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- Tuesday, April 14, 2009
- Childhood: Impressions of the Intifada
- Published at:Not Found
This paper reports on conversations with Palestinian youth to help gain insight into their perceptions of the ongoing events of the Intifada. Through the children's responses the study found that they search for their national identity throughout the struggle. Many have gotten actively involved, which has added to their confidence. During the Intifada, the children have been able to rely upon their family and community for support. This has created a sense of unity and camaraderie for them. For the majority of the youth interviewed, this form of moral and social support has been effective in their development. For others, problems such as bed-wetting, nightmares, withdrawal, eating disorders, and aggressive behavior were apparent. Given their loss of childhood, they were concerned with the physical and mental well being of their family. The Intifada represents a mechanism for them to seek and secure their identity. For most children, this is a means of empowerment, and they are proud of their
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