Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ethos of Conflict of the Palestinian Society

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
A Social Psychology Perspective on The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Part of the book series: Peace Psychology Book Series ((PPBS))

Abstract

This chapter presents the ethos of conflict of the Palestinian society. It deals with the roots of the Palestinian ethos, the process of its formation, its components, and its unique content as reflected and expressed in the psychological repertoire of the Palestinian society. The chapter begins by defining concepts that relate to the idea of “ethos” on the basis of the work of Daniel Bar Tal. The second part of the chapter reviews the evolvement of the Palestinian ethos through the major historical events in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which crystallized, shaped, and influenced the ethos. The third part discusses the composition and nature of the eight themes of societal beliefs which are the building blocks of the Palestinian ethos of conflict. The discussion emphasizes the four dominant societal beliefs that constitute the Palestinian ethos: justness of the goals, patriotism, delegitimization, and victimization. The chapter illustrates the significance of each societal belief, its contents, and its contribution to the ethos of conflict of the Palestinian society. The last part of the chapter deals with the Palestinian culture of conflict and its components.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    For definition of the concept, see Milstein, M. (2009). Mukawama: The challenge of resistance to Israel’s national security concept. Tel Aviv: Institute for National Security Studies, pp. 9–10, 29–34 (in Hebrew).

  2. 2.

    This part is based on official documents of the PA, http://www.wafainfo.ps/atemplate.aspx?id=2087

  3. 3.

    http://palestineun.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/conclusions-of-the-PLO.pdf

  4. 4.

    http://www.wafainfo.ps/atemplate.aspx?id=4883

    See, for example, the claim of the popular front, Al-Ayam 15.12.2004.

  5. 5.

    For example, the speech of Abu Mazen: http://www.wafainfo.ps/atemplate.aspx?id=8748

  6. 6.

    http://www.wafainfo.ps/atemplate.aspx?id=4938. See the Independence Declaration.

  7. 7.

    Graphic wall in Dehisha refugee camp; pictures were taken by the author.

  8. 8.

    Al-Ayam 29.7.2004.

  9. 9.

    http://www.nad-plo.org/etemplate.php?id=59&more=1#4

  10. 10.

    http://palestineun.org/category/mission-documents/statements/page/2

  11. 11.

    Ronni Shaked, private collection of posters and pictures.

  12. 12.

    Retrieved 3-9-2013 from http://pulpit.alwatanvoice.com/content/print/19456.html

  13. 13.

    The Hamas Charter, Article 12.

  14. 14.

    Waqf means the permanent dedication by a Muslim of any property for any purpose recognized by the Muslim law as religious, pious, or charitable. According Hamas, all Palestine was proclaimed as a Waqf for the Muslims.

  15. 15.

    Polls conducted by Khalil Shakaki, retrieved from http://heb.inss.org.il/index.aspx?id=4354&articleid=6496

  16. 16.

    Retrieved from http://www.wafainfo.ps/atemplate.aspx?id=2353

  17. 17.

    See leaflets of the First Intifada: No. 1, 10-1-1988; No. 5, no date indicated; No. 4, 21-1-1988; No. 7, 13-2-1988; No. 9, 2-3-1988.

  18. 18.

    For example, Al Hayat al Jadeeda 31.10.2004.

  19. 19.

    Al-Resala 1.6.2007; 13.7.2006; 28.2.2008. Al Hayat Al Jadida 7.3.2004; 27.2.2009; 23.5.2010.

  20. 20.

    See, for example, Arabs History and problems of the present, for 10th grade, part 2; 2005, Ramallah.

  21. 21.

    Releases of the United National Headquarter: No. 8 March 1988; No. 1 January 1988; Hamas release 11-9-1990.

  22. 22.

    President of Al-Quds Open University, Dr. Younis Amr, Al Hayat Al Jadida 25-3-2009.

  23. 23.

    Sheikh Taysir Tamimi, the head of Shari’a Courts, Palestinian TV 9-6-2009.

