Within the Israeli population, there is a marginalized group that is often overlooked: the Bedouin. Their unique way of life repeatedly leads to conflicts.
Bedouins live apart from Israeli society in their own subculture. They are a group of Arab nomadic peoples who have inhabited the desert regions of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula for centuries. The word "Bedouin" comes from Arabic and means "desert dweller." Bedouins are Muslim and traditionally live in tribes or clans, where their main activity is herding camels and goats.
This way of life repeatedly leads to problems with the Israeli government, as the Bedouin live in makeshift tents and tin shacks on state land and pay no property taxes. The government would like to resettle the Bedouin—despite their traditionally nomadic lifestyle—in cities. Many members of the nomadic tribes have already settled in so-called "Bedouin towns," such as Rahat. Many young Bedouin are also highly sought after in the Israel Defense Forces, where they are considered excellent trackers. However, many tribes still live according to their own customs. For example, polygamy is forbidden in Israel but is common practice in Bedouin tribes. Women do not have a high status in the community and are often illiterate.
For more self-esteem
This is where Sara Sakhnini and her seven-member team at Barnaba come in. The Arab Christian felt called by God and consequently began her work with Bedouin women in 2012. The goal of Barnaba's work is to empower Bedouin women, who are often subjected to domestic violence and thus physically and emotionally wounded, and to build their self-esteem.
The team also offers language courses in Arabic, Hebrew, and English, teaches women how to sew, and organizes theoretical driving lessons. With the support of local and international aid organizations, they pack food boxes and provide donated clothing to families in need. Through educational and recreational activities, they teach English to young people between the ages of 14 and 19, while also imparting biblical values.
Sara's husband Bishara, together with a small team of men, has now established relationships with Bedouin men and takes care of them.
The latest newsletter from the Barnaba team states:
A trip just for women!
Some Bedouin women with whom we have close contact asked if we could take them on a day trip. For these women, it's like a flight abroad for us. Sara obtained permission from their husbands and fathers. First, we went for a short hike along a pleasant stream near the Dead Sea. After lunch, the women wanted to take a dip in the Dead Sea. We went to a women-only beach area. It was a hot day, and of course, the women were fully clothed. When they tried to get into the water fully clothed, Sara pointed out that it was a women-only beach and they could at least remove their headscarves. So they did, marveling at the hair and hair colors each woman had, and enjoying this small taste of freedom! If a man from their tribe had seen them without their head coverings, their lives would have been in danger!Time and again, the team witnesses how their long-term commitment to the Bedouin people bears fruit and Bedouins come to faith in Jesus.
As Christians standing alongside Israel, we express our respect for this work and are grateful that the Bedouin of Barnaba are seen and not forgotten.
