Youth and Conflict in Israel-Palestine: Storytelling, Contested Space and the Politics of Memory

This book explores how young people in Israel/Palestine use storytelling to navigate borders, memory, and unseen spaces, and to confront questions of belonging and those they see as the 'other.' It includes children from a broad spectrum of communities and shows that boundary spaces are fertile ground for the transmission of forbidden stories and memories. Storytelling is a political act that plays a vital role in shaping conflict-affected young peoples concepts of community, exclusion, and belonging.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 24 December 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Introduction:
The Middle East is a region rich in history and culture, but it is also one that has been plagued by conflict and division for centuries. In recent years, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been particularly intense, with both sides facing daily challenges and struggles. However, amidst the chaos and violence, there are stories of resilience and hope that continue to be told and transmitted among young people in Israel/Palestine.
Forbidden Histories:
One of the most significant ways in which young people navigate the borders, memories, and unseen spaces of the Middle East is through storytelling. These stories often challenge the dominant narratives and stereotypes that are perpetuated by the media and political institutions. For example, many Palestinian youth living in refugee camps have stories to tell about their ancestors who were forced to flee their homes during the Nakba, the forced displacement of Palestinians in 1948. These stories are often suppressed or ignored by the Israeli government, but they are vital in shaping the identity and sense of belonging of Palestinian youth.
The Transmission of Forbidden Stories:
Boundary spaces are fertile ground for the transmission of forbidden stories and memories. Young people are often at the forefront of these processes, as they are more likely to be curious and open to new ideas. They are also more likely to be exposed to a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, which can shape their understanding of the world. The study of storytelling among young people in Israel/Palestine is unique in its inclusion of children from a broad spectrum of communities, including Palestinian refugee camps and right-wing Israeli settlement homes.
The Power of Storytelling:
Victoria Biggs, the author of the book, argues that storytelling reveals much more about the experiences and perceptions of young people than either quantitative data or qualitative interviews. Through analysis of the language, metaphor, violence, and endings employed in the stories, storytelling is shown to be a political act that plays a vital role in shaping conflict-affected young peoples concepts of community, exclusion, and belonging.
Conclusion:
The stories of young people in Israel/Palestine are a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope and that the power of storytelling can help to bridge divides and promote understanding. By listening to these stories and learning from their experiences, we can work towards a more peaceful and inclusive future for all people in the Middle East.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838604905