Bedouin soldiers: Israel shuns us

On Remembrance Day, Bedouin community mourns IDF casualties, calls for end to inequality
Yonat Atlas
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.06.08, 22:07
Equal only in death: Among those observing Remembrance Day the families of 168 Bedouin casualties killed in the line of duty since Israel's establishment. Forty one of them are from the Negev’s dispersed Bedouin community, which is greatly underprivileged despite its close ties to the IDF and the fact that it is forced to hide its sons’ army service.
Two Bedouin soldiers have been killed in 2008: A 28 year-old tracker whose family refused to publish his name was killed by a roadside bomb on the Gaza border, and 20 year-old Corporal Menahesh Albinath from Kuseife, during intense clashes with a Palestinian terror cell near the security fence in central Gaza.

Casualties of War

The Albinath family lives in shacks with no electricity; their water supply was resumed only after their son’s death. Menahesh’s brother, Fares, serves in the territories, yet his house is under a demolition order threat.
“Instead of peacefully serving the country, the soldiers are forced to worry over the fate of their homes, wondering whether or not their house will remain intact upon their return,” said Menahesh’s uncle, Mussa Albinath, who served in the IDF for 20 years. His five sons and nephew also served in the army.
The problematic treatment of Bedouin soldiers by their community is evident in the fact that the Remembrance Day siren was heard for the first time only in 2005 in the Hura community.
Remembrance Day for Bedouin IDF fallen (Photo: IDF Spokespersons)

Meanwhile, data shows that there is a significant decline in the number of Bedouins joining the IDF. Community leaders say they will not encourage youth to join the IDF if Israel continues to overlook them and their needs.

Southern Region Commander Yoav Galant spoke at the memorial ceremony for Bedouin casualties in Beersheba Tuesday, saying that “we must help Bedouins solve their problems and aid in implementing the national decision made regarding their communities.

"The Bedouin soldiers are excellent in performing their duties, but we still need more fighters to join," Galant said, urging Bedouin community leaders to encourage their youth to enlist.