In meetings held with the heads of the local councils in the Negev, a number of fundamental challenges currently facing the Bedouin communities were discussed, which require professional attention and a comprehensive systemic response.
Meeting with Lakia Kasifa 25/7/25
Tel Sheva Al-Qassum 27/5/2025
One of the main issues that arose is the population crisis in two main communities, where, for example, in Ksaifa, residents living beyond the Blue Line – outside the jurisdiction of the community – receive full services from the local council, despite not being registered residents. This situation creates a heavy burden on infrastructure, educational institutions and community services, and harms the quality of life of all residents.
Another issue that was highlighted is the lack of organized information on graduates of the education system, especially 12th grade students. There is currently no effective monitoring of the graduates’ continuing paths – whether it is higher education, national service, vocational training or the labor market. This lack of information makes it difficult to formulate support and guidance programs for young people, and constitutes a significant barrier to effective future planning.
The meeting reflected the urgent need to formulate customized and data-based responses, in cooperation between the Center, local authorities and relevant government ministries.
12.5.25: Tour of the unrecognized villages – to feel the society and its needs
Summary of the tour of the unrecognized Bedouin villages – May 2025
5/13/2025
Purpose of the tour: Getting to know the reality on the ground in the areas of education, infrastructure, health, agriculture and cultural heritage in the unrecognized villages in the Negev.
A deeper understanding of them The needs of Bedouin society and the main challenges faced by Bedouin citizens in unrecognized villages
🏫 Education:
Approximately 25% of children in first grade in unrecognized villages arrive without pre-primary education, due to the lack of state-funded kindergartens.
Over 5,000 Bedouin children in the Negev are outside of compulsory kindergarten frameworks.
High dropout rate in advanced grades among students who did not attend preschool.
🗑️ Sanitation and infrastructure:
There is no garbage removal or sewage systems in the village of Al-Zarnouk.
Residents are required to pay for garbage removal in the amount of approximately 24,000 NIS per month – an unreasonable amount.
The “Adam – Nature and Law” association is taking legal action against the authorities.
The Center has expressed interest in research on the health effects of the lack of sanitation services.
🐑 Agriculture and economic development:
In the village of Wadi Al-Naam, the sheepfold Hamed Al-Ahmeda collaborates with the Volcani Institute in research on developing herd health and increasing income.
Agriculture is presented as a significant avenue for the economic advancement of Bedouin communities.
The tour emphasized the importance of applied research and direct connection to the field
Photos from the tour
Knesset Committee – Science and Technology Committee – 19/5/25
The next establishment committee to present the center, its goals and vision, to engage partners and to raise important issues that the Center has been dealing with.
Media article
https://panet.com/story/4098523
Committee broadcasts