Israeli Military Celebrates Hostage Rescue Amid Bedouin Community Struggles

Israeli Military Celebrates the Rescue of Qaid Farhan al-QadiThe Israeli military has announced the successful rescue of Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, who had been taken hostage during the Hamas attacks on October 7. The 52-year-old is currently hospitalized in stable condition.
Al-Qadi, a member of Israel’s Bedouin Arab minority, hails from Rahat, a southern Israeli city. He was working at a small kibbutz named Magen, near the Gaza border, when he was abducted. This information was shared by President Isaac Herzog of Israel on his social media account.
His brother, Khatem al-Qadi, expressed the family’s joy and relief to Israeli television, mentioning that they have planned a massive celebration to mark his return. He also called for a cease-fire and expressed his hopes for the release of other hostages still in captivity, stating:
“They are still waiting to see their loved ones back today. We are wishing for all of the hostages to be released and for there to be a deal now.”
For many, al-Qadi’s rescue sheds light on the heavy toll the attacks have taken on Israel’s underprivileged Bedouin community. At least 17 Bedouins lost their lives in the October 7 attacks. Additionally, numerous Bedouins who worked on Jewish farms in southern Israel have lost their means of livelihood as these farms were ransacked.
Even prior to the attacks, the Bedouin community faced significant challenges. Many live in unrecognized villages, lacking access to essential services like bomb shelters and health clinics. Although Hamas does not specifically target them, Bedouins often find it difficult to seek shelter when rockets are fired into southern Israel.
Reporting contributions by Gabby Sobelman from Jerusalem. (Sigorta Haber)