BGU Student First to Extend His Hand in Wake of Iranian Attacks
BGU Student First to Extend His Hand in Wake of Iranian Attacks
March 25, 2026
Sager Abu Srehan, community leader and master’s student at BGU (Photo credit: The Jerusalem Post)
The Jerusalem Post—In the wake of Iranian missile strikes on Dimona and Arad that injured more than 100 people, Israel’s Bedouin community responded with immediate acts of solidarity—offering shelter, food, and support to those affected, as highlighted by The Jerusalem Post. Among them was Sager Abu Srehan, a community leader and master’s student at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, whose leadership reflects the University’s role in fostering dialogue and resilience. He emphasized a shared national identity, saying, “We live together with the Jewish society as brothers, on the same land and under the same sky. We study together, work together, and this country belongs to all of us.”
Srehan underscored that this response was not extraordinary, but deeply rooted in Bedouin values and reinforced by recent experience. Reflecting on October, he said, “In my opinion, people are measured in situations like these, and I believe the Bedouin community has never hesitated to help and contribute. We saw this clearly during the events of October, when the Bedouin community mobilized and gave a lot. Joint aid centers were established for both Bedouin and Jews.” He further stressed unity in the face of conflict, stating, “The same missile does not distinguish between Bedouin and Jew, and therefore we must always stand together, make use of every moment, and continue educating for the love of the land.”
At the same time, he acknowledged that the war has exposed ongoing challenges within the Bedouin community, particularly for those living in unrecognized villages without proper infrastructure or access to protected shelters. These conditions create serious safety risks and barriers for students and families during emergencies. Still, his closing message remained one of openness and hope: “Our homes are always open to all residents of Dimona and Arad. I hope the war will end soon and that we can return to normal life.”
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