The exhibition is a product of two projects conducted by  the Negev Coexistence Forum in the Negev in the last eight years in unrecognized villages in the Negev: “Yasurana – Photographing for Human Rights” and “Recognized”. The two projects are funded by the EU,Rosa Luxemburg Foundation and the Swiss Foreign Ministry.

The projects are based on photography workshops for Bedouin women carried out in 9 unrecognized villages and 1 recognized village in the Negev. The women are given cameras and learn photography techniques while at the same time we get to know the women and their daily struggle. We go out together on photography tours in the villages, including documenting the lack of basic services which force the community to provide them on their own.

The NCF                                                                                                              The Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality (NCF) is a grassroots organization established in 1997 by a group of Arab and Jewish residents of the Negev-Naqab who were alarmed by the government’s discriminatory policies and practices towards its Arab-Bedouin citizens. We work to promote the rights of the Arab Bedouin Indigenous community and a shared society in the Negev-Naqab, where all its residents live in dignity and enjoy their human rights, as well as equality and justice. Our strategy consists of working closely with Bedouin communities, raising awareness among local and international stakeholders and the general public about the situation on the ground, and advocating for policy change. 

The scope of NCF’s work to support the Bedouin’s struggle is based on the belief that human rights are inherent to all human beings. Human rights include the right to live in dignity, to work and have an education, the right to health care services and the right to adequate housing among many others.  According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.

The Arab Bedouin residents are indigenous people to the Naqab. Their indigenous status is not officially recognised by the State of Israel and the Bedouins are politically, socially, economically and culturally marginalised from the rest of the Israeli population, especially challenged in terms of forced displacement. 

While the State chooses to perform a policy of forced eviction of its Arab Bedouin citizens, it not only violates several International Convention Rights but also fails to protect their Human Rights,  Social, Economic and Political rights.  

Acknowledgement

Many many thanks, to so many people, are due here. 

We apologize that the numerous people involved in this documentation project prevent us from acknowledging each one in person. 

Many thanks to the photographers, past and present project managers, the curator of the exhibition and NCF’s coordinators. Each one of you is a mosaic stone in this amazing project.

Thanks to the board of directors and members of the secretariat for their belief, guidance and support throughout the many years. 

Our many thanks for the long support of  the Regional Council for The Unrecognized Villages and the members of the committees in the villages. 

Special thanks to the photographers who guided us with their professional knowledge and wisdom and to the members of the steering committee for all their input.

Last but not least, our many thanks to the various foundations. Without their faith and support this project would not have been realized. 

We are so thankful and indebted to all . Please see this as a message to each and everyone of you.