I’m standing in Al-Araqib and I know that something is wrong: Reflections on the Bedouin
26 February 2014
Lev Gray, a volunteer with RHR, joined Rabbi Arik Ascherman and a group of rabbis on a study-tour to learn about the Bedouin Negev.
By Lev Gray
On an overcast Sunday, I drove with 3 rabbis down to the Negev. In the warmth of the car I drifted in and out of sleep. I would soon be woken up by the black coffee of hospitality and bitter tastes less literal.
Our first stop was Umm El Hiran, an unrecognized Bedouin village. There are 35+ Bedouin villages that are unrecognized by the Israeli government. The villages get no resources and are forced to move into townships(read: reservations). Umm El Hiran’s designated township is Hura.
We are greeted by Abed, a 49 year old father. We drink coffee in Dixie cups. He has lived here his whole life and he points to where he was born. Umm El Hiran has no running water or electricity. Nearby, a Jewish couple live alone. They have electricity. The two of them get electricity. Abed smiles grimly. His fate, the fate of his village is in the hand of the court. The Israeli court. He’s not optimistic.
Q. Are you worried?
A. Yes. Every day the kids go to school and they always look behind them; they don’t know if their houses will be knocked down when they get back.
http://rhr.org.il/eng/2014/02/im-standing-in-al-araqib-and-i-know-that-something-is-wrong-reflections-on-the-negev-bedouin/
