Leah Cardona: Blog 3

Visiting Wafa Krenawi and her family’s wonderful hospitality was a true Bedouin experience. I’ve only read about the Bedouins and their life styles through the book The Israelis. I thought it was interesting to read how polygamy is a norm between Bedouin families and they only marry those in their tribe, how Bedouins normally live in the Negev and some men join the IDF while some women continue education after high school and go to college. I learned so much in the few hours we spent visiting Rahat, seeing the beautiful modern homes, while at the same time keeping a small side house as a traditional tent, and trying traditional Bedouin food.

It was interesting to see the town of Rahat in person because it was described as “the poorest town in Israel” (Rosenthal, 297). Walking through the streets and market you can tell it wasn’t the nicest town but it was very much modern. The expensive cars parked along the streets stuck out the most and made it less surprising that the homes were mansions. Yes, they are not the some types of mansions you may see in the US but compared to the homes in the city of Chicago, the Bedouin homes were beautiful. It was fascinating to see surrounding Wafa’s home with her parents; her brothers each built their own homes to be very close to the family.

Wafa and her family welcomed us to her home and treated us like extended family. Even though it was Ramadan, they fed us until our stomachs were full. The whole meal was delicious. It was nice to hear Wafa’s father tell stories and history of the Bedouins while eating lunch. Sitting around on couches and chairs made me wonder if most family gatherings were the same. I would assume a much more crowded room with delicious food.

Sitting with Wafa and her family, reminded me of my own family. Even though I’m an only child, my extended family is extremely big. My grandmother is one of twelve, my father is one of six with an additional five half siblings and I have so many first cousins that I cannot even keep count. Hearing that Wafa’s father has 52 grandchildren was amazing to hear. It was shocking but lovely to hear that Wafa’s mother is his only wife. I will never forget this day because it was truly an amazing experience. I hope that MSU keeps this contact with Wafa and her family and future study abroad programs can have this wonderful experience as well.