Assistance with food products and life-saving equipment during emergencies, for the residents of the unrecognized villages in the Negev.
With the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict, an inspiring mobilization of Bedouins in the South was evident for every mission, including combat and the rescue of casualties and bodies under fire, either independently or through civil rescue organizations. Notably, the contribution of residents from the unrecognized villages in the Negev stood out.
Throughout the year, communities in the unrecognized villages suffer from a severe lack of basic infrastructure (water, electricity, internet, cellular communication, sewage, and education), but with the outbreak of the war, the situation worsened.
16 Bedouin civilians were killed by rocket fire due to a lack of early warnings and shelters. Immediately following the outbreak of the war and the rocket strikes in many village areas, residents of the unrecognized villages fled south to temporary camps, while those who remained behind were afraid to go to urban shopping centers due to fears of harassment and physical attacks based on racial discrimination. Additionally, the reduction in public transportation services prevented those without vehicles from reaching grocery stores, supermarkets, or shopping centers.
Residents of villages who earned their livelihood from agricultural work in the fields surrounding Gaza or from other daily labor lost their source of income overnight, finding themselves in even greater distress and poverty. Basic products were missing from the shelves, and mothers were left without infant formula and essential hygiene products. Elderly individuals were without water supplies, and entire families struggled to secure nutritional security. There was also a severe shortage of life-saving equipment in terms of personal safety.
A few days into the war, we established and operated a large team of volunteers that worked 24/7 with various civil society organizations and in collaboration with Bedouin authorities. During the first three months, we raised over one million NIS, which were used for the following purposes:
- We assisted in the establishment and operation of emergency centers and distribution points in unrecognized villages.
- We obtained and distributed approximately 100 tons of direct dry products shipments as donations to needy families.
- We purchased 45 tons of Baladi flour, which is common in Bedouin society.
- We provided security and medical emergency equipment for 21 emergency teams in the Bedouin villages.
- We purchased emergency and medical equipment worth hundreds of thousands of shekels.
- We conducted first aid training courses for approximately 2,000 community members.
- We organized a reconciliation event in collaboration with the Jewish and Bedouin communities in the Negev.
As neighbors and friends, we took it upon ourselves to assist and support our Bedouin brothers, ensure their safety, and continue to strengthen the shared existence in the Negev. Because brothers we are!
