Our event garnered media attention, and we're featured in a news article and by NBC News. You can read the article Here.

We are immensely grateful to the participants who traveled from far and wide to join us in this celebration. Your presence and engagement enriched our gathering, fostering meaningful connections and dialogue.

Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our mission. Together, we can make a difference.

Haaretz Second Conference at the University of Haifa: 

The second conference "Politics and  the Arab Society in Israel" organized by Haaretz at the University of Haifa, delved into the political and social dynamics concerning the Arab community within Israeli society following the events of October 7th and the subsequent war.

Speakers from various backgrounds, including media figures and politicians such as MK Naama Lazimi, Chair of the Knesset Special Youth Issues Committee, and MK Ayman Odeh, Chair of the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, discussed the challenges facing Arab citizens in Israel. Topics ranged from societal, economic, and political issues.

Our local advocacy coordinator, Huda Abu Obaid was one of the speakers. Huda highlighted the severe impact of the recent conflict on the Bedouin communities in the Negev-Naqab region, emphasizing their vulnerability and suffering since the Hamas attack on October 7. She pointed to the tragic loss of life, including fatalities from rocket attacks, as well as kidnappings within the Bedouin community, but also economic hardship and the constant threat to their safety. She also addressed the lack of representation faced by the Bedouin and expressed her deep concern about their growing marginalization. She passionately advocated for more attention and support and urged all present to recognize and address these issues,

Food supplies delivery:

As Ramadan unfolded, we were honored to extend a helping hand to our communities in need. With the generous support of  ‘Mazon: a Jewish Response to Hunger’ . We were able to deliver 100 Boxes of food and essential supplies to women we are in touch with in various unrecognized villages across the Negev-Naqab region.

These women, who have reached out to us for assistance in the past, received much-needed provisions to help ease the challenges they face, especially during this holy month, to ensure that they can observe Ramadan with dignity and peace of mind.

Yom HaAdama in Al-Araqib:

Yom HaAdama - 48th Land Day event in Al-Araqib was held on Saturday, March 30th. This day marks the protests against land expropriation in the Galilee while killing six Palestinians in 1976 during. It's a solemn occasion for Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel, reflecting on the ongoing fight for land rights and equality. Indeed, despite facing continued hardships like demolitions and land confiscation, the people of Al-Araqib stand firm, protecting their rights and heritage. The Negev Coexistence Forum's unwavering support has been vital, amplifying their voices and advocating for their rights and essential justice.

The evening began with a moving iftar meal that brought the guests together and created a sense of community. Beforehand, participants marched from Road 40 to the village chanting slogans for recognition and justice. Later in the evening, organizers showed short videos that gave the audience a glimpse into the struggles and achievements of the Al-Araqib community and highlighted their ongoing challenges.

Every year, the NCF celebrates Yom HaAdama, the Day of the Land, and stands in solidarity with the residents of Al-Araqib and the unrecognized villages in the Naqab. We are committed to upholding human rights, promoting sustainable development and advocating for marginalized communities.

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our ongoing efforts in the Negev-Naqab Region!
 

• Budget cuts in Arab communities

We have submitted a paper to the Chairman of the Finance Committee, MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni, highlighting the critical issue of proposed budget cuts to essential programs benefiting the Arab and Bedouin communities, as well as initiatives aimed at addressing crime within Arab society. These proposed cuts, totaling 15%, directly threaten the progress and development of these communities, particularly in the Negev region, and could have severe implications for employment, poverty levels, and overall societal well-being.

We strongly urge the Finance Committee to reconsider these proposed cuts, as they disproportionately affect Arab and Bedouin communities without valid justification. Our demands include the cancellation of these cuts and the preservation of essential funding for programs aimed at reducing disparities, promoting employment, and addressing societal challenges. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of maintaining support for initiatives that contribute to the economic development and empowerment of these communities, thereby fostering civil equality and gender equality in Israeli society.

• Petition for a ceasefire with Gisha with other NGOs

NCF has joined several other civil society and human rights organizations based in Israel in supporting a petition calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate release of hostages held there. The ongoing conflict, which was exacerbated by the Hamas attack on October 7, has had devastating consequences.
The healthcare system is on the verge of collapse, hospitals are overburdened and there is a shortage of vital supplies. Food and clean water are in short supply. 1.7 million people have been displaced and are living in catastrophic conditions in overcrowded accommodation. Urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “We urgently call for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, as well as the unconditional release of all hostages by Hamas. We also call on the international community to uphold international humanitarian law to protect civilians and ensure human rights for Israelis and Palestinians”.

