View source for Rahat

{{Short description|Bedouin city in Israel}}
{{for|the confectionery|Turkish delight}}
{{other uses}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = Rahat
| native_name            = {{Hlist
 | {{Lang|he|{{Script/Hebrew|רהט}}|rtl=yes}}
 | {{Lang|ar|رهط|rtl=yes}}
 }}
| settlement_type        = [[List of cities in Israel|City]] (from 1994)
| image_skyline          = מבט על העיר רהט.jpg
| imagesize              = 285
| image_caption          = Rahat City
| image_blank_emblem     = Coat of arms of Rahat.svg
| blank_emblem_type      = Municipal seal
| pushpin_map_alt        = 
| pushpin_map            = Israel northwest negev#Israel
| pushpin_mapsize        = 
| pushpin_label_position = bottom
| pushpin_map_caption    = 
| coordinates            = {{coord|31|23|33|N|34|45|16|E|region:IL|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type       = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name       = 
{{ISR}}
| subdivision_type1      = 
| subdivision_name1      = 
| subdivision_type2      = [[Districts of Israel|District]]
| subdivision_name2      = 
[[Southern District (Israel)|Southern]]
| established_title      = Founded
| established_date       = 1972
| leader_title           = Mayor
| leader_name            = [[Talal Alkernawi|Talal Al Krenawi]]<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://rahat-muni.com/%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%B1%D8%A6%D9%8A%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%87/ |website= |title= ديوان رئيس البلدية |accessdate=2024-04-15  |language=ar }}</ref>
| unit_pref              = dunam
| area_total_dunam       = {{formatnum:42000|R}}
| population_footnotes   = {{Israel populations|reference}}
| population_total       = {{Israel populations|Rahat}}
| population_as_of       = {{Israel populations|Year}}
| population_density_km2 = auto
| blank_name_sec1        = Name meaning
| blank_info_sec1        = Calm, comfort
}}

'''Rahat''' ({{langx|ar|رهط}}, {{langx|he|רַהַט}}) is an [[Arab]] [[Bedouin]] city in the [[Southern District (Israel)|Southern District]] of [[Israel]]. In {{Israel populations|Year}} it had a population of {{Israel populations|Rahat}}.{{Israel populations|reference}} As such, it is the largest Bedouin city in Israel, and the only one to have [[city council (Israel)|city status]]. It is the largest Arab city in Israel.

Rahat is one of seven Bedouin [[township]]s in the [[Negev]] desert with approved plans and developed infrastructure. The other six are [[Hura]], [[Tel as-Sabi]] (Tel Sheva), [[Ar'arat an-Naqab]] (Ar'ara BaNegev), [[Lakiya]], [[Kuseife]] (Kseife) and [[Shaqib al-Salam]] (Segev Shalom).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.justice.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/898A7D08-2738-4A3D-8E2C-BE75689D7EF2/28810/IsraelsrepliestoCEDAWLOI61211.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015004454/http://www.justice.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/898A7D08-2738-4A3D-8E2C-BE75689D7EF2/28810/IsraelsrepliestoCEDAWLOI61211.pdf|url-status=dead|title=State of Israel. Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. List of Issues to be taken up in Connection with the Consideration of Israel's Fourth and Fifth Periodic Reports of Israel (CEDAW/C/ISR/4 and CEDAW/C/ISR/5)|archive-date=October 15, 2013}}</ref>

==History==
The region of the city was formerly owned by [[Tiyaha bedouin|Al-Tayaha]] tribe (Al-Hezeel clan). Until the year 1972 the town was called "'''El Huzaiyil'''"<ref>[[:File:12-09-Shoval-1959.jpg]]</ref> ({{langx|ar|الهزيل}}) before changing its name. In 1972 Rahat was considered by the government of Israel as a new settlement for [[Negev Bedouin|Bedouin]] who lived in the surrounding area without permanent domicile. Until 1980, Rahat was part of the [[Bnei Shimon Regional Council]] and from then on (until 1994) it was a [[local council (Israel)|local council]] (administered by a private board until 1989). In 1994 it was recognized as a city – the first Bedouin city in Israel.

