"The success of the nation in Zion will be tested in the Negev" David Ben Gurion, Israel’s founder and first prime minister
The Negev (as of 2010) is home to 8% of Israel's population, even though it comprises 55% of the country's landmass. Of the region’s 630,000 people, 75% are Jews and 25% are Bedouin.
Several developments in recent years have made the region the topic of headline news:
To explore the implications and ramifications of these issues critical to Israel and the region, Daniel Pipes, president of the Middle East Forum, will lead an expedition to Israel in spring 2015.
To be arranged in conjunction with Ben Gurion University and the Heritage Study Programs, the trip will draw on experts from Israel to provide briefings, panel discussions, and visits to off-the-beaten-track locations. The program will also include visits, speakers, and discussions in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Neither mission, nor a tour, this is a fact-finding expedition to one of the most beautiful parts of Israel, nature at its best and a region that is increasingly becoming a player in world affairs.