Young Palestinians’ Interpretations of the May 2021 Events

Abstract

In May 2021, 10 days of violent riots between Palestinian Arab Israeli citizens (PAIC) and Jewish citizens led to casualties, injuries, and property damage. The severity and aftermath of these events prompted investigations into their underlying causes. In the current study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 PAIC individuals. Content analysis revealed several factors contributing to the perception of the causes of the May 2021 riots. A combination of living under pressure in Israel, identity and solidarity with Palestinians, on-going racism and discrimination, and fear of an existential threat- Nakba - heightened the perception of an amplified threat, which led to a significant response. The primary immediate factor was the perceived existential threat felt by PAIC, including the fear of forced eviction from their homes and lands. This perceived existential threat, compounded by the dread of a catastrophic event similar to the 1948 Nakba, played a significant role in fueling the intense riots. Additionally, underlying issues such as the ongoing conflict between Palestinians and Jews, perceived discrimination, and racism against PAIC were identified.

Plain language summary

Understanding the Causes Behind the May 2021 Riots Involving Palestinian Arab Citizens of Israel

In May 2021, violent confrontations broke out between Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel and Jewish citizens, lasting 10 days and resulting in injuries, deaths, and property damage. This study aimed to understand why these events occurred by speaking directly with 24 Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel. The researchers used in-depth interviews to explore how these individuals experienced and explained the riots. Several key themes emerged. Participants described living under constant pressure in Israeli society, facing ongoing discrimination and racism, and feeling strong ties to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Many also spoke about feeling that their identity and safety were under threat. One major finding was the feeling of an existential threat, fear of being forcibly removed from their homes or experiencing a disaster like the 1948 Nakba, when many Palestinians were displaced. This fear was central to how participants understood their own participation of others in the riots. Other long-term issues were also seen as contributing factors, such as inequality, discrimination, and the larger Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Together, these factors created a sense of urgency and fear, which may have intensified the community response during the riots. This research helps shed light on how deep-rooted feelings of fear, injustice, and identity contribute to violence. Understanding these perceptions is important for anyone interested in promoting justice, peace, and coexistence in the region.