Palestinian children observe Israeli settlers zooming by in their fast, well-protected cars that project an aura of power and security, in contrast to their own feeling of vulnerability. The language of the occupation sends the message that life is not worth living and that children born in the settlements are treasured while children born in the Palestinian camps, villages, or towns are despised. This environment drives home the message that the Palestinians are born to be the hewers of wood and drawers of water both for the settlers and for the Israeli economy. Time and again the message is conveyed to Palestinian children that they are dirty because they are unworthy and that they are poor because their parents are weak and helpless. Such experiences leave their mark on children's perceptions of themselves and the world around them.
Children sometimes find themselves identifying with Israeli soldiers as symbols of power.
At the very least, they are driven out of their homes to look for heroes to replace their fathers, who failed the test. The streets are the natural playgrounds for the children of Gaza. To be a child in Gaza is to be enticed by its streets, incited by the graffiti on every wall and irritated by the Israeli soldiers patrolling on foot or in their jeeps through your own territory. A gathering crowd of activists preparing for a confrontation with the soldiers fills the air with apprehension and excitement. Now it is not a game any more.