• Exciting News: You can book a tour 

As we enter the new year, we are excited to relaunch our Human Rights Tours of the Negev!

These tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the reality of the Arab Bedouin communities in the Negev/Naqab. Join us on an insightful journey into the challenges faced by the Bedouin population.
Our tours, which focus on civil rights, politics and women's rights, offer valuable insights into the historical, social and political landscape of the region. Our tours promise an educational experience.Contact our tour coordinator Huda Abu Obaid at Toursnaqabncf@gmail.com or call +972 543387208 to book your tour or for more information. You can also book a tour by filling out  the  form available on our website.

We look forward to embarking on this journey with you!

• Record numbers of demolitions

A record number of structures and house demolitions was recorded in the year in 2023 in the Bedouin communities of the Naqab/Negev in 2023. 3283 demolitions took place , according to the Israeli newspaper Maariv, with an increase of 27% from last year. 

We are waiting for the government office for confirmation of these numbers.

We stand in solidarity with the Bedouin citizens of Israel and all others who are still held hostage in Gaza, hoping for their swift and safe return. We continue to strive for a ceasefire and pursue diplomatic solutions that will end the bloodshed. Our thoughts are with them, and we remain committed to their liberation and the pursuit of lasting peace.

Our New Research Center.

We are excited to introduce Nagabiya, our Bedouin Society Knowledge And Research Hub.

The existing official databases, notably from the Central Bureau of Statistics, overlook the unrecognized villages, leaving over 80,000 residents with hardly documented living conditions.

Over the years, a government policy of neglect and mistreatment has targeted Bedouin citizens, leading to demolitions, displacements, and forced relocations, leaving them with limited job opportunities. Nagabiya aims to counteract this by focusing on consistent data collection and documentation to provide an annual snapshot of life in unrecognized villages, with a particular emphasis on the employment challenges faced by Bedouin women.

The focus of the Research Center is on collecting data and documenting the reality of life in the unrecognized villages in order to present an annual situation picture, emphasizing employment issues among Bedouin women. Based on the research findings, the center will draft practical proposals and produce policy documents.
 

The topics studied at the Center:

• Economic viability of women from the unrecognized villages to integrate into the labor market,

• ‘Employment Circles’ program for Bedouin women in the unrecognized villages,

• Characteristics and patterns of women's employment according to form of villages,

• A snapshot of the Bedouin population for 2023.
The most recent research, based on a survey on protection and feelings of security among the Bedouin community in the Negev-Naqab in the shadow of the war between Israel and Hamas, is available on our website in Hebrew and in English and soon in Arabic. 

• Letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu

A few days ago, NCF's Executive Director, Haia Noach, sent a letter to the Prime Minister expressing strong opposition to his decision of transferring The Authority for Development and Settlement of the Bedouin in the Negev.   Minister Amichai Chikli  resigned from the Ministry for Civil Equality and remains with the Diaspora Ministry. Namely, the Authority will be under the auspices of the Diaspora Ministry. This is  an absurd decision that emphasizes the lack of relevance of the Diaspora Ministry to the Bedouin community's needs. The letter pointed out the importance of consistent and knowledgeable leadership in addressing the complex issues faced by the Bedouin population. The letter urged the reconsideration and cancellation of this decision, proposing the transfer of powers to a central government office with ongoing responsibility and high professional standards.

 Home demolitions are back

After a period of grace, probably due to the war, Bedouin communities face once again government ordered home demolitions. Over the last two weeks, structures were demolished by law enforcement in Bīr Haddāj (recognized village), Az-Zarnūg  and Tal ʿArād (both unrecognized). 

 Or in the words of MK Atawneh, “House demolitions have begun as if there is no war”.

Establishing an inclusive society in the Negev necessitates the active involvement and fair consideration of the Bedouin community, not at its expense. Sustainable progress can only be achieved through egalitarian distributive justice, ensuring equal development for both communities residing in this shared space. Exclusion or prioritizing one community over the other is not conducive to a lasting and harmonious shared society.

In closing, we extend our deepest gratitude to all our supporters, partners, and advocates who tirelessly champion human rights alongside us, especially during these challenging times. 

We look forward to continuing this vital work together.