ISHMAEL KHALDI
COUNSELLOR FOR CIVIL SOCIETY AFFAIRS, EMBASSY OF ISRAEL
Author of: A Shepherd's Journey, the story of Israel's first Bedouin diplomat
Born into a poor, traditional Bedouin village in northern Israel, Ishmael Khaldi grew to become Israel’s first Bedouin diplomat. In this short book, he tells a remarkable story of transformation, from his modest village roots to his triumph as a diplomat and voice of reason in the Middle East. His road has not been an easy one. From his early days as a sheep herder, to his schoolboy "fights" with Arab kids [fellahin= farmers], his terrifying first forays into the mysterious New York subway system, and his later remarkable friendships with secular and religious Jews and Muslims on two continents, Ishmael’s life has been full of adventure and pathos, humour and love. This is a story that will inspire, educate, and charm, told with authenticity and passion, as only a Bedouin can tell it!
Look up the website: http://www.ishmaelkhaldi.com
Biography:
Ishmael Khaldi was born and raised in the Bedouin village of Khawalid in the Western Galilee of Israel. He earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Haifa, and a Masters Degree in International Relations from Tel Aviv University. Ishmael served in the Israeli Defense Forces, Defense Ministry, and the Israeli Police, before being chosen to join the Foreign Ministry in October 2004, becoming Israel's first Bedouin Diplomat. Ishmael initially served in the Arabic Media Department acting as the Spokesperson to the Arabic media during the Disengagement from Gaza. He was then transferred to the North American Division until being selected for Deputy Consul General in San Francisco, where he was stationed between the years of 2006 – 2009.
July 2009- May 2010: policy adviser, foreign minister, Jerusalem.
February 2012- present: Counselor for Civil Society Affairs, Embassy of Israel, London.