Young Palestinians' Interpretations of the May 2021 Events

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.