The Bedouin community living near Gaza was deeply impacted by October 7. At least 17 were killed on that day and eight taken to Gaza. Other members of the community demonstrated remarkable heroism in saving their fellow Israelis from Hamas. Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, an Israeli-Bedouin, was rescued on August 27, 2024 after 326 days in captivity.

The seventh of October stands as a poignant moment in the collective memory of the residents of the Bedouin villages. It was a day when they faced adversity without the shields of protection of the iron dome, or the immediate availability of medical services. Compounded by their integration into the economy of the Western Negev, many were significantly affected.

Amid this crisis, the Arab population in the Negev demonstrated resilience and solidarity. In the absence of formal shields, they rallied to help the victims with transportation, rescue operations, and immediate reporting to work at emergency centers. This display of community support highlights the interconnectedness and shared responsibility among the Arab population in the Negev, underscoring the strength derived from unity in times of crisis.

The CEO of the Regional Council for the Unrecognized Villages of the Negev (RCUV)  Dr. Yeela Raanan will be here in December with Obna Sana, a Bedouin Architect and Urban planner.  https://www.unrecognizedvillages.org/ 

This event will be held at the DoubleTree. Be sure to join us for bagels and cream cheese from 12:00 to 1:00 PM!

Please RSVP, Thank you!