  24. 24.

    Ronni Shaked, Private collection, 1987.

  25. 25.

    Palestinian TV 21-9-2012.

  26. 26.

    Al Hayat al Jadeeda 20-3-2004, 5-6-2012; Al Risala 28-02-2008; The Palestinian TV 30-08-2012.

  27. 27.

    See Ronni Shaked, Yediot Ahronot, 14-1-2001.

  28. 28.

    Pictures, private collection of Ronni Shaked, 25-2-2013.

  29. 29.

    The Intifada leaflets No. 19 8-6-1988; No. 12 2-4-1988; No. 3 2-1-1988; No. 2 January 1988; No. 7; No. 2; No. 12; No. 13; No. 17.

  30. 30.

    The Hamas Covenant, Article 20.

  31. 31.

    Palestinian Information Ministry, cited in Al Quds 17-11-1997.

  32. 32.

    The Hamas Charter, Article 34, 35.

  33. 33.

    For example, see President Abbas speech at UN General Assembly, September 2011.

    Retrieved from http://www.wafainfo.ps/atemplate.aspx?id=7390

  34. 34.

    Leaflet no. 10, p. 69. Leaflet no. 1, p. 54, Leaflet no. 28, p. 143.

  35. 35.

    For example, Abu Mazen’s speech in January 2011. Retrieved from http://www.aawsat.com/details.asp?section=4&article=601976&issueno=11723#.UoZnAsR-xK0

  36. 36.

    Retrieved from http://www.heskem.org.il/sources-view.asp?id=1632&meid=43; http://www.heskem.org.il/sources-view.asp?id=1651&meid=43; http://www.heskem.org.il/sources-view.asp?id=296&meid=43

  37. 37.

    Interview with a 24-year-old Palestinian man in the West Bank in 17-12-2012.

  38. 38.

    Retrieved from http://www.alestqlal.com/ar/index.php?act=Show&id=11008

  39. 39.

    Retrieved from https://fr-fr.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=351496761635

  40. 40.

    http://mondoweiss.net/2013/09/general-assembly-transcript.html

  41. 41.

    http://www.pcpsr.org/survey/polls/2013/p48ejoint.html

  42. 42.

    Retrieved from http://www.israeli palestinians school books.blogspot.co.il/; See http://d7hj1xx5r7f3h.cloudfront.net/Israeli-Palestinian_School_Book_Study_Report-English.pdf

  43. 43.

    See Israeli-Palestinian School Book Project Research Materials, Posted 1 February 2013 by IsraeliPalestinianSchoolbooks, retrieved from http://www.israelipalestinianschoolbooks.blogspot.co.il/

  44. 44.

    See, for example, Arafat’s speech, The Nobel Peace Prize 1994: “Only in an atmosphere of just peace shall the Palestinian people achieve their legitimate ambition for independence and sovereignty, and be able to develop their national and cultural identity, as well as enjoy sound neighborly relations, mutual respect and cooperation with the Israeli people”. Retrieved from http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1994/arafat-lecture.html and in the first speech of President Mahmoud Abbas in 2005: “We will also continue on the path of Yasser Arafat to achieve just peace – the peace of the braves”. Retrieved from http://www.multaqa.org/access/inside.php?id=565

References

  • Abu Amr, Z. (1992). Emerging trends in Palestinian strategic political thinking and practice. Jerusalem: Passia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Abu-Amr, Z. (1995). The significance of Jerusalem: A Muslim perspective. Palestine-Israel Journal, 2. Retrieved 24.1.14 from http://www.pij.org/details.php?id=646.

  • Adwan, S., Bar-Tal, D., & Wexler, B. E. (in press). Portrayal of the Other in Palestinian and Israel Schoolbooks: A Comparative Study. Political Psychology.

