Social Changes within Insurgent Groups as a Result of Collective Punishment during National Crises

Abstract During the Intifada (1987–1993) Israel has closed educational institutions in the Territories as part of its coping with the rising violence. This paper analyses the ramifications of closing those institutions, on Palestinian society, its reaction to it and the changes which occurred as a result. In the short run, the Palestinian society has tried to find educational alternatives to the official frameworks; classrooms were opened out of school area and new curriculums were produced. But in the long run, the ramifications were most severe: a decrease in the academic levels and achievements brought universities in Arab countries to refuse to admit students from the territories; students dropped out of schools; and above all, changes in students’ behavior led to significant changes in the Palestinian society. Among them: a decrease in the status and influence of traditional figures, a rise in the level of violence among teenagers and religious radicalization amidst the youth.