Article: The Bedouin community in Israel: between precariousness and hope for peace
The situation of the Bedouin community in Israel is particularly worrying. Recent Hamas attacks have highlighted the difficult living conditions faced by these Bedouins, both civilian and military. For this Israeli Arab minority, it is time for this recurring violence to finally open the way to peace negotiations.
It is in the town of Hura, Israel, that we meet Dr. Mazen Abu Siam, a member of the Bedouin community who lost twelve people during the Hamas attack. Sitting in a Bedouin tent, he explains that many of his fellow citizens live in precarious conditions, without shelter to protect themselves from attacks and without access to running water. These Bedouin lands are not recognized by the Israeli government, which deprives the inhabitants of their fundamental rights.
However, despite these difficulties, the Bedouin community is an integral part of Israeli society. Many Bedouins work in various sectors such as agriculture, construction, high technology, medicine and justice. However, those living in unrecognized locations do not enjoy the same rights as other Israeli citizens.
Faced with this emergency situation, private initiatives are emerging to help the most disadvantaged Bedouins. People like Farhan Abu Riach, who transformed a room in his house into a warehouse to collect donations, are stepping up to support these struggling communities. Jews from Tel Aviv join them to help, proving that solidarity and living together can transcend differences.
Oday Samanah, a member of the Hura community, is also actively involved in supporting his fellow citizens. A special emergency team has been established to respond to the community’s needs for food, shelter and information. Despite the dark times experienced by the Bedouin community, Oday Samanah remains optimistic and calls for coexistence and peace. He is convinced that this crisis can be an opportunity to strengthen solidarity between Arabs and Jews in Israel.
The situation of the Bedouin community in Israel is a complex problem that requires special attention from the authorities. Recognizing Bedouin lands and ensuring respect for their fundamental rights are essential steps to creating an environment conducive to peace and coexistence. It is time for violence to give way to negotiations in order to build a better future for the Bedouin community and for all of Israeli society.