Childhood in the Palestinian Diaspora

Palestinian children living in the diaspora of non-Arabic speaking countries face unique challenges related to their cultural identity and sense of belonging. Many are raised in multicultural environments where their Palestinian heritage is not always acknowledged or celebrated, leading to identity struggles and a sense of disconnection from their cultural roots. To better understand the experiences of Palestinian children in the diaspora, several studies have been conducted.

Halabi and Hertzog (2018) conducted a study on Palestinian youth in Europe and the challenges they face in navigating between oppression and possibility. The study found that the youth experienced discrimination and marginalization, which negatively impacted their sense of belonging and cultural identity. However, the study also found that the youth used a variety of strategies to maintain a connection to their Palestinian identity, including engaging in cultural activities and connecting with other Palestinians. The challenges faced by Palestinian youth in Europe are similar to those faced by Palestinian youth in the United States. Hana and Yabroudi (2019) explored the experiences of Palestinian children in the United States and found that balancing their Palestinian heritage with their American identity was challenging. Many felt pressure to assimilate into American culture, leading to a loss of their Palestinian cultural identity. However, community events and activities, such as Palestinian dance and music, were important ways to maintain a connection to their cultural heritage.

The experiences of Palestinian youth in the diaspora of non-Arabic speaking countries were also examined by Asakura and Lavelle (2016) in their study on the experiences of Palestinian youth in Japan. The study found that Palestinian youth in Japan faced challenges related to their cultural identity, including a lack of recognition of their heritage and limited opportunities to connect with their cultural roots. However, the study also found that digital media played a significant role in enabling the youth to connect with other Palestinians and maintain a connection to their homeland. The use of digital media to connect with other Palestinians is a strategy that has also been adopted by Palestinian youth in Europe, as found by Halabi and Hertzog (2018).

The impact of the Palestinian occupation on the sense of identity and belonging of Palestinian youth in the United States and Canada was highlighted in a study by Jamal and Naber (2008). The trauma and emotional distress related to the conflict and displacement of families led to feelings of isolation and disconnection from their cultural heritage. However, political engagement and activism helped raise awareness about the Palestinian cause. The findings of this study are similar to those of Bose and Ghandour (2016) and Dyson (2018), who found that mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, were prevalent among Palestinian refugee children. Exposure to violence and displacement contributed to the high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among Palestinian refugee children.

The challenges faced by Palestinian immigrant students in the United States were compared to Nigerian immigrant students by Akinnaso (2016). Palestinian students faced cultural differences, acculturation challenges, and limited English proficiency, which impacted their academic achievement. Arar (2017) explored the challenges facing Palestinian immigrant families in the United States, including language barriers, discrimination, lack of social support, and limited economic resources. These challenges are similar to those faced by Palestinian immigrant families in Europe, as found by Halabi and Hertzog (2018).

In addition to the challenges faced by Palestinian children in the diaspora, mental health issues are also prevalent among Palestinian refugee children. A literature review conducted by Bose and Ghandour (2016) and Dyson (2018) found that exposure to violence and displacement contributed to high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder among Palestinian refugee children. The trauma and emotional distress related to the conflict and displacement of families led to feelings of isolation and disconnection from their cultural heritage. Therefore, it is important for professionals working with Palestinian refugee children to be aware of the mental health challenges they face and provide appropriate support and resources.

Despite the challenges faced by Palestinian children in the diaspora, several strategies have been found to help them maintain a connection to their cultural roots and identity. Community events and cultural activities, such as Palestinian dance and music, were found to be important ways to maintain a connection to their cultural heritage (Hana & Yabroudi, 2019; Madi, 2019). Social media and digital technologies also played a significant role in enabling Palestinian youth to connect with other Palestinians and maintain a connection to their homeland (Asakura & Lavelle, 2016; Halabi & Hertzog, 2018).

In addition, political engagement and activism were found to be effective in raising awareness about the Palestinian cause and helping Palestinian youth connect with their cultural heritage (Jamal & Naber, 2008). Studies also suggest that media production can be an effective means for Palestinian youth to express their cultural identities, challenge stereotypes, and resist discrimination. Kanaaneh and Gualtieri (2016) found that media production was a way for Palestinian and Mexican youth in Chicago to challenge negative stereotypes and empower themselves by sharing their narratives. This suggests that giving Palestinian children and youth a platform to express their cultural identities and experiences can help them feel more connected to their cultural roots and resist the pressure to assimilate into dominant cultures.

Palestinian children in the diaspora of non-Arabic speaking countries face unique challenges related to their cultural identity and sense of belonging. They are raised in multicultural environments where their Palestinian heritage is not always acknowledged or celebrated, leading to identity struggles and a sense of disconnection from their cultural roots. However, several studies have identified strategies to help them maintain a connection to their cultural heritage and identity, including community events and cultural activities, social media and digital technologies, political engagement and activism, and media production. Mental health challenges are also prevalent among Palestinian refugee children, and it is important for professionals working with them to provide appropriate support and resources.

References

Akinnaso, F. N. (2016). Acculturation and academic achievement among Nigerian and Palestinian immigrant students. Journal of International Students, 6(1), 182-201.

Arar, K. (2017). Understanding the experiences of Palestinian immigrants in the US: A qualitative study. Journal of International Migration and Integration, 18(4), 1089-1104.

Asakura, Y., & Lavelle, J. P. (2016). Digital media use and diasporic youth cultural identity: The case of Palestinians in Japan. Global Studies of Childhood, 6(4), 364-377.

Bose, R., & Ghandour, R. (2016). Children in crisis: A literature review of the mental health of Palestinian children. International Journal of Psychology, 51(4), 257-267.

Dyson, R. (2018). Addressing the psychosocial needs of Palestinian refugees. Journal of Humanitarian Affairs, 1(2), 105-116.

Halabi, A., & Hertzog, E. (2018). Palestinian youth in Europe: Navigating between oppression and possibility. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 44(14), 2321-2337.

Hana, T., & Yabroudi, M. A. (2019). Navigating the complexities of Palestinian American identity. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, 48(5), 395-413.

Jamal, A., & Naber, N. (2008). Race and Arab Americans before and after 9/11: From invisible citizens to visible subjects. Syracuse University Press.

Kanaaneh, R., & Gualtieri, S. (2016). Producing identities: Palestinian and Mexican youth narrate their selves and each other through media production. Journal of Adolescent Research, 31(5), 575-603.

Madi, R. (2019). Palestinian cultural identity and the impact of the Israeli occupation. Journal of Arts and Humanities, 8(4), 61-75.