The Bedouin Controversy

Our regular guide Shimon has nothing good to say about the Bedouins, especially those living in the south. Our desert guide Jankele, however, lauds the Bedouins as friends of Israel, who have made a huge contribution as trackers.

Last night we had dinner at a Bedouin tent, followed by a pitch for Bedouin support, especially for the right of the Bedouins to live wherever they want to live. The Bedouins last night made only the bread, tea, and coffee, with the rest of the meal being catered by people who did not look like Bedouins. Throughout the meal, the Bedouin family lounged around on the floor at one end of the tent. Apparently Shimon overheard our Bedouin “host” working a shady deal while talking on his cell phone.

I came away wondering exactly where the truth about the Bedouins really lies. Is their loyalty to the State of Israel or are they simply looking to Israel to support their ancient way of like, while they traffic in all sorts of illegal activities?