Negev Conference Explores Planning Challenges, Honors Activist Sultan Abu Abeed
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
The event honored Sultan Abu Abeed for his over 20 years of advocacy for the rights of Negev residents. The conference featured discussions on government policies affecting unrecognized villages and included tributes to Abu Abeed's extensive work. Abu Abeed concluded the event with a speech highlighting the importance of recognizing these villages.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A conference in Rahat discussed planning and recognition challenges for Arab villages in the Negev.
- The event honored Sultan Abu Abeed for his two decades of advocacy for Negev residents' rights.
- Architect Daphna Sporta criticized government policies that discriminate against unrecognized Arab villages.
- Panelists debated legal and institutional challenges facing Negev villages and pathways to recognition.
- The conference concluded with Abu Abeed emphasizing the importance of recognizing Arab villages in the Negev.
They praised Abu Abeed's long-standing contributions and leadership.
Key figures like Talal Al-Qarinawi, Mayor of Rahat and Head of the Forum of Bedouin Local Authorities, and former Knesset Member Talab Al-Sane, Head of the Higher Steering Committee for the Arabs of the Negev, also spoke. Al-Qarinawi commended the foundation's work in the region under Abu Abeed's leadership, while Al-Sane reviewed significant moments from Abu Abeed's advocacy for Negev village rights.
The first session, "The Issue of Recognition: Challenges and Opportunities," featured architect Daphna Sporta of "Bimkom, Planners for Human Rights." She discussed government policies that perpetuate discrimination against Arab villages in the Negev, leaving many unrecognized and facing home demolitions and a lack of adequate planning solutions. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Rawia Abu Rabia, including Marwan Abu Freih from "Adalah" in the Negev, Nati Yiftach from the Regional Council of Unrecognized Villages, Ofer Dagan from "Sikui - The Negev Forum for Equality and Cooperation," and urban planner Cesar Yehudkin from "Bimkom."
The second session was dedicated to honoring Sultan Abu Abeed's activism. Khair Al-Baz, head of the "Ajeek" organization, shared memories of their four-decade collaboration. The session included tributes from Suleiman Al-Huwaishla, General Director of the Regional Council of Unrecognized Villages; Huda Abu Abeed, Abu Abeed's daughter and General Director of the Forum for Coexistence in the Negev; Salim Abu Aboud, a leader from the "Sons of Laqya" group; and Galit Safdieh, a former colleague.
The conference concluded with an emotional speech by Sultan Abu Abeed, who thanked his partners and colleagues, reflecting on his career and emphasizing the critical importance of recognizing Arab villages in the Negev.
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