After the [[7 October attacks]] in 2023, several [[Qassam Brigades|Qassam Brigade]] militants from the [[Gaza Strip]] infiltrated Rahat, located thirty kilometres from Gaza, representing the furthest extent of the incursions by Palestinian terrorists. Over a month after the attack, two militants were arrested in the city by Israeli police.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/report-2-gaza-terrorists-found-in-rahat-a-month-after-october-7-assault/ | title= 2 Gaza terrorists found in Rahat a month after October 7 assault |work=Times of Israel}}</ref>

==Urban development==
The city has a total of 33 neighborhoods. All but one of the neighborhoods consist entirely of separate Bedouin [[clan]]s, but one is a mixed-clan neighborhood. Between each neighborhood there is a [[wadi]]. The city also has a market, public and commercial services, neighborhood parks, public areas, women's employment centers, children's play areas, and several [[mosque]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://land.gov.il/Pages/redirect.aspx|title=ברוכים הבאים לאתר החדש של רשות מקרקעי ישראל|website=Land.gov.il|access-date=2019-07-29|archive-date=2019-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728174130/http://land.gov.il/Pages/redirect.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3420595,00.html|title=A Bedouin welcome|newspaper=Ynetnews|date=4 July 2007|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629094356/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3420595,00.html|url-status=live|last1=Leviev|first1=Tami}}</ref>

==Climate==
Rahat has a [[semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''BSh''). The average annual temperature is {{convert|19.6|°C|1}}, and around {{convert|286|mm|2|abbr=on}} of precipitation falls annually.
{{Weather box
|width = auto
|location = Rahat
|metric first = Y
|single line = Y

|Jan high C = 17.1													
|Feb high C = 18.2
|Mar high C = 20.8
|Apr high C = 24.3
|May high C = 28
|Jun high C = 30.6
|Jul high C = 31.7
|Aug high C = 32
|Sep high C = 30.3
|Oct high C = 28.5
|Nov high C = 24
|Dec high C = 18.8

|Jan mean C = 12.2
|Feb mean C = 13
|Mar mean C = 15.2
|Apr mean C = 18.2
|May mean C = 21.6
|Jun mean C = 24.2
|Jul mean C = 25.6
|Aug mean C = 26
|Sep mean C = 24.4
|Oct mean C = 22.3
|Nov mean C = 18.3
|Dec mean C = 13.9

|Jan low C = 7.3										 				
|Feb low C = 7.9
|Mar low C = 9.6
|Apr low C = 12.2
|May low C = 15.2
|Jun low C = 17.8
|Jul low C = 19.6
|Aug low C = 20
|Sep low C = 18.5
|Oct low C = 16.1
|Nov low C = 12.6
|Dec low C = 9

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 69												
|Feb precipitation mm = 51
|Mar precipitation mm = 42
|Apr precipitation mm = 9
|May precipitation mm = 3
|Jun precipitation mm = 0
|Jul precipitation mm = 0
|Aug precipitation mm = 0
|Sep precipitation mm = 0
|Oct precipitation mm = 8
|Nov precipitation mm = 42
|Dec precipitation mm = 62
|year precipitation mm= 286

|source = <ref name="Climate-Data.org">{{cite web
|url = https://en.climate-data.org/asia/israel/south-district/rahat-28832/
|title = Climate: Rahat
|date = September 2019}}</ref>
}}

==Economy==
The township is situated close to [[Beersheva]] so its economy is related to that of the city. There is an industrial park in the suburbs of Rahat,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bns-en.com/en-us/39/41/|title=Idan Hanegev Industrial Park|website=Bns-en.com|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-date=14 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014161330/http://bns-en.com/en-us/39/41/|url-status=live}}</ref> and another new park was founded on 2015 called [[Idan HaNegev]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wikimapia.org/2078164/Rahat-industrial-zone|title=Rahat industrial zone|website=Wikimapia.org|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=10 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610202008/http://wikimapia.org/2078164/Rahat-industrial-zone|url-status=live}}</ref> Several more industrial parks are situated in the area - [[Beersheba]] and [[Hura#Industrial park|Hura]]. Residents also work in the services industry in Beersheba. There are several organizations that promote entrepreneurship among the 210,000 Bedouin living in the Negev,<ref name="newint.org">{{cite web|url=http://newint.org/features/web-exclusive/2013/07/23/bedouins-face-mass-eviction/|title=Israel's Bedouin population faces mass eviction -- New Internationalist|author=Noreen Sadik|website=Newint.org|date=23 July 2013|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305011236/http://newint.org/features/web-exclusive/2013/07/23/bedouins-face-mass-eviction/|url-status=live}}</ref> primarily aimed at [[Negev Bedouin women|Bedouin women]]. One of them is Maof, and another one focused on finding jobs is called Rian.

