Despite frozen legislation, plans to dispossess the Negev Bedouin being implemented

[Jefferson23]

Despite the fact that legislation is currently frozen, there are growing indications suggesting the government has decided legislation is not necessary in order to implement its plans of dispossessing the Negev Bedouin. Demolition rates continue to be high, and plans for Jewish communities in the Negev continue to move forward. Following is a summary of the current situation in a number of Bedouin villages in the Negev facing threats of demolition, dispossession, and relocation.



Al Arakib

On Wednesday, May 21 2014, eviction orders for June 12th were handed out inside the fence of the Al-Arakib cemetery. Recall that, during all of the 68 demolitions of Al-Arakib since 2010, nothing has been touched inside the cemetery perimeter. Several homes and structures are inside, in addition to the cemetery. When repeated demolitions did not succeed in getting the residence to abandon their community, there was a series of arrests of Sheikh Sayakh, his children and some other leaders, for “Trespassing.” They have restraining orders prohibiting them from returning to El-Araqib, but are allowed to be in the cemetery. After the death of Sheikh Sayakh’s brother, a sort of minaret/tower with loudspeakers was added to the structure they sometimes use as a mosque, so that the large number of people who came could hear. That caused the police, green patrol and Israel Lands Authority to enter the perimeter for the first time to photograph and document the buildings.

AlArakibcemeteryAl-Arakib is in many senses “the boy with the finger in the dyke.” The fact that Al-Arakib hasn’t folded has probably delayed plans for additional Bedouin communities. It serves as a symbol, and it is very important that they be able to hold on. There is also a need for financial support, as the core of people holding on can’t work and have additional expenses every time the State demolishes.

READ: Reflection on Al-Arakib by RHR volunteer

Awajan

Last week JNF bulldozers began forestation work between the recognized Laqia township and the “unrecognized” village of Awajan (about a kilometer south of Laqia), on lands claimed by the residents of Awajan. A representative of the JNF confirmed that the ILA had asked them to carry out this work. Nobody has been willing to even inform the residents just what is being done, and how much land it will extend to. The intent is apparently to create a barrier between Laqia and Awajan, limiting Laqia’s expansion (Awajan wishes to be recognized as an extension Laquia).

http://rhr.org.il/eng/2014/05/moving-forward-anyway-despite-frozen-legislation-plans-to-dispossess-the-negev-bedouin-broadly-implemented/