How Do Families In Palestine Live?

Palestinian families are traditionally large, with many older Palestinians raised in families of up to 10 siblings or more. However, conflict and economic difficulties have led to a decrease in the size of most Palestinian households over the past decades. Today, the average household size in the Palestinian population is smaller than ever before.

In Gaza, around 2 million Palestinians have been displaced by the war, with over half of the territory’s buildings damaged or destroyed. Shepherding outposts, run by Bar Yosef, are a recent tactic that allows settlers to take as much land as possible with only a small number of people. This tactic has led to dire living conditions, attacks, and threats to children aged 7, 5, and 3, who live in constant fear and anxiety.

A Palestinian family represents the deepest connection to their origin, heritage, and identity, especially important for the diaspora. Families have always been the cornerstone of Palestinian society, serving as the first place where children can learn respect, self-esteem, and responsibility. In cities, Palestinian families consist of parents and their children, while those in the country side may have grandparents also living with them.

Life for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip under Hamas was extremely difficult, as they lack basic water, sanitation, and electricity. Marital unions are also discussed as a means to strengthen the community, especially during times of struggle. The book presents stories from 16 people living in the West Bank and Gaza, shedding light on the challenges faced by Palestinians in navigating their lives under occupation.

What Is Life Like In Palestine?

Life in Palestine is fraught with challenges, marked by an intricate web of checkpoints and regulations that hinder movement, access to medical care, and familial connections. The pervasive violence and chaos disrupt the everyday lives of Palestinians, creating a landscape filled with contrasting emotions—hope intertwined with despair. Personal stories, like that of Maram Faraj from Gaza, reveal the harsh realities of living under occupation. Since the October 7 attacks, violence against Palestinians has intensified, particularly in the West Bank, where settler attacks force communities to flee and restrict daily activities.

Palestinians express a feeling of being trapped, especially in cities like Ramallah, where checkpoints and hostility limit travel. Many struggle to secure basic necessities, including healthcare and food, amid worsening living conditions characterized by unemployment and insufficient sanitation. The situation in Gaza is dire, with tens of thousands having lost their lives due to ongoing conflict. The physical and emotional toll of occupation weighs heavily on the population, emphasizing the urgent need for change. Overall, the Palestinian experience is shaped by systemic oppression and humanitarian crises, calling for increased awareness and understanding of their daily struggles and resilience.

What Are The Family Traditions In Palestine?

In traditional Palestinian society, a family’s honor is closely linked to the virtues of its women, emphasizing modesty and chastity. However, this perspective has evolved, with education gaining recognition as a source of familial honor for both genders. While Palestinian families were historically large, with many older individuals growing up among numerous siblings, economic challenges and unrest have reduced household sizes in recent decades. Despite urbanization, family remains the cornerstone of Palestinian culture, characterized by collectivism and strong loyalty to extended family and community.

Cultural practices reflect a blend of influences from various peoples throughout history, including Arabs and Greeks, while maintaining a distinct identity. Family solidarity is crucial, providing a sense of identity, particularly evident even in refugee camps. In rural and many urban areas, women typically join their husband's family upon marriage, with lineage traced patrilineally; divorced women return to their families, yet children stay with the father's lineage.

Weddings, significant events in Palestinian culture, are celebrated with grand feasts. The patriarchal structure positions the male as the household authority, though family values profoundly influence social interactions and communal bonds, especially in times of hardship. Palestinian hospitality is notable, with homes open to unannounced guests offering food and warmth.

What Is The Average Family Size In Palestine?

The average household size in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has seen a significant decline over the years. In 2022, the average household size in the West Bank was 4. 7 individuals, down from 5. 5 in 2007. Similarly, in the Gaza Strip, the average decreased from 6. 5 individuals in 2007 to 5. 5 in 2022, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (2023). Overall, the average household size across Palestinian territories is currently 6.

1 individuals, with 5. 7 in the West Bank and 6. 9 in Gaza, reflecting a long-standing tradition of larger families. However, ongoing conflicts and economic hardships have contributed to this decline in household sizes over the past few decades.

