Join Us at the 16th Challenge and Sumud Festival in Al-Araqib (Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality)

On Saturday, 25 July, we invite you to join us in Al-Araqib for the 16th Challenge and Sumud (Steadfastness) Festival, marking 16 years since the village’s first demolition.

Destroyed and rebuilt 249 times, Al-Araqib has become a powerful symbol of the perseverance of Bedouin communities in the Negev in their pursuit of recognition, equality, and the right to remain on their land.

This year’s gathering comes at a particularly significant moment.

Just last month, hundreds of people gathered in Tel Arad and later in Be’er Sheva to protest the escalating demolition and displacement of Bedouin communities across the Negev. Today, residents of as-Sirrah report receiving new eviction- and demolition-related orders affecting approximately 100 homes.

Sixteen years after the first demolition of Al-Araqib, these events remind us that the struggle is far from over.

For sixteen years, the Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality (NCF) has stood alongside the residents of Al-Araqib, and we remain committed to supporting Bedouin communities across the Negev in their pursuit of equality, recognition, and justice.

This year’s festival is an opportunity not only to commemorate Al-Araqib’s history, but also to stand in solidarity with communities across the Negev that continue to face displacement and home demolitions.

During the event, participants will take part in a community tree-planting activity and horseback riding, celebrating the village’s resilience.

 Saturday, 25 July 2026
 17:00
 Al-Araqib