Khitam Abu Bader: ‘Violence is never the answer’

Khitam is helping to build Ma’oz Darom South by promoting regional development in the Negev, collaborating with local leaders, and empowering communities. She has extensive experience in leadership and youth development, previously directing the Raidat Leadership Program for Women at Desert Stars and the Arab sector activities of Krembo Wings for youth with and without disabilities.

The Bedouin social activist finds herself in a complicated position with Israel’s military campaign in Gaza: As a person dedicated to creating a shared society in Israel, and as a Palestinian and Arab woman, Khitam mourns Jews, Israelis, and Palestinians. She constantly tries to emphasize our “shared humanity” in the hopes for coexistence.

Now, she joins us to answer 18 questions on Israel, including what Zionism is for her, how October 7 affected her, and whether peace is possible.

Here are our 18 questions:

1. As an Israeli, and as a Bedouin, how are you feeling at this moment in Israeli history?
2. Can you share more about your experience of October 7?
3. How have your religious views changed since October 7?
4.  What do you look for in deciding which Knesset party to vote for?
5. Which is more important for Israel: Judaism or democracy?
6. What kind of work do you do to create a shared society?
7. What role should the Israeli government have in religious matters?
8. What do you see when bringing Arab and Jewish students together?
9. What is Zionism for you?
10. If you were making the case for Israel, where would you begin?
11. Can questioning the actions of Israel’s government and army — even in the context of this war — be a valid form of love and patriotism?
12. Do you think peace between Israelis and Palestinians will happen within your lifetime?
13. What should happen with Gaza and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict after the war?
14. What does the world misunderstand about Israeli society?
15. What is a book you think everyone should read about Israel?
16. What do you wish the world knew about the Palestinian and Bedouin communities in Israel?
17. Where do you identify on Israel’s political and religious spectrum, and do you have friends on the “other side”?
18. Do you have more hope or fear for Israel?