The Impact of the Israeli Occupation on the Palestinian Cultural Components in West Bank and in the Green Line رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

This thesis aimed to study the impact of the Israeli occupation on the Palestinian cultural components across the West Bank and within the Green Line. As it started from the basic hypothesis: The Israeli occupation has a negative impact on the Palestinian cultural aspects across the West Bank and within the Green Line. It answered the main question of the thesis, which is what is the effect of the Israeli occupation on the Palestinian cultural components across the West Bank and within the Green Line.The thesis focused on studying four cultural components: language, identity, behavior and heritage. This thesis used the qualitative and quantitative research method. Two tools were used, the questionnaire and telephone interviews, as a primary and main source to collect the necessary data. Moreover, many studies, books and published researches were referred to as a source of secondary information needed for the thesis. It was found that the Israeli occupation had an influence on the Palestinian cultural components, where the impact of the occupation focused first on the younger generation. Also, the effect of the Israeli occupation was stronger and clearer on the Palestinians within the Green Line, not to mention also that there was an effect on the Palestinians across the West Bank, but to a lesser extent. The impact of the Israeli occupation focused mainly on the components of identity and behavior more than the rest of the components. The thesis recommended that there be a stronger role and a more presence for Palestinian leaders and politicians in mitigating the impact of the Israeli occupation on Palestinian culture. The thesis also recommended that there be a focus on the Palestinian curricula with regard to the inclusion of subjects related to Palestinian culture on its various components. Also, in this regard, teaching the Hebrew language should be included as an approved subject within the Palestinian VI curriculum. The Palestinian students as well have to take part in preparing the cultural curriculum, as to raise their awareness for the protection of their cultural heritage. The researcher also recommended that the Palestinian authority has to pay extra efforts to offer more job opportunities especially in West Bank.