First Day in Be'er Sheva and on-hands in A New Dawn

The best word I can use to describe Be'er Sheva is in-progress. There is construction and revitalization everywhere, especially because of the growing student population. I live in an area that seems to be mostly students, and new-immigrants from Russia, Africa, and Middle Eastern countries, and some low-income residents.



My first impression of Rahat, is that is is clearly a newer city, with a plethora of food options that I can't wait to try and I look forward to interacting with the very curious (as to who I am) locals.












I was able to participate in the Al-Salam Elementary schools' English camp on its last day. The students are excited, over-energetic and love music, and surprising to me they almost all love to dance-including the boys.

On the first week, I also took part in a visit by representatives from the German Embassy, a Lutheran Group that Works in the West Bank, and University students from an Israeli and American University whom all came to learn about the Bedouin people, current challenges and Rahat. I also will be here for the opening of the new and nearly complete Jewish-Bedouin Center in Rahat, which A New Dawn hopes to use to host a variety of educational and entertaining activities.

I feel in this first week alone, I know more about the Bedouin that many Jewish-Israelis that are born here. I learned about the "semi-forced" relocation plans, the history and the plethora of challenges and lack of resources that the government planned Bedouin relocation cities face, such as unemployment and educational opportunities.

Awesome Bedouin Meal

 I also visited a un-recognized village, that technically

could be demolished and had a great meal and learning session, along with fellow do-gooders.