The paper presents a comprehensive review and integration of available studies on the effects of severe traumatic experiences on children, especially in the context of short and enduring exposure to harsh events and adversities, as they relate to children who live in violent war zones, in particular in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The review focuses on the role of risk and protective factors in determining the debilitating and damaging effects as well as resiliencies of short term and chronic catastrophic experiences on the future well being of children and emerging adults. (Contains 3 tables and 2 footnotes.)