Identity and Community Negotiating among Palestinian Muslims and Christians in East Jerusalem

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to gain further understanding on how Palestinian Muslims and Christians identify themselves and form communities in Beit Hanina, a neighbourhood located in East Jerusalem. This study contributes to the literature on identities and communities, focusing on the perspective of Palestinian Muslims and Christians on how they negotiate multiple identities in multiple communities. Furthermore, this study can help gain further insight into how Palestinian Muslims and Christians use communities to shape their identities, and use these identities as tools to include and exclude other Palestinians. This study used a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with Palestinian Muslims and Christians and observations conducted in Beit Hanina. Its main argument is that Palestinian Muslim and Christian community shapes collective and personal identities, but also the identity of the other, which leads to Palestinian Muslims and Christians identifying themselves as Christian and Muslim and as Palestinian. These identities that are being shaped are used as a powerful tool, not only to make people aware of personal or collective identity but also to include or exclude the other.