The Palestinian Intifada 1987–1993: The dynamics of symbols and symbolic realities, the role of symbols, rituals and myths in national struggles

Abstract

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together. Ecclesiastes 3:5 The Palestinian Intifada of 1987–1993 was awash with symbolism. Persons, objects, and events, whether rooted in past history, or part of the present, or representing future hopes, were elevated and transformed into highly charged symbols, rituals or myths. Stones, colour, smoke, speech, silence, tyre‐burning, action and in action ‐ all acquired significance and purpose well beyond their literal meaning. The symbolic dimension of the Intifada was by no means a static affair. On the contrary, during the Intifada symbols were subject to continuous change. Some symbols gained in strength, others still gradually lost their potency. Occasionally, new symbols appeared on the scene, while others disappeared altogether. Most common were symbols that betoken a deviation and departure from routine practice. The words of an Israeli officer, ‘They [the Palestinians] host PLO flags, they paint PLO flags; we remove these flags, we erase these flags’, show that the Intifada was plainly, literally a battle of symbols and de‐symbolization during a national struggle.