Since 2000, the southern Israeli town of Sderot and a neighboring rural region, Otef Aza, have been frequently exposed to nearly identical terror attacks by Hamas. While only a small minority of Otef Aza residents have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), more than a third of Sderot residents have been diagnosed with PTSD. Factors such as social cohesion and ideology may be the unique factors that protect Otef Aza kibbutzim residents from PTSD; however, a gap in the literature exists as to how these same factors might affect PTSD symptomology in Sderot residents. Orthodox religiosity has also been associated with reduced PTSD symptoms in Sderot; however, previous research on religiosity has analyzed demographic characteristics and did not use a measure assessing dimensions of religiosity. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the impact of sense of community, ideology, and religiosity on PTSD symptoms among Sderot residents. The theoretical foundation of this study was the diathesis-stress model of PTSD. A survey was completed by a convenience sample of Sderot residents (n = 118). Standard multiple linear regression revealed that ideology, intrinsic religiosity, nonorganizational religious activity, and the fulfillment of needs dimension of sense of community were significant predictors of PTSD symptomatology. Study findings suggested protective factors which could help a large portion of the population. These findings have implications for positive social change for the residents of Sderot by enhancing their opportunities for increased positive interactions, well-being, and meaning and value in their lives.

Terror attacks have become an increasingly discussed and addressed threat in recent years due to an increased threat level around the world and in Sweden. Public areas are today seen as vulnerable for potential attacks due to its openness and accessibility to the public. Additionally, the study also highlights how design can be used as a tool to prevent and design out terrorism, with a focus on vehicle attacks. An important point of the study is also that barriers can lead to isolation and militarization of the urban spaces through a critical perspective. It is crucial for urban planners and authorities to consider the usage of design measures in the urban spaces, due to the current international situation. However, it is also important to consider what design measures retain the open space, and what measures can lead to an isolation of the urban space. The study aims to highlight both positive and negative perspectives that can arise when measures to protect the urban space and its people are installed into the urban spaces. The main focus of the study is on three different case studies from three different streets in three cities, to create a broader picture and understanding of how design measures have been installed in those cities.

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