Bedouins
One of the nice things about having an Israeli cop in the family is that they have no fear and are willing to do things that others won't. One day, off the cuff, Cousin Marnina decided to take us on a tour of Tel Sheva, the Bedouin city outside of Be'er Sheva.
Bedouins are a nomadic Arab people. Nomadic but since Israel built them a city, the current generation is the first generation to become more stationary. Bedouins don't much care for the Israelis. Then again they don't like the Palestinians at all and some nights the different clans of Bedouins in the same town will spontaneously combust and start shooting at each other. According to Be'er Sheva residents the Bedouins are usually the source of most crime in the Negev. As a result most Israelis wouldn't remotely think of going to a Bedouin village, forget about taking the out of town guests!
But we went anyway. And it was fun!
When we drove into Tel Sheva our car was rushed by a dozen Bedouin kids (Bedokids) all shouting "Salaam, salaam" at us, so we shouted it back. The Bedokids should have been in Bedoschool, since a school was built for them, but alas, rules are not their strong suit.
It was a very fun half an hour tour. I recommend it but take an Israeli cop with you - just in case.
posted by Jim at 10:45 PM
6 Comments:
Bedouins don't much care for the Israelis. Then again they don't like the Palestinians at all
An odd thing about the Bedouin: despite their dislike of Israelis, they usually volunteer for army service. Their induction rates are only slightly lower than for Jews, and because they are Arab Muslims, they are draft exempt.
But as you said, they don't like the palestinians much, and had to choose an ally.
Israel is an interesting, if sometime fractured, society.
7:14 AM
Cousin was telling me about the Bedouins in the Army, very interesting. They chose the right ally if you ask me!
8:56 AM
Jim:
You've got some beautiful photos here. It looks like you had an amazing trip. Israel is one of the places I hope to go to sometime, and this just reinforces it.
Thanks for posting about your experience.
2:05 PM
It really was Carl. I hope that you and the GF can make a trip there soon!
3:26 PM
I'm learning quite a bit about Israel through your eyes. Very interesting. Glad you had the cop with you :)
3:28 PM
Jason, glad you are enjoying. Yes, we were glad to have her with us too! :)
9:53 PM
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