Reflection II

Reading the chapter on Bedouins in The Israelis, I got a completely different impression of the Bedouin than my impression when I first saw Wafa enter the bus.  From The Israelis, I got the impression that most Bedouin were still in tents, and that women everywhere had to fight their whole lives to get an education.  This book described a widespread resistance to modernization, and how women were actually decreasing their influence as they moved from the desert to houses. 

                Yet Wafa strolled confidently onto the bus, hair uncovered and wearing skillfully applied eyeliner.  Several girls in her family had gone to college, without, it seemed, any problem from her father or the community.  Her tribe is relatively secular, and the way it was described, thrilled and proud to be moving into a more modern age.  They seemed satisfied with the construction and growth of their city.  They had huge houses. Not only that, but many members of the family, such as Wafa’s sister and father, identified strongly as Israelis and beamed when they told us that their tribe voted Labor for generations.  Rahat, they told us, votes mostly Labor.  Islamic parties are not very popular.  This was totally at odds with the picture painted by the reading, where Bedouin were turning rapidly into Islamists. 

The Bedouin in Rahat did share some issues and customs described in the chapter.  Women are often limited in their opportunities, depending on the tribe.  Polygamy is common.  Even Wafa’s relatively “modern” family wanted her to get married to one of the men in an acceptable tribe.  You could see the culture clash and harmony between traditional values and modern society in many places, very much in the “tents” built in each backyard, reminiscent of tents for nostalgic elders.  This really brought home not only that the plight of the Bedouin is a diverse and fascinating issue, but also that over-generalization is risky business. 

Naturally, many Bedouin are more traditional and facing different issues.  But many, such as Wafa’s family, seem relatively happy to make transitions.  I imagine this makes it difficult for the government to make decisions regarding the Bedouin.  Diversity of opinion makes it difficult for the government to make decisions at all.  Watching State 194, I became very frustrated with Netanyahu.  I believe settlements are wrong and should be stopped immediately.  How could he do nothing?  But it is interesting for me to remember that, while I may disagree with it, Netanyahu won’t make over-generalizations about public opinion.  He is trying to juggle political support in a dozen different camps with different viewpoints and opinions.  Unfortunately, this is preventing peace.  Seeing Rahat and this fascinating film makes me feel like you are not going to please all of the people all of the time.  It would be nice if Netanyahu would reach out, make peace, and have the naysayers thank him later.