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The seventh of October stands as a poignant moment in the collective memory of the residents of the unrecognized villages. It was a day when they faced adversity without the shields of protection of the iron dome, or the immediate availability of medical services. Compounded by their integration into the economy of the Western Negev, many were significantly affected.

Amid this crisis, the Arab population in the Negev demonstrated resilience and solidarity. In the absence of formal shields, they rallied to help the victims with transportation, rescue operations, and immediate reporting to work at emergency centers. This display of community support highlights the interconnectedness and shared responsibility among the Arab population in the Negev, underscoring the strength derived from unity in times of crisis.

The aftermath of the seventh of October thrust the residents of unrecognized villages into a state of vulnerability, compounded by the lack of a municipal authority to oversee their care and rehabilitation. In this vacuum, the Council of Unrecognized Villages assumed a pivotal role. Their immediate response included mapping the immediate needs of the affected population, utilizing a comprehensive approach already in place for all village residents. Swift actions were taken to address physical and mental injuries, support claims for property damage, purchase insurance, and collaborate with government ministries to secure and place insurance.

Additionally, the council spearheaded the distribution of thousands of food packages, meticulously tailored to align with the unique needs of Bedouin society. Simultaneously, they acquired and distributed hundreds of first aid kits, emphasizing the urgency of providing immediate relief and support to those affected. The communication efforts of the council became instrumental in challenging and reshaping the Israeli public's perception of the Bedouin community. The focus was on fostering recognition, understanding, and appreciation for the community's contributions, values, and the challenges they face.

In essence, the seventh of October served as a catalyst for the Council of Unrecognized Villages to mobilize swiftly and effectively. Beyond immediate relief efforts, the council engaged in continuous communication initiatives, aiming to alter public opinion, instigate broader societal change, and ultimately garner recognition and respect for the Bedouin community.

The comprehensive response of the council following the seventh of October is indicative of its commitment to the welfare, resilience, and empowerment of the residents in unrecognized villages. By addressing immediate needs and undertaking long-term advocacy, the council plays a pivotal role in not only responding to crises but also in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for these marginalized communities.

Community organizers are indispensable in any society, and their significance becomes even more pronounced in the context of Bedouin communities residing in unrecognized villages, where the absence of a welfare system and dedicated community organizers compounds the challenges.

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The importance of community organizing is underscored by various factors, including: Empowerment, Social Change, Representation, Capacity Building, Collaboration, Democracy and Civic Engagement, Social Cohesion, Responsive Services, Conflict Resolution, Long-Term Sustainability and more.

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In essence, community organizers are indispensable for creating empowered, engaged, and resilient communities capable of addressing their challenges and actively participating in positive social transformation.

Within the Regional Council, our primary emphasis lies in monitoring governmental maps and facilitating citizen access to information regarding plans and operations. However, there are instances where operations take place in villages without adequate consideration. To address this issue proactively, the council has earmarked the current year for the initiation of a comprehensive mapping methodology, with a specific focus on unrecognized Bedouin villages.

This strategic initiative will concentrate its efforts on the Beer Sheva Valley, an expansive area characterized by the highest concentration of unrecognized villages. The overarching goal is to develop a distinctive, authentic local Bedouin fabric within this region. By delving into the mapping of these villages, the council aspires to shed light on their unique characteristics, needs, and potential, fostering a more inclusive and considerate approach to development and planning.

The Beer Sheva Valley, given its width and the multitude of unrecognized villages, presents a significant challenge and an equally compelling opportunity. The mapping methodology will not only document the geographical and infrastructural aspects but also delve into the cultural and social nuances that define these communities. This holistic approach aims to create a comprehensive understanding of the Bedouin fabric in this region, transcending mere cartography.

Through this mapping endeavor, the council seeks to empower both local communities and external stakeholders. By providing a nuanced and detailed portrayal of the unrecognized Bedouin villages, these maps will serve as valuable resources for researchers and planners. The data generated will enable collaborative efforts in proper village planning, ensuring that future operations and initiatives consider the unique dynamics and needs of these communities.

In essence, the mapping initiatives undertaken by the council represent a proactive step toward fostering a more inclusive and informed approach to regional development. By focusing on the Beer Sheva Valley and its multitude of unrecognized Bedouin villages, the council aspires not only to generate practical maps but also to contribute to the creation of a supportive environment that respects the cultural, social, and geographical intricacies of these communities. The resulting maps will serve as a bridge, connecting researchers, planners, and the council in a collaborative effort to enhance the quality of life for residents in unrecognized villages through thoughtful and considerate planning.

The Negev, home to approximately three hundred thousand Arabs, represents a unique demographic landscape, constituting around 40% of the region's total residents. This community, however, faces a paradox—while a significant portion resides in the Negev, their land occupancy is disproportionally limited. Nearly half of these individuals find themselves dwelling in unrecognized villages, collectively occupying a mere 3.5% of the vast Negev landscape. A critical point of contention revolves around a mere 1.5% of Negev's land, bringing forth profound implications for the residents of these communities.

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This unequal distribution extends beyond land. Life in unrecognized settlements is marked by a scarcity of basic services such as water, electricity, health, and education. Furthermore, the residents grapple with a profound lack of land security, witnessing thousands of demolitions since the 1970s. Even today, their homes face the persistent threat of being razed to the ground. The predicament of recognizing these Bedouin villages transcends the local context; it stands as one of the foremost environmental and planning challenges facing the Palestinian minority in Israel.

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Spatial planning in Israel, embedded in a complex web of political, economic, and ethnic power structures, plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape. The state's planning policy has historically aimed to concentrate Bedouin communities in limited areas, disrupting their historical space and accelerating processes of modernization and urbanization. This approach treats the Negev as an empty canvas, favoring the development of Jewish areas at the expense of Arab rights. The fundamental rights of Arabs in the Negev to their ancestral lands face systemic challenges, underscoring the urgent need for advocacy and change.

The media project aims to shift the perspective of Israeli society concerning Arab citizens in the Negev, residents of unrecognized villages, and the matter of recognition. Its goal is to advocate for policy reform, alter Israeli political dynamics, and halt the infringement on the human rights of Negev Arabs by acknowledging the villages, consequently putting an end to demolitions. Moreover, it seeks to integrate these villages into a more comprehensive budgetary, organizational, and supportive framework under our jurisdiction.