A notable statistic from the Labor Force Survey 2021 indicates that one out of ten households in Palestine is headed by a female, with the percentage slightly varying between the West Bank (12%) and Gaza Strip (10%). The Palestinian population is predominantly young, with over a third being under 15 years old, highlighting a demographic characteristic that could influence future family sizes.

Despite the reduction in household sizes, Palestinians typically still maintain multi-generational family structures. In 2023, the average global household size stands at around 3. 45 individuals, underscoring the relatively larger average size within Palestinian communities. The longitudinal data reveals a broader trend of changing family dynamics, reflecting socio-economic factors and regional challenges.

What Are Living Conditions In Palestine?

Crumbling infrastructure and poor housing conditions have been significant issues in Gaza since the 2014 conflict. Many essential facilities, including schools, health centers, and homes, have become uninhabitable or unsafe. Everyday life in Palestine is often threatened by violence and chaos, even for those uninvolved in the conflict. Currently, 1. 5 million Palestinian refugees live in official camps, facing dire living conditions with limited access to healthcare and education.

The socio-economic consequences of the Israeli occupation worsen the living circumstances for the 4. 8 million residents in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt), where violent attacks and health risks are prevalent. Aid workers describe the situation as "deplorable," with inadequate supplies to treat the sick. Recent reports highlight the drastic changes in Gazans' lives due to ongoing war, leading to severe shortages in basic necessities such as food, housing, and proper sanitation.

The separation between Palestinians in Gaza and those in the West Bank further complicates the situation, with many struggling to meet minimum living standards. Overall, the ongoing conflict and occupation have created a climate of chronic uncertainty and vulnerability for the Palestinian people.

What Is The Quality Of Life In Palestine?

Numerous studies indicate that the quality of life in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) ranks among the lowest globally, affecting physical, psychological, and environmental well-being. An inverse relationship was found between individuals' quality of life and their fear of Covid-19, with increased fear correlating to higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and vaccine hesitancy. A review of 24 studies highlighted the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders among Palestinians, exacerbated by years of conflict and blockade that have left 80% reliant on humanitarian aid.

With limited access to clean water for 95% of the population, many of the approximately 2. 3 million residents have faced forced displacement, leading to widespread hunger—over one-quarter are starving. The study suggests that the prolonged military violence over 74 years significantly impacts Palestinians' quality of life and mental health. The research examines the correlation between quality of life (QoL) and mental health outcomes, considering sociodemographic variables.

Palestine scores 91. 4 on the quality of life index but remains below average in the Middle East. Despite high literacy rates of 98% and increasing cultural opportunities in the West Bank, the overall quality of life reflects chronic insecurity and poor living conditions, characterizing it as "very poor."

How Have Palestinian Families Changed Over Time?

The structure and formation of Palestinian families have been significantly influenced by conflict, occupation, and displacement. Many families have lost male relatives due to arrests or killings, compelling others to adopt new roles within the household. Changes in political maps over the past century illustrate power shifts and displacement, notably following the establishment of Israel in 1948, which left many Palestinians either as citizens under military rule or displaced.

Recent legislation in occupied East Jerusalem has further marginalized Palestinian families, threatening their unity. The end of Israel's 2003 citizenship law has now allowed the reunification of approximately 30, 000 Palestinian families. The ongoing violence, particularly during the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, has resulted in horrific casualties, including a significant number of children. The emotional toll is evident in testimonies of fear among young Palestinians.

The complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is compounded by the historical context, including the Balfour Declaration and the continued strife over refugee rights since 1948. Palestinian households, traditionally large, are shrinking due to conflict and economic hardships, while policies force families to live apart, exacerbating their struggles. The Palestinian identity, rooted in a rich cultural heritage, faces challenges as communities endure displacement and upheaval, especially in the context of agricultural and economic disruptions linked to settlement policies. The ongoing situation is marked by a fundamental desire for peace and recognition of rights.

What Is The Living Standard In Palestine?

According to recent reports, the life expectancy at birth for Palestinians is 74. 9 years for females and 71. 4 years for males, with an infant mortality rate of 19. 2 per 1000 live births. Daily water allocation stands at 79. 7 liters per person in Gaza and 79. 1 in the West Bank, which is below WHO recommendations. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics noted that 29. 2% lived in poverty in 2017, with 16. 8% in deep poverty, indicating significant challenges in meeting basic needs like food.

