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This book explores the meaning of life for Israelis living along the Gaza border before and after October 7th. It brings together residents personal stories and photographs, alongside their creative social media posts.
This second edition builds on a groundbreaking longitudinal study conducted between 2018 and 2021, which examined how people made sense of their lives after two decades of ongoing conflict. Now expanded with new research carried out in the wake of the Hamas terror attack on October 7th, it offers a powerful comparison of how life in this region has been experienced and understood across two defining periods.
Drawing on theories from social psychology and peacebuilding, the book weaves together a compelling narrative and visual portrait of Jewish-Israeli men and women living near the border. It also explores how their perceptions and emotions have shifted over time regarding patriotism and Zionism, their Gazan neighbors, and their hopes and fears for the future at personal, family, community, regional, and national levels.
List of contents
Preface.- Chapter 1: Otef Aza and the Israel-Hamas Wars.- Chapter 2: Methodology.- Chapter 3: Psychosocial Aspects of Living with the War.- Chapter 4: Routine, Emergency and Chaos From Security Threats to Existential Threats.- Chapter 5: I am My Others Keeper : Mutual Concern, Volunteering, Action and Creativity in the Otef.- Chapter 6: The State of the Western Negev vs. the State of Israel.- Chapter 7: After October 7th Everything Changed.- Chapter 8: Otef Aza Residents Talk about the Gazans: Pre- and Post-October 7th.- Chapter 9: Otef Aza Residents Understandings of Patriotism and Zionism: Pre- and Post-October 7th.- Chapter 10: Otef Aza Residents Perceptions of the (Personal) Future of the Region.- Chapter 11: Discussion, Conclusions, and Proposals.- Index.- Appendix.
About the author
Julia Chaitin, PhD in social psychology, is an Emerita from the Sapir College, Israel, with expertise in qualitative research and peacebuilding. She has researched the Holocaust and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for 35 years, published 10 books and 70 articles, and is dedicated to creating peace within Israel and between Israel and its neighbors.
Sharon Steinberg, PhD in epidemiology, is a senior lecturer at the Kaye Academic College of Education, Israel, with an expertise in research methods. Her research focuses on narratives, conflict, and inclusive classrooms. She is a member of the college resilience center and research ethics committee and dedicated to promoting coexistence.
Elad Avlagon holds a BA in Social Work with expertise in qualitative research. As a social worker, he focused on older people and people living in poverty. Elad has a strong passion for research and has explored various topics, including surrogate partners, relationships between development towns and kibbutz communities in Israel and peacebuilding.
Shoshana Steinberg, PhD in social psychology, is an Emerita from the Kaye Academic College of Education, Israel. She teaches in the Conflict Management and Resolution Program at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Her work focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, inter-group relations, narratives, dialogue, conflict resolution, peacebuilding and peace education.
