Activism in the Middle East: A Focus on al-Naqab Bedouin Women in Israel

Abstract

The Middle East has recently experienced what has hence been labeled the Arab Spring—a time of significant transformation in the region wherein large numbers of people are protesting, advocating, demonstrating, and publicly expressing their desire for change. As of 2012, observers and participants alike are only just coming to terms with the shear scope of the sociopolitical movements in Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, Egypt, Bahrain, and Syria. However, one thing can be said about this new and changing epoch; activists have become central players in regional politics and activisms are increasingly equated with people’s struggles for political, social, and economic rights in the Middle East. While the repercussions and influence of these initiatives have yet to be fully realized, many observers routinely express equal surprise about one specific aspect of the Arab Spring; the presence of large numbers of women protesting along side men carrying signs, chanting slogans, blogging, and speaking as representatives for groups of people demanding equality in their society.

I am a Palestinian and in 1948 they came here and divided me and my people into groups. People in Gaza and people in the West Bank and people here. But, I am still a Palestinian, I am Bedouin, I am an Israeli, I am a woman. I am everything and you cannot tell me, “No, you are only an Israeli Arab.” No, I am a Palestinian and Israeli and Bedouin and a woman and I will not let you take any of these from me!

(El’Sana-Alh’jooj interview 2007)