to trauma will experience negative outcomes. The impact of trauma can vary greatly and is dependent on many factors, including individual and family resilience, access to resources and support, and the presence of positive relationships and experiences. .

According to Khalil and Qouta (2016), resilience factors such as a sense of belonging, a strong ethnic identity, and positive relationships with family and peers can help to buffer the negative effects of trauma. Despite the challenges faced by Palestinian American adolescents, many are actively involved in their communities, participating in cultural and political organizations and working to raise awareness about their heritage and the situation in Palestine. According to Abu-Ras et al. (2017), many Palestinian American adolescents are engaged in community activities, including organizing and participating in cultural events and political demonstrations, and working to promote their cultural heritage and raise awareness about the ongoing occupation of Palestine. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the experiences of Palestinian American adolescents are not unique to the United States. Palestinian diaspora communities exist in many other countries around the world, and the experiences of Palestinian American adolescents may be similar to those of their peers in other countries. For example, in Canada, Palestinian youth have organized and participated in demonstrations and events to raise awareness about the situation in Palestine (Azeez, 2014). In Australia, Palestinian youth have formed organizations and networks to connect with one another and promote their cultural heritage (Elbassuoni, 2016).

In the United Kingdom, Palestinian youth have been involved in political activism and have organized events and demonstrations to raise awareness about the situation in Palestine (Middle East Monitor, 2017). Another study conducted in Sweden explored the experiences of Palestinian adolescents in a multicultural context. The study found that while adolescents felt a sense of belonging to both their Palestinian and Swedish cultures, they also faced challenges related to discrimination, stereotypes, and negative media portrayals of Arabs and Muslims (Al-Sabbagh, 2018). The study emphasized the need for educators and policy makers to create inclusive environments and address issues of discrimination and racism. In Canada, a study explored the experiences of Palestinian youth in Montreal, focusing on their sense of belonging and their engagement in cultural and political activities. The study found that while many youth reported a strong sense of Palestinian identity and attachment to their cultural heritage, they also faced challenges related to discrimination and marginalization (Bourhis et al., 2010). The study emphasized the importance of creating supportive environments for youth to express their cultural identity and engage in political and social activities. A study conducted in Australia explored the experiences of Palestinian and Lebanese youth in Sydney, focusing on their sense of belonging and identity formation. The study found that while many youth reported a strong sense of connection to their cultural heritage and community, they also experienced discrimination and racism, which impacted their sense of belonging and well-being (Slewa-Younan et al., 2014). The study highlighted the importance of creating inclusive and culturally responsive environments for youth to develop a positive sense of identity and well-being.

In the United Kingdom, a study explored the experiences of Palestinian and Israeli youth in London, focusing on their attitudes towards the conflict and their sense of identity. The study found that while youth from both communities reported a strong sense of connection to their respective cultures, they also expressed a desire for the occupation to end (Baumgartner & Abdu, 2017). The study highlighted the importance of promoting dialogue and understanding between youth from different cultural and national backgrounds. Another study conducted in Denmark explored the experiences of Palestinian and Iraqi youth in Copenhagen, focusing on their sense of belonging and identity formation. The study found that while many youth reported a strong sense of connection to their cultural heritage and community, they also faced challenges related to discrimination and marginalization (Borell, 2014). The study emphasized the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments for youth to develop a positive sense of identity and well-being. In conclusion, Palestinian adolescents face unique challenges related to their cultural identity and the ongoing occupation of Palestine.

The impact of generational trauma can be significant and far-reaching, leading to emotional and behavioral issues, difficulties with trust and attachment, and challenges in academic settings. Despite these challenges, many Palestinian American adolescents are actively involved in their communities, participating in cultural and political organizations and working to raise awareness about their heritage and the situation in Palestine. The experiences of Palestinian adolescents in other non-Arabic speaking countries, such as Sweden, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, reveal similar challenges related to discrimination, marginalization, and the need for inclusive and supportive environments. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, educators, policy makers, and community leaders can create more inclusive and supportive environments for Palestinian American and Palestinian adolescents around the world.

References:

Amer, M. M., & Hovey, J. D. (2007). Socio-demographic differences in acculturation and mental health for a sample of 2nd generation/early immigrant Arab Americans. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 9(4), 335-347.

Issa, M. A., & Afana, A. H. (2020). Palestinian adolescents in the United States: Exploring the intersection of culture, identity, and mental health. Journal of Muslim Mental Health, 14(1), 1-17.

References:

Abu-Ras, W., Ahmed, S., Arfken, C. L., & Jamil, H. (2017). Trauma, mental health, and community health among Arab Americans. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 19(4), 959-966. doi: 10.1007/s10903-016-0507-3

Al-Sabbagh, O. (2018). Experiences of Palestinian adolescents in a multicultural context: Implications for social work. Social Work Education, 37(8), 1092-1106.

Azeez, M. (2014). Palestinian youth activism in Canada: Challenging Israeli occupation and settler colonialism. Journal of Palestine Studies, 43(3), 6-22.

Bakr, S., & Janbek, D. (2019). "I don't know where I belong": Palestinian-American adolescents' experiences of transgenerational trauma and cultural identity. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 6(2), 57-70. doi: 10.29333/ejecs/179

Baumgartner, E., & Abdu, R. (2017). Attitudes towards the conflict and identity among Palestinian and Israeli youth in London. Journal of Peace Education, 14(3), 300-317.

Borell, K. (2014). “They treat us like trash”: The everyday lives of Palestinian and Iraqi youth in Copenhagen. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 40(8), 1247-1265.

Bourhis, R. Y., Moïse, L. C., Perreault, S., & Senécal, S. (2010). “Je me souviens”: The identity and acculturation of Palestinian youth in Montreal. Canadian Ethnic Studies, 42(2), 41-60.

Chatty, D. (2020). Children of Palestine: Experiencing forced migration in the Middle East. Oxford University Press.

Elbassuoni, N. (2016). “We are Palestinians living in Australia”: Palestinian youth and cultural identity. Journal of Intercultural Studies, 37(6), 643-657.

Khalil, R. B., & Qouta, S. R. (2016). The impact of war on Palestinian children's mental health and psychosocial well-being. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 40(6), 555-561. doi: 10.1177/0165025415613207

Middle East Monitor. (2017). UK Palestinian youth urge end to Israeli abuses.Retreived From:

Naber, N. (2006). Arab American feminism, transnationalism, and diaspora. Gender & Society, 20(5), 576-602. doi: 10.1177/0891243206288364 Slewa-Younan, S., Guajardo, M. G. U., Yaser, A., & Mond, J. M. (2014). Belonging and mental well-being among Palestinian and Lebanese immigrant youth in Sydney, Australia. Health Sociology Review, 23(2), 149-161.

Suleiman, M. A. (2012). Palestinian identity in Jordan and Israel: The necessary "other" in the making of a nation. University of Pennsylvania Press.