Negev: Hundreds Participate in the 16th Challenge and Resilience Festival in the Unrecognized Village of Al-Araqeeb

SadaNews - Hundreds of local residents in the Negev and the Arab community participated yesterday, Saturday, in the 16th Challenge and Resilience Festival in the unrecognized village of Al-Araqeeb.

The festival was organized on the lands of Al-Araqeeb village and near the Islamic cemetery there, called by the popular committees in the village and the region, with participation from hundreds of residents, political leaders, and local committees in the Negev.

Israeli authorities have demolished the homes in Al-Araqeeb village 249 times, and after each demolition, the residents set up their tents again.

During his speech at the festival, Sheikh of Al-Araqeeb, Sayah Al-Touri, said, "All greetings to the people of Al-Araqeeb, the steadfast men and women who remain on their land. Despite the continuous fines, arrests, and demolitions, we are on our land and we will stay here."

He added, "Al-Araqeeb has been demolished more than 250 times, and its people have been arrested more than 80 times, yet we remain steadfast on our land here despite all the attempts to uproot us; we will stay here no matter what happens."

During the festival, many Arab figures and leaders spoke, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in light of the current conditions faced by Arab citizens, with the escalation of attacks and the extremist fascist right targeting Palestinians in the interior, West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem, and everywhere.

Speakers stressed the importance of staying and the steadfastness of residents on their lands despite the demolition operations, especially in the Negev, where Israeli authorities are working to ethnically cleanse the landowners.

The speakers pointed to the conspiracy facing the residents of the Negev, including the Israeli plan dubbed the "Shikli Plan," which targets the Arab presence in Beersheba, aiming to cleanse the Arab areas of the Palestinian presence, and gather the largest number of Arab citizens in the smallest area of land in the Negev, represented by the existing and recognized Arab villages and towns.