The Arab-Bedouin population in the Negev numbers approximately 300,000 people. More than 50% of the Arab-Bedouin population in the Negev are young people under the age of 18.
The Arab-Bedouin society lives in the heart of the Negev desert in the State of Israel but develops along lines and channels parallel to the general society. The issue of Arab-Bedouin settlement has risen and fallen from the public agenda for about fifty years, in accordance with the policies of various state authorities. Currently, about two-thirds of the Arab-Bedouin society lives in recognized settlements: the city of Rahat, six local councils (Tel Sheva, Laqiya, Hura, Kuseife, Ar’ara, and Segev Shalom) and two regional councils (Neve Midbar and Al-Kasom), while one-third live in unrecognized settlements. Physical infrastructure and public services are lagging, the employment rate is the lowest in the country, and accordingly, the education system among the population fails to adequately advance the young people of the Arab-Bedouin society in the Negev.
At all age levels and by all measures, the achievements of Arab-Bedouin students show significant gaps compared to the national average.
The eligibility rate for matriculation certificates in Arab-Bedouin society stands at about 65% compared to 77% in Arab society and 86% in Jewish society.
The rate of degree holders from Israeli institutions among the population aged 35-55 in Arab-Bedouin society stood at 9.1%, compared to 29.9% of the total population.
In recent decades, fundamental changes have been occurring within the Bedouin society in the Negev
Due to the lowest employment rate in the country and the poor achievements of the education
system among Arab-Bedouin youth, as well as the social and political changes occurring in recent
years, the difficulty of integrating Arab-Bedouins into Israeli society is growing. The Tamar
Center was founded in the grassroots of Arab-Bedouin society by a group of young members of
the community. The center was established with an acknowledgment of reality and a genuine
desire to change the existing situation. The center operates in cooperation with government
ministries and various state authorities.
Our Foundation Stones
Our Goals
Methods of Action
