Sumud i Sverige : Nyckeln till mening när hemlandet är under ockupation

Sammanfattning: This thesis aims to analyse sumud and its importance for Palestinians today living in Sweden. The theory of logotherapy, developed by Viktor Frankl, is used as a tool to unfold how sumud has become the bearer of identity and to response to the search of a meaningful life, in despite of injustices from the occupation. Through semi-structured interviews, nine respondents have shared their thoughts about sumud while living in a Swedish context. According to the result of the study, the meaning has been found to be central within sumud. For Palestinians living in Sweden it seems that sumud has developed from being seen as a constant when staying in Palestine to something that outside Palestine also expresses economical support, the possibility of returning and the importance of increasing awareness of the occupation. Suffering is transformed into responsibility and faithfulness towards the Palestinian community and a power to live not only for one’s self. Actions in combination with the Palestinian essence of how to be human become identity builders. Despite a lack of hope for peace among the respondents, by sumud it is possible to create meaningfulness also from a distance. The study shows that sumud for Palestinians in exile has turned out to be the key to maintain a joint responsibility for the motherland.