From 2011 to 2017, the overall poverty rate rose from 25. 8% to 29. 2%. Average monthly per capita expenditure was 169. 5 JDs, decreasing in Gaza compared to 2011. Education levels among Palestinians are high, with low illiteracy rates, yet 53% of Gaza’s population is considered poor. Urbanization is significant, with 77% living in urban areas, though 80% depend on humanitarian aid due to years of conflict. Access to clean water is limited for 95% of the population.

Consumption inequality has decreased, with the Gini coefficient dropping from 40. 3 in 2011 to 34. 0 in 2017. The GDP per capita is 46% below 1994 levels, indicating stagnation. The minimum cost of living is estimated at around 500 shekels ($150) per month. Despite some comfort, many Palestinians face dire economic and social challenges.

Who Are The Oldest Families In Palestine?

The Barghouti family is one of the largest and oldest families in Palestine, boasting over 2. 65 million members across seven countries. They claim Spanish ancestral roots, though this is unverified. Studies conducted since 2017 indicate that Palestinians, alongside other Levantine groups, primarily descend from ancient Levantine populations dating back at least 3, 700 years. Palestinian society is marked by clan-like structures: tribes, clans, and notable families. Most Palestinians, especially older generations, grew up in large families, but socioeconomic challenges have reduced household sizes in recent years.

The history of the Abu Ali family's oldest and largest olive tree in Palestine reflects the deep ties to land and heritage. Palestinian family history can be traced back centuries, with some families, like the Barghoutis, linked to the Catholic church from the 17th century. The Muslim conquests of the Levant further changed the religious demographics of these families from Jewish to Christian, and then to Muslim. Surnames often reflect ancestral occupations or geographical origins, underscoring identity in both the region and among the diaspora.

Historical records, including parish registers and census data, provide insights into Palestinian genealogy. The value of family ties is especially significant for Palestinians, reinforcing connections to cultural identity and heritage, particularly among those displaced since 1948.

Why Is A Palestinian Family Important?

A Palestinian's family embodies a profound connection to their origin, heritage, and identity, especially vital for those in the diaspora. Family pride and honour are deeply cherished values among Palestinians. Traditionally, Palestinian families are large, often including extended relations such as grandparents and cousins. However, ongoing conflicts and economic hardships have led to a decrease in household sizes. Many older Palestinians grew up in families with 10 or more siblings, but the current average is smaller due to various challenges.

The situation in Gaza is particularly tragic, with innocent casualties predominantly consisting of women and children amidst military actions. Historical migration and displacement beginning from the 1948 war have left many families divided between the West Bank and Gaza, complicating their ability to maintain familial ties. Recent social discourse in Palestine has centered on laws aimed at family protection, reflecting the ongoing struggle for family integrity amidst societal changes.

Palestinian culture places family values at its core, seen as essential for community cohesion, particularly during hardships. While some prominent families have impacted Palestinian society political and economically, the persistent conflict and the quest for statehood continue to overshadow familial pursuits. Palestinian identity remains intertwined with family, showcasing resilience shaped by historical upheaval and contemporary challenges. Despite adversity, families are increasingly finding new ways to adapt and communicate, reinforcing their cultural heritage and bonds even as they navigate a complex socio-political landscape.

What Is Family Traditions?

A family tradition is an enduring activity or behavior that encapsulates a family's values, interests, or beliefs and is ideally passed down through generations, creating a unique family culture. These customs and rituals forge strong bonds among family members, leading to lasting connections. Family traditions can vary widely, encompassing everything from quirky routines to significant holidays, and are often deliberate actions repeated over time.

These shared experiences not only enhance enjoyment during holidays but also play a crucial role in memory-making and can significantly impact parenting and child development. Ultimately, family traditions serve as a narrative that conveys the essence of loved ones, reflecting their ideals and providing a sense of belonging to something bigger. They can include simple practices like weekly dinners or elaborate celebrations and have emotional or symbolic significance.

Overall, family traditions contribute to building a cohesive family unit and enriching the lives of all involved, reinforcing connections across generations while celebrating shared history and values.