voices of determination: sultan abu obaid

Meet Sultan Abu Obaid, Director of NIF’s Shatil in the Negev

“In our two nations are multitudes who wish to end this cycle of blood. We cannot allow the forces of death and destruction to win. I want to call on everyone who longs for peace to work to end this conflict and to strengthen those who are working for peace.”

On October 7th, Sultan and his family were startled awake at 6 a.m. by the sirens. They were luckier than many Bedouin communities because their village, Lakiya, is recognized by the state, and therefore protected by the Iron Dome. Tragically, other communities weren’t so fortunate. In all, 21 Bedouins were killed that day in attacks and due to rocket fire from Gaza. Four children from one family died on their way to hospital. Six Bedouin citizens were kidnapped to Gaza, and three remain there. Scores were injured.

Sultan, who works for NIF’s action arm, Shatil, has dedicated his life to helping the Negev’s most vulnerable individuals and communities — the Bedouin among them — while also advocating for Jewish-Arab solidarity. Sultan believes the events of October 7th only underscored how vital this work is if Israel is to live in peace. Sultan says, “The war has not been good for anyone. It has brought death and killing and destruction. We must continue to work for peace, partnership, equality and prosperity. We must create a land shared between all of us. There is no other way.”