What is it like to be a young person today in the territories governed by the Palestinian Authority? In 1987 Palestinian youth became massively involved in the first Intifada, convinced that their struggle would lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state. In 1993 the Oslo Accords seemed to bring them closer to that goal. Since that time, however, hope has given way to the despair that was at the heart of the second Intifada, launched in 2000. While most of them held onto a national political objective, they nevertheless became extremely pessimistic about its chances for success. The daily lives of these young people have deteriorated enormously; nevertheless they are preoccupied with many things besides political and geopolitical affairs: their studies, work, religion, relationships etc. During the first Intifada, peoples private and public lives could merge quite easily as they were focused on their high expectations towards the national objective. Activism seemed to be a way of improving their lot in many aspects of their life. But that is no longer true. Their involvement has become something essential, yet hopeless. Pénélope Larzillière has been involved in field study work in the Palestinian territories for a number of years. She paints a striking portrait of these young people, whose daily lives are totally conditioned by the changing political situation but are not reduced to this. Here is a vision of the Intifada that reaches far beyond its mere political and diplomatic dimensions. It reveals its limits and inner tensions, as well as its most hidden motives.
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