In 2005 the city was one of the first to be connected to the WiMAX network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.walla.co.il/item/771337|title=בזק החלה בניסוי ברהט בטכנולוגיית WiMax|website=News.walla.co.il|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=11 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211131307/http://news.walla.co.il/item/771337|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2007 the [[The Center for Jewish-Arab Economic Development|Center for Jewish-Arab economic development]] initiated an entrepreneurship and employment project for Rahat residents. Approximately 40 Bedouin women took part in it and received training in job search, computer skills and business management. Twelve of them have launched their own businesses (shops, clothing, hairdressing, restaurant and catering, sewing).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cjaed.org.il/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014124953/http://www.cjaed.org.il/Index.asp?CategoryID=183&ArticleID=353|url-status=dead|title=המרכז לפיתוח כלכלי - כלכלה, עסקים, נדל"ן, השקעות, חדשות.|archive-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref>

In 2009 the city was unable to pay its water fees and the water supply was disconnected for five hours.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3761129,00.html|title=ynet רהט נותקה ממים: אנחנו במדבר ב-40 מעלות חום - חדשות|newspaper=Ynet|date=12 August 2009|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=23 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323055144/http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3761129,00.html|url-status=live|last1=קוריאל|first1=אילנה}}</ref> Today Rahat has a water company that is in charge of supplying water and taking care of the sewers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://site275383.webydo.com/|title=תאגיד מי רהט {{!}} هيئة مياه رهط|website=Site275383.webydo.com|access-date=2017-07-08}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In 2006 Rahat collected 59% of [[Rates (tax)#Israel|Arnona taxes]],<ref name="rahat_arnona_2006">{{cite journal|url=http://www.themarker.com/career/1.388756|title=הרשויות הערביות לא מאמינות בשוויון בחובות|journal=TheMarker|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=22 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322135149/http://www.themarker.com/career/1.388756|url-status=live}}</ref> making it the Arab city with the highest tax collection rate for the Arabic population for that year.<ref name="rahat_arnona_2006"/> In 2012 Rahat increased tax collection to 71%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizportal.co.il/realestates/news/article/316715|title=D&B: גביית הארנונה במודיעין הגבוהה בארץ; באיזו עיר הכי מסוכן לפתוח עסק?|website=Bizportal.co.il|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=23 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323142717/http://www.bizportal.co.il/realestates/news/article/316715|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013 Rahat was collecting tax from its residents and also got 44% of a nearby industrial park.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART2/517/061.html|title=חדשות - בארץ nrg - אין ממשלה: בעיית הארנונה במגזר הערבי|date=October 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030034356/http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART2/517/061.html|archive-date=2013-10-30}}</ref>
[[File:הפארק המרכזי החדש ברהט.jpg|thumb|Rahat Central Park]]
[[File:Swimming Pool Rahat.jpg|thumb|Rahat sports center]]
In 2014 the city’s unemployment rate was 34%, dropping to 14% in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://adva.org/he/social-report2016/|title=תמונת מצב חברתית 2016: השכר עולה – אך לא מדביק את הגידול בצמיחה|date=2017-01-15|website=Adva.org|access-date=2017-07-08|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-07-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701031332/http://adva.org/he/social-report2016/|url-status=live}}</ref> The improvement has been attributed to a new industrial park, [[Idan HaNegev]].

==Culture projects==
[[File:מתקני משחקים ברחבי העיר.jpg|thumb|Playground in Rahat]]
There are a number of organizations carrying out different activities aimed at supporting and facilitating entrepreneurship in Israel's South in order to further integrate the 210,000 Bedouin living in the Negev into Israel's mainstream economy.<ref name="newint.org"/> They are primarily aimed at Bedouin women.