    Google Scholar 

  • Azar, E. E. (1990). The management of protracted social conflicts: theory and cases. Dartmouth Publishing Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bar-On, D., & Sarsar, S. (2004). Bridging the unbridgeable: The Holocaust and al-Nakba. Palestine-Israel Journal, 11, 63–70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D. (1988). Delegitimizing relations between Israeli Jews and Palestinians: A social psychological analysis. In J. Hofman (Ed.), Arab-Jewish relations in Israel: A quest in human understanding (pp. 217–248). Bristol, IN: Wyndham Hall Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D. (1993). Patriotism as fundamental beliefs of group members. Politics and Individual, 3(2), 45–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D. (1998). Societal beliefs in times of intractable conflict: The Israeli case. International Journal of Conflict Management, 9, 22–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D. (2000). Shared beliefs in a society: Social psychological analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D. (2003). Collective memory of physical violence: Its contribution to the culture of violence. In E. Cairns & M. Roe (Eds.), The role of memory in ethnic conflict (pp. 77–93). Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D. (2007). Sociopsychological foundations of intractable conflicts. American Behavioral Scientist, 50, 430–1453.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D. (2013). Intractable conflict: Socio-psychological foundations and dynamics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D., Chernyak-Hai, L., Schori, N., & Gundar, A. (2009). A sense of self-perceived collective victimhood in intractable conflicts. International Review of the Red Cross, 91(874), 229–258.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D., Grauman, C. F., Kruglanski, A. W., & Stroebe, W. (Eds.). (1989). Stereotyping and prejudice: Changing conceptions. London: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D., Halperin, E., & De Rivera, J. (2007). Collective emotions in conflict situations: Societal implications. Journal of Social Issues, 63(2), 441–460.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D., & Hammack, P. L. (2012). Conflict, delegitimization, and violence. In L. R. Tropp (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of intergroup conflict (pp. 29–52). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D., Sharvit, K., Halperin, E., & Zafran, A. (2012). Ethos of conflict: The concept and its measurement. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, 18(1), 40–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D., & Staub, E. (Eds.). (1997a). Patriotism in the lives of individuals and nations. Chicago: Nelson-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D., & Staub, E. (1997b). Introduction: Patriotism: Its scope and meaning. In D. Bar-Tal & E. Staub (Eds.), Patriotism in the life of individuals and nations (pp. 1–19). Chicago: Nelson-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Tal, D., & Teichman, Y. (2004). Stereotypes and prejudice in conflict: Representation of Arabs in Jewish society. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biton, Y., & Salomon, G. (2006). Peace in the eyes of Israeli and Palestinian youths: Effects of collective narratives and peace. Journal of Peace Research, 43, 167–180.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cobban, H. (1984). The Palestinian liberation organization: People, power and politics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Elad-Buskila, A. (2006). Vague light. Tel Aviv: The Tami Steinmetz Center for Peace Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Hasan, H. (2010). Israel or Palestine? Is the two-state solution already dead? A political and military history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. New York: Algora Publish.

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Hasan, H. (2013). Who are the Palestinians? The Palestine Chronicle. Retrieved from http://www.palestinechronicle.com/old/view_article_details.php?id=17368

