Wadi Attir: The Alliance of Ancestral Knowledge and Modern Science
- Caroline Haïat
- 1 minute ago
- 4 min read
“We have no other land. We must learn to accept each another. People aspire only to peace, we want to live together,” says Inshrah, an influential Bedouin entrepreneur from Lakiya. She embodies the vision of Wadi Attir, a haven of peace in the heart of the Negev desert, dedicated to preserving Arab-Jewish coexistence—an essential foundation for peace in the region. The Wadi Attir project highlights the richness of Bedouin cultural heritage, demonstrating how its teachings can benefit Israeli society as a whole. Those working on the front lines reveal connections—sometimes invisible, yet profoundly real—between Bedouins and Jews.
This non-profit initiative is, above all, a socio-ecological project that seeks to bridge traditional Bedouin knowledge with modern science and technology. Its goal is clear: to create a new model of life and agriculture in the desert.
Founded 17 years ago by Dr. Mohammed Al-Nabari, former mayor of Hura, and Dr. Michael Ben-Eli, director of the International Sustainability Laboratory in New York, Wadi Attir has since developed various programs around the world addressing key environmental and climate challenges.
“Many organizations focus solely on tradition—such as Bedouin cuisine or embroidery. We, on the other hand, aim to offer an innovative model. Today, we employ 50 people, 95% of whom come from Bedouin society,” says Hagit Maisel, Head of Partnerships, Marketing, and Sales.
Wadi Attir has built a large visitor center that welcomes around 20,000 people each year. The site also includes a sheepfold and dairy with 600 sheep and goats, as well as one of the country’s few modern milking facilities.
“We operate the first licensed dairy within Bedouin society. Five women produce traditional cheeses that are sold nationwide, including in some of the country’s top restaurants and by renowned chefs such as Omer Miller and Assaf Granit. In addition, our agricultural school hosts around 150 students daily from 30 Bedouin schools, where they learn about sustainability, beekeeping, tradition, and innovation,” explains Nimrod Rogel, CEO of Wadi Attir.
Passing on a Millennia-Old Culinary Heritage
Cuisine is an integral part of Bedouin culture, rich in traditions that elders strive to pass on to younger generations. Yet today, much of this knowledge is at risk of being lost, as younger generations are increasingly disconnected from ancestral practices. One of the project’s key goals is therefore to revive this knowledge and connect it to modern Israeli society through technology.
“I was born in the desert and lived in a tent for most of my childhood, which involved many challenges,” recalls Khaled Abu Siam, Head of Tourism and Visitor Services for the past nine years.
At the time, desert Bedouins had to constantly adapt and overcome the hardships of their environment. They moved from place to place, raised livestock, and produced their own food—wheat, dairy products—often without electricity or running water. Even under such conditions, they managed to make yogurt.
“I remember my mother waking up every morning to bake pita bread, while my father went out to graze the herds. She also milked goats and sheep. The food was simple and authentic. For example, the traditional dish Jareesh is made from crushed wheat, slowly cooked until it reaches a creamy consistency, often mixed with meat, onions, spices, and yogurt or milk. It was one of the most common dishes among Bedouins,” Khaled explains.
The Secrets of Medicinal Plants
Long before the advent of modern medicine, desert communities relied on plants to relieve pain, treat illness, and maintain health. Each plant was harvested in season and prepared according to precise ancestral knowledge, transformed into ointments, infusions, oils, and other remedies.
Today, with the shift toward modern lifestyles, this valuable heritage is at risk of disappearing. At Wadi Attir, the Medicinal Plants project aims not only to preserve this knowledge but also to reintegrate it into daily life.
Dozens of desert medicinal plant species are cultivated on the farm, each adapted to harsh, arid conditions and possessing powerful healing properties. They are used to treat digestive disorders, inflammation, skin conditions, and to strengthen the immune system. This knowledge, carefully documented and updated by both local and external experts, is passed on to future generations through training and educational programs.
“We produce herbal infusions, spices, cosmetics, soaps, and creams from these plants, and we also run workshops. Generally, medicinal plants should never be boiled. If you boil them, the essential oils evaporate and you lose their properties,” says Khaled Abu Siam.
The farm’s work is led by Ali Al-Washla, a Bedouin healer and renowned expert in desert plants. He has carefully cultivated dozens of medicinal plant varieties, many of which are not grown anywhere else.
“We also have a farm with 25 therapeutic horses, used by both Jews and Bedouins. In addition, we have developed a community food forest, planted in memory of Bedouin women victims of violence. In February 2024, around 500 Jews and Bedouins came together to plant 300 trees,” adds Nimrod Rogel.
Women at the Heart of Change
At the core of this transformation are women, who make up 75% of the workforce. They play key roles across the project—from equestrian activities to medicinal plants and tourism. Many are multilingual, speaking Arabic, English, and Hebrew, enabling them to guide international visitors.
Meanwhile, a recent study by the Accord Institute on Jewish-Arab relations in the Negev revealed that 60 to 70% of residents want to better understand the other community. The issue is simple: they lack real opportunities to meet. Although they share the same shopping centers, hospitals, and workplaces, they rarely interact.
“For me, Wadi Attir is the ideal place where people can truly connect. All our activities are open to everyone—Arabs and Jews alike. For example, last November, a joint olive harvest brought together nearly 500 participants. We also organize a summer camp for youth every year,” says Nimrod Rogel.
At Wadi Attir, sustainability is approached in a holistic way—encompassing not only the environment, but also community and society. For instance, the visitor center has replaced disposable plastic items with materials made from wood or cardboard, significantly reducing environmental impact.
In a country often marked by divisions, Wadi Attir represents a different vision—one that prioritizes connection over separation. Its ambition is to nurture generations that will carry forward the values of shared life and mutual respect.
Caroline Haïat