This study aims to understand the process of collective identity, self-concept, and political development of the individual Palestinian student activist within the context of collective action in Israel. The paper addresses the complexity of the issue with the terminology for the non-Jew in Israel and the conflicting beliefs which see Israel as a Jewish-state with a Western democracy with extraordinary security concerns. Twenty percent of the citizens of Israel are not Jewish and are denied the rights of a democracy by a state imposed upon them. The most pressing dilemma for the Palestinian people has been to maintain their national and cultural identity in the new circumstances. Universities are the only educational institutions in Israel where Palestinian and Jewish students are fully integrated. The university Palestinian students are considered the educated elite with the goals and structures of the Israeli universities politically and culturally antagonist towards them as a national minority group. This pilot study of 17 Palestinian student activists using qualitative research methods was conducted during the summer of 1996 with students attending Haifa, Tel-Aviv, and Ben-Gurion universities in Israel. Participation observation, field notes, interviews, and document analysis comprised the study techniques. Initial themes and categories emerging from the study include: (1) pioneers; (2) collective identity and political awareness; (3) perception of the formal educational system; (4) group identity and group interaction; (5) gender issues; and (6) political socialization and future commitment. A formal study is scheduled for the summer and fall 1997. Contains 32 references. (EH)