Schedule of Events

9:00 AM - Shabbat Morning Services

10:45 AM (approximate) - Guest Speakers Ariel Viezel and Esraa Abo Mdegam, "Building a Shared Society: Jewish-Arab Partnerships in the Negev" 

12:30 PM - Lunch and Learn during the congregational kiddush with Ariel Viezel and Esraa Abo Mdegam

Desert Stars is a Negev based NGO creating a new generation of Bedouin leaders secure in their complex identity as Arab, Bedouin citizens of Israel, committed to making the Negev stronger, safer, and better — for all of its residents.

Ariel Viezel, CEO

Ariel Viezel served as Youth Village Director at Desert Stars since 2018, where he oversaw all educational and leadership programs at our High School, gap year program, and youth movement. He was promoted to CEO alongside President Faiz Abu Sehbanin January 2023. He previously served as VP of the national movement Acharai, as well as the Director of Strategic Development for the Association of Educational Advancement. Ariel has a bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies and Political Science and a MA in Public Policy & Administration, both from Tel Aviv University.

On October 7th he was called to reserve duty, where he served in the command center for search and rescue missions for nearly 100 days.

Esraa Abo Mdegam, Desert Stars Graduate; Rahat

Esraa is completing her BA in culture and event production at Sapir College. She believes in the power of music and culture to bring people together, andhas created dozens of events at Sapir and in Rahat in both Arabic and Hebrew. She served on the Arab Student council to improve Jewish and Arab student relations on campus. She currently works as a counselor in our women’s program.

Desert Stars taught me that even if a situation is challenging, and in fact, has been difficult for a long time -that doesn't mean it can't be changed for the better. We can choose to improve it. This applies both personally and on a wider, societal level. I am also concerned about the representation of women in Bedouin society. Desert Stars has given me the confidence to be a public face for young women, so anytime I am offered the chance to be interviewed, or take part in a panel –I always say yes.

For an introduction to the Bedouin Community in the Negev, click here.