  • Firer, R., & Adwan, S. (2004). The Israeli-Palestinian conflict in history and civics textbooks of both nations. Hannover: Verlag Hahnsche Buchhandlung.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gazit, S. (2003). Trapped Fools: Thirty years of Israeli policy in the territories. London: Frank Cass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jamal, A. (2004). Palestinian dynamics of self-representation: Identity and difference in Palestinian nationalism. In A. Kemp, U. Ram, D. Newman, & O. Yiftachel (Eds.), Israelis in conflict: Hegemonies, identities and challenges (pp. 123–143). Brighton, UK: Sussex Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khalidi, R. (1997). Palestinian identity: The construction of modern national consciousness. New York: Columbia University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khalidi, R. (2006). The iron cage: The story of the Palestinian struggle for statehood. Boston: Beacon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khalili, L. (2007). Heroes and martyrs of Palestine: The politics of national commemoration. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Kimmerling, B., & Migdal, J. (2003). The Palestinian people: A history. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kriesberg, L. (1998). Intractable conflicts. In E. Weiner (Ed.), The handbook of interethnic coexistence (pp. 332–342). New York: Continuum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Litvak, M. (1994). A Palestinian past: National construction and reconstruction. History and Memory, 6, 24–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Litvak, M. (Ed.). (2009). Palestinian collective memory and national identity. New York: St. Marti’s Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mandel, N. (1976). The Arabs and Zionism before World War I. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marouf, H. (1997). Children of the stones: The Intifada and the mythic creation of the Palestinian state. Southern Communication Journal, 62, 89–106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Milstein, M. (2009). Mukawama: The challenge of resistance to Israel’s national security concept. Tel Aviv: Institute for National Security Studies (in Hebrew).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mishal, S., & Aharoni, R. (1994). Speaking stones: Communiqués from the Intifada underground. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moreh, S. (1975). The figure of the Israeli in the Arabic literature since the establishment of the state. In Y. Harkabi, Y. Porat, & S. Moreh (Eds.), The Arab Israeli conflict in the mirror of the Arabic literature (pp. 25–52). Jerusalem: Truman Institute – The Hebrew University and Van Leer Institute (In Hebrew).

    Google Scholar 

  • Morris, B. (1987). The birth of the Palestinian refugee problem, 1947-1949. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nachmani, A. (2001). The Palestinian Intifada 1987-1993: The dynamics of symbols and symbolic realities, the role of symbols, rituals and myths in national struggles. Civil Wars, 4, 49–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nasie, M., & Bar-Tal, D. (2012). Sociopsychological infrastructure of an intractable conflict through the eyes of Palestinian children and adolescents. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, 18(1), 3–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peress, Y. (1972). Values and attitudes in the West Bank: A research Report. Jerusalem: The Hebrew University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rafeal, M. (1990). On dehumanizing the enemy. In V. Volkan, D. Julius, & J. Montville (Eds.), The psychodynamics of international relationships (pp. 111–118). Lexington, MA: Lexington Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rubin, B. (1993). The PLO between anti-Zionism & Antisemitism: Background and recent developments. Jerusalem: The Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schatz, R., Staub, E., & Lavine, H. (1999). On the varieties of national attachment: Blind versus constructive patriotism. Political Psychology, 20(1), 151–174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sela, A., & Mishal, S. (2006). The Palestinian Hamas: Vision, violence, and coexistence. New York: Columbia University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaked, R., & Shabi, A. (1994). Hamas: From faith in Allah to the path of terror. Jerusalem: Ketter (in Hebrew).

    Google Scholar 

  • Shragai, N. (2010). The “Al-Aksa Is in Danger” libel: The history of a lie. Jerusalem: Center for Public Affairs.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sivan, E. (1998). Arab political myths. Tel-Aviv: Am Oved (in Hebrew).

    Google Scholar 

  • Somerville, J. (1981). Patriotism and war. Ethics, 91(4), 568–578.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tamir, Y. (1997). Reflections on patriotism. In D. Bar-Tal & E. Staub (Eds.), Patriotism in the lives of individuals and nations (pp. 23–41). Chicago: Nelson-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Volkan, V. (2001). Transgenerational transmissions and chosen traumas: An aspect of large-group identity. Group Analysis, 34(1), 79–97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weber, M. (1963). The sociology of religion. Boston: Beacon.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel

    Ronni Shaked

Authors
  1. Ronni Shaked
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ronni Shaked .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel

    Keren Sharvit

  2. Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Psychology, Herzilya, Israel

    Eran Halperin

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Shaked, R. (2016). Ethos of Conflict of the Palestinian Society. In: Sharvit, K., Halperin, E. (eds) A Social Psychology Perspective on The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Peace Psychology Book Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24841-7_9

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation