Palestinian Diaspora in Transnational Worlds: Intergenerational Differences in Negotiating Identity, Belonging and Home

Abstract

The study reveals that the social connections of the second generation with the homeland facilitated by technological advances have resulted in the transnational nature of Palestinian Canadians of second generation, as they are more familiar with these technologies than the first generation. It also reveals that social contexts, such as the family and ethnic union, can strengthen the sense of belonging of the second-generation to transnational social spaces that, in turn, facilitate the development of transnational practices. Young Palestinian Canadians demonstrate strong solidarity and sympathy with the Palestinians living under the occupation or in the refugee camps. Such bonds greatly enhance their Palestinian identity; however, the process of identification has altered, particularly for the second generation. For them, Palestine is a significant source of identification but not the only source. Thus, their identities can be referred to as “global identity”. To the second-generation Palestinian Canadians, maintaining social interaction with family members is important. Solidifying and rejuvenating these ties mean physical attachment and actual journeys to visit family and friends in the country of origin. These findings are in line with the emergent diaspora literature that suggests that, analogous to the first generation; second-generation immigrants may experience transnationalism at the level of practice the same as the first generation. Thus, it is concluded that second-generation Palestinian immigrants have strong transnational belonging and are keenly participating in transnational activities.