On October 31st, the Rahat Cultural Hall hosted the first public screening of Her War – Hanan Alsanah, in collaboration with the Rahat Community Center, and its director, Fouad Ziadna. The project brought the voices of Bedouin women from unrecognized villages in the Negev to the forefront. The film highlighted the intersecting challenges they face—lack of legal status, home demolitions during wartime, and food insecurity—while showcasing the resilience and leadership that emerged amidst these crises through the Nashmiyat, a network of women leaders in unrecognized villages founded by Hanan Alsanah. This group of women, under missile attacks and without shelters during the war, rose to support their communities with determination and courage.
The auditorium was filled with Bedouin women who came to see their stories of strength and leadership represented on screen, and also played a central role in organizing, speaking, and hosting the event. Special thanks were given to the hosts, Umm Khaled Fatoum Abu Queder and Amira Abu Hadoba.
Following the screening, a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Farida Al-Karnawi featured the film’s protagonists— Hanan Alsanah, Noura Zanon, Mayada Abu Queder, Laila Freihat, and Fatma Abu Queder —as well as the film’s director, Yael Kipper. The panel explored their experiences and visions for the future. During the evening, certificates of appreciation were presented to supporters and donors, including Yael Shapira, Prof. Sarab Abu Rabia, Husniya Abu Bari, Ora Bergman, Khaled Al-Nasasra, Gabreen Abu Eljiyan, and others.
The documentary, directed by Yael Kipper and Ronen Zaretsky, is one of three episodes in the Her War series aired on Makan 33, an Israeli Arabic-language TV channel. It follows Hanan and the Nashmiyat community leaders as they navigate emergency efforts since October, offering an intimate look at the struggles and strength of Bedouin women in unrecognized villages. The event celebrated not only their daily fight against poverty, violence, and displacement but also their unique emotional support model developed by Hanan and her team to address the community’s specific needs.
Reflecting on the evening, Hanan shared her admiration for the powerful leadership and resilience displayed by the women. “It was their day—they organized, spoke, led the panel, and recognized others with appreciation certificates,” she said. Hanan recalled her initial collaboration with Nashmiyat in 2013, when they spearheaded groundbreaking efforts to encourage Bedouin women to vote in national elections, a legacy that continues to inspire. “It was truly a rare and extraordinary evening,” she concluded.
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