General image of Palestinian families in transition : a case study of the Palestinians in Malaysia

Abstract

The objective of this case study is to examine the general image of Palestinian families in transition, highlighting their uncertain and unstable living conditions that they have been experiencing for almost seven decades since the 1948 catastrophe which has historically transformed their status from natives into displaced refugees in various countries around the world. The study also reveals how the families perceive and express themselves within the context of their unstable life before and after their arrival in Malaysia. Specifically, it investigates the social, economic and psychological conditions of 30 Palestinian families who are registered at the Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) located in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia and waiting for resettlement in a third country after they fled from Iraq, Syria and the Gaza Strip. The present research is based on the qualitative approach, employing participant observation, in-depth interviews with families and interviews with officials for data collection. The findings confirm that the Palestinian families have been leading unstable living circumstances before and after their transition in Malaysia. Recent civil wars in Iraq and Syria as well as regular Israeli wars in the Gaza Strip exposed them to killing, kidnapping and home destruction, forcing them to flee for the safety of their lives. Their transition in Malaysia has brought about negative impacts on their family life. It affects all of their social aspects including relationships, health and education. Economically, the families face challenges in terms of meeting basic needs and are exploited at work places. Psychologically, they develop depression and anxiety. Finally, the study sheds light on the mechanisms the families adopt to overcome challenges during transition in Malaysia.