Childhood: Impressions of the Intifada.

While most studies on the effects violence has on children concentrate on exposure to warfare or single cases of trauma, this document focuses on the effects of chronic violent events on the well-being of Palestinian youth. Information in this paper was attained from discussions with Palestinian youth ages 5-16 in Israel. The purpose of these discussions was to gain insight into the children's perceptions of the ongoing events, during the Intifada. Conclusions are that the Intifada represents more to Palestinian youth than a conflict with Israeli soldiers. To the children of the Intifada, it is a mechanism for seeking and securing their national identity. Most of the children reported happiness that the Intifada had arrived even though they have been subjected to beatings, school closure, shooting and imprisonment during this period of time. (SR)