Heritage fractured: violence, displacement and the disintegration of cultural identity

Purpose The present study sought to investigate cultural identity, memory and social unity in response to forced displacement and violence following the recent Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. Design/methodology/approach The study involved 30 displaced individuals from Gaza, chosen from internally displaced Palestinian camps in the city of Rafah. The group included 14 females and 16 males, with ages ranging from 18 to 58 years (average age for males = 31.43 years, SD = 11.12; average age for females = 31.23 years, SD = 10.13). Findings Thematic content analysis of the interview transcripts led to the identification of six main themes. (1) Erosion of communal rituals and ceremonies. (2) Disruption of intergenerational transmission of knowledge and tradition. (3) Marginalization of cultural institutions and community spaces. (4) Fragmentation of shared linguistic and religious practices. (5) Art, music, and oral histories. (6) Individual survival strategies over collective solidarity. Originality/value The study emphasizes the essential role of cultural continuity in maintaining both individual and collective resilience, particularly in the face of displacement and conflict. By expanding the research focus, scholars and practitioners can develop more effective strategies for protecting cultural heritage, enhancing resilience and ensuring the survival of communal identities in conflict and displacement settings.