The Bedouin community’s transition to permanent settlements in the 1970s, along with the technological developments of the modern era, constituted a significant turning point in the Bedouin culture and lifestyle. The traditions, tribalism, and ancient ways of life became history, and were replaced by an urban lifestyle with new socio-economic characteristics.
Beer Hdaj Diwan is an educational tourist center aimed at increasing recognition for Bedouin societies in the Negev. The center provides workshops and lectures describing the Bedouin's lifestyle of both the past and present. In the future, a museum will be established at the center of the Diwan, which will present a fascinating display of how Bedouin life has been conducted over the years. The museum’s exhibitions will give a feeling of how Bedouin society managed to survive in the desert for thousands of years, despite the difficulties and dangers lurking around every corner.
The Diwan hopes to inspire people to acquire knowledge and understanding of Bedouin heritage; to strengthen Bedouin culture for future generations; to reduce the growing social rift between the state and the Bedouin community in the Negev; and to remove barriers, break down stereotypes and form bridges among different populations in order to facilitate growth, social development, equality, and neighborly relations.
Salamah Ebn Khazahl – Director of Beer Hdaj Diwan
Salamah holds a master's degree in Organizational Consulting from the Ono Academic College and a bachelor's degree in Humanities and Social Sciences from Sapir College. He is a graduate of the Mandel Program for Leadership in the Negev and of an entrepreneurship course in tourism for the Bedouin sector, and serves as the director of the Authority for Prevention of Violence, Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Neve Midbar Regional Council. A resident of Beer Hdaj, Salamah is also a teacher, social education coordinator, and career education coordinator at the local high school.
Target audience: The general public
Area of activity: Beer Hdaj