Twenty Arab-Bedouin women from the towns of Rahat, [[Lakiya]], [[Tel Sheva]], [[Shaqib al-Salam|Segev Shalom]], [[Kuseife]] and Rachma participated in a sewing course for fashion design at the Amal College in Beer Sheva, including lessons on sewing and cutting, personal empowerment and business initiatives.<ref>[http://www.nisped.org.il/info/english/ajeec/programs/economy.htm Economic Empowerment. Arab-Bedouin Fashion Design] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015064553/http://www.nisped.org.il/info/english/ajeec/programs/economy.htm |date=2013-10-15 }}</ref>

There is a volunteer program to teach English to the Bedouin schoolchildren of Rahat.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://educationforums.cet.ac.il/forums/index.asp?Asp=403&FID=84586&nSubProjectID=0&bFillMsgFields=False&nOwnerID=0&nFillterUserID=117234&Index=ji7l&sSearchText= |title=Archived copy |access-date=2020-02-17 |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523014427/https://educationforums.cet.ac.il/forums/index.asp?Asp=403&FID=84586&nSubProjectID=0&bFillMsgFields=False&nOwnerID=0&nFillterUserID=117234&Index=ji7l&sSearchText= |url-status=live }}</ref>

Social and Environmental Leadership Program was established in Rahat in the mid-2000s, initiated by young local residents.<ref name="Environmental Education in Rahat"/>

==Education==
[[File:Rahat School 1.jpg|thumb|Rahat school]]
Since the city of [[Beersheva]] is in close proximity to Rahat, most Bedouin students from Rahat study at [[Ben-Gurion University of the Negev]], some also at [[Sapir Academic College]] in Sderot. Soon a new [[Harvard University]] campus will be established in Rahat - inside [[Idan HaNegev|Idan HaNegev Industrial Park]]. It will be the first campus built in this Bedouin city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4210642,00.html|title=Harvard University makes aliyah|newspaper=Ynetnews|date=April 2012|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808115837/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4210642,00.html|url-status=live|last1=Eichner|first1=Itamar}}</ref> Ben-Gurion University of the Negev will oversee the new campus' operations, and it will be considered a BGU branch.

==Health and public services==
[[File:Rahat clinic.jpg|thumb|A medical clinic in Rahat]]
Rahat as a city has a number of public services, including medical services, schooling, labor, shopping, etc. There are branches of several health funds (medical clinics) in Rahat: [[Leumit Health Fund|Leumit]], [[Clalit Health Services|Clalit]], [[Maccabi Health Care Services|Maccabi]] and several [[perinatal]] (baby care) centers Tipat Halav. In 2004 a new police station was opened, and has around 70 staff policemen. There is a community center in Rahat with a number of clubs for youth.

==Demographics==
{{Historical populations
|title=Historical population
|type = Israel
|footnote =
|shading = off
|percentages = pagr
|1983|9200
|1995|23200
|2008|50000
|2015|62400
|2019|71437
|source = <ref name="CBS">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbs.gov.il/reader/shnaton/templ_shnaton_e.html?num_tab=st02_24&CYear=2017|format=PDF|publisher=[[Israel Central Bureau of Statistics]]|title=CBS. Statistical Abstract of Israel 2017. Population and Density per Sq. Km. in Localities Numbering 5,000 Residents and More on 31.12.2016|access-date=2017-09-06|archive-date=2017-09-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907032916/http://www.cbs.gov.il/reader/shnaton/templ_shnaton_e.html?num_tab=st02_24&CYear=2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, in 2001 the ethnic make-up of the city was almost completely [[Arab]] Bedouin, without a significant [[Jew]]ish population (''see also:'' [[Population groups in Israel]]), making it the largest Bedouin settlement in Israel.  Rahat's society is considered a young one, as more than half of its residents are under the age of 18.<ref name="Environmental Education in Rahat">{{Cite web|url=http://www.teva.org.il/english/|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20121218142054/http://www.teva.org.il/english/?CategoryID=234&ArticleID=191|url-status=dead|title=Environmental Education in Rahat|access-date=2012-06-27|archive-date=2012-12-18}}</ref>

Members of several Bedouin family clans reside in Rahat:

*[[Tarabin Bedouin|Al-Tarabin]]: The ancient inhabitants of the Negev, their name Tarabin came the ancient Arabic name of the Negev region (Turban, تربان).<ref>[[Yaqut al-Hamawi]] [http://shiaonlinelibrary.com/الكتب/3436_معجم-البلدان-الحموي-ج-٢/الصفحة_20 (The Negev known as Turban), Dictionary of Countries, page 20] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222164327/http://shiaonlinelibrary.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A8/3436_%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%AC%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%88%D9%8A-%D8%AC-%D9%A2/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%81%D8%AD%D8%A9_20 |date=2020-02-22 }}</ref>
*[[Al-Tayaha]]: The ancient inhabitants of Sinai, The word Al-Tiyaha means "the lost ones" in Arabic, their original home was the Al-Tih plateau in central of Sinai.<ref>Wilson, John DD, FRS. (1847) ''The Lands of The Bible: visited and described in an extensive journey undertaken with special reference to the promotion of Biblical research and the advancement of philanthropy. Volume 1.'' Edinburgh. Pages 106,165,209.</ref>
*[[Al-Azazma]]: along with Al-Tayaha and Al-Tarabin are thought to be the indigenous pre-Islamic bedouins of Negev and Sinai. Probably related to ancient Arabians who inhabited the area like the Nabateans.<ref>[[Khalidi, Walid]] (Ed.) (1992) ''All That Remains. The Palestinian Villages Occupied and Depopulated by Israel in 1948.'' IoPS, Washington. {{ISBN|0-88728-224-5}}. Page 76.</ref>
*[[Howeitat|Al-Howeitat]]: from northwestern Arabia.
*Al-Shorbagy: from Turkish Anatolian roots.<ref>[[Aref al-Aref]], History of Beersheba and Its Tribes, page 78</ref>
*[[Al-Qrenawi]]: Turkish Anatolian-Arab tribal confederation originally from the city of [[El Qurein|Al-Qurein]] of Egypt.<ref>[[Aref al-Aref]], History of Beersheba and Its Tribes, page 75</ref>
*Al-Tawarah: tribal confederation originally from the [[El Tor, Egypt|Al-Tur]] region in Sinai.<ref>[[Aref al-Aref]], History of Beersheba and Its Tribes, page 88</ref>

According to the CBS, in 2001 there were 16,300 males and 16,100 females. The population of the city was spread out, with 65.2% 19 years of age or younger, 15.8% between 20 and 29, 12.0% between 30 and 44, 4.7% from 45 to 59, 0.9% from 60 to 64, and 1.4% 65 years of age or older. The population growth rate in 2001 was 5.9%. Also according to the CBS, at the end of 2010 there were 26,700 males and 26,400 females. Some 60.4% of Rahat's population were 19 years old or younger, 15.4% between 20 and 29, 15.3% between 30 and 44, 5.9% from 45 to 59, 1% from 60 to 64, and 2% 65 years of age or older. The population growth rate has decreased significantly to 2.7%.<ref name="Rahat">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbs.gov.il/publications12/local_authorities10/pdf/324_1161.pdf|title=Rahat, city profile|publisher=Central Bureau of Statistic|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-date=18 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118134006/http://www.cbs.gov.il/publications12/local_authorities10/pdf/324_1161.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to city's mayor the city is home to an estimated 7,000 [[Illegal immigration#Israel|illegal immigrants]] at any given time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maariv.co.il/journalists/Article-525245|title=מעריב - השאלה הבדואית: הגיע הזמן שהמדינה תחליט על מדיניות כלפי אזרחיה בנגב|website=Maariv.il|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=13 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613042603/http://www.maariv.co.il/journalists/Article-525245|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Tourism==
Rahat is known to be a center of authentic food tourism. The city receives many tourists from Israel and from abroad, especially during the Islamic holy month of [[Ramadan]]. Most of the tourists like to be hosted in houses around Rahat where the lady owner of the house cooks traditional Bedouin food and tells stories about the Bedouin culture.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/06/world/middleeast/bedouins-israel-negev-tour.html|title=Israelis Play Tourists in a Bedouin Town in the Negev|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-date=7 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607104506/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/06/world/middleeast/bedouins-israel-negev-tour.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Transportation==
In June 2007 a new [[Lehavim-Rahat Railway Station]] was opened on the eastern side of Rahat. It serves both the Bedouin city of Rahat and the Jewish city of [[Lehavim]]. It made it more accessible for the local residents to work and study in [[Beersheba]] and other parts of the country. There are buses operated by the Galim and [[Dan BaDarom]] bus companies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bus.co.il/otobusim/Front2007/Lines.asp?CityName=%D7%A8%D7%94%D7%98&Design=2007&PlaceID1=48124&LanguageID=20|title=אוטובוסים רהט - רשימת קווים שעוברים ברהט|website=Bus.co.il|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=14 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014041628/http://www.bus.co.il/otobusim/Front2007/Lines.asp?CityName=%D7%A8%D7%94%D7%98&Design=2007&PlaceID1=48124&LanguageID=20|url-status=live}}</ref> For a long period of time there were only private transit buses in the city, but in 2009 the bus transportation system was substantially improved and larger, national bus companies started to enter the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yedid.org.il/?id=3468|title=Yedid website|website=Yedid.org.il|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=11 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911070304/http://www.yedid.org.il/?id=3468|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Archaeology==
In 2019, one of the earliest rural mosques in the world was unearthed in Rahat, apparently dating to a century or two after the founding of Islam.<ref>[https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-one-of-the-earliest-rural-mosques-in-the-world-found-in-israel-1.7539392 One of the earliest rural mosques in the world found in Israel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804140118/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-one-of-the-earliest-rural-mosques-in-the-world-found-in-israel-1.7539392 |date=2019-08-04 }}, [[Haaretz]]</ref>

==Notable people==
*[[Talal Alkernawi]], former Rahat Mayor
*Suleiman Al-Shafhe, journalist, formerly a [[Channel 2 (Israel)|Channel 2]] reporter covering the Palestinian issues<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2002/nov/14/world/fg-gazatv14/2|title=Reports From a Tightrope|website=Articles.latimes.com|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=22 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022115015/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/nov/14/world/fg-gazatv14/2|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Ahmed Alansasra, artist<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imj.org.il/artcenter/default.asp?artist=270817|title=Information Center for Israeli art. Ahmed Alansasra|website=Imj.org.il|access-date=2012-06-27|archive-date=2013-10-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013173500/http://www.imj.org.il/artcenter/default.asp?artist=270817|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Kamla Abu Zeila, a Bedouin female documentary filmmaker<ref>{{cite web|url=http://israel21c.org/culture/israeli-film-maker-helps-put-bedouin-woman-behind-the-camera/|title=Israeli film maker helps put Bedouin woman behind the camera|website=Israel21c.org|date=26 November 2006|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=15 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015045303/http://israel21c.org/culture/israeli-film-maker-helps-put-bedouin-woman-behind-the-camera/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BF">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110707204139/http://www.backandforthmovie.com/about About the film - Back and Forth Movie | ארבעה סיפורים מהנגב<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
*Yusra Abu-Kaff, a Bedouin filmmaker<ref name="BF" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/48278354/The-Jerusalem-Report-Getting-Behind-the-Camera|title=The Jerusalem Report: Getting Behind the Camera|date=June 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626032522/http://www.scribd.com/doc/48278354/The-Jerusalem-Report-Getting-Behind-the-Camera|archive-date=2011-06-26}}</ref>
*Ahmad Amrani, one of the leaders of the Green movement. In 2002, established “Green Rahat,” the first environmental organization in Rahat to deal with the city's environmental problems<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yeruka.org.il/node/464|title=אתר מוקדי שירות לקוחות של חברות הצריכה לשירותך|website=Yeruka.org.il|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523014353/https://www.yeruka.org.il/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Jamal Alkirnawi, founder of the educational program [[A New Dawn in the Negev]] for Bedouin youth-at-risk<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Metro/Dawn-of-a-new-day-489768|title=A New Dawn in the Negev seeks lasting change for the Beduin community|website=Jpost.com|access-date=2018-08-26|archive-date=2018-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826113509/https://www.jpost.com/Metro/Dawn-of-a-new-day-489768|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Jews-and-Arabs-study-hi-tech-together-in-Yeroham-564752|title=Jews and Arabs study hi-tech together in Yeroham|website=Jpost.com|access-date=2018-08-26|archive-date=2018-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826105555/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Jews-and-Arabs-study-hi-tech-together-in-Yeroham-564752|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Amran El Krenawy]] (born 1996), footballer
*[[Ouda Tarabin]] (born 1981), an Israeli Bedouin imprisoned by Egypt for illegal border crossing<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4227939,00.html|title=Report: Prisoner swap deal involving Ouda Tarabin to be signed Saturday|newspaper=Ynetnews|date=12 May 2012|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808112818/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4227939,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="120">
File:Sheikh Huzeil.jpg|Members of the Yiftach Brigade, First Battalion stationed in Sheikh Huzeil Police Station, 1948
File:PikiWiki Israel 11389 Wildlife and Plants of Israel.JPG
File:Al Hoziil.jpg|Members of Yiftach Brigade in al-Hazeil, 1948
File:Rahat super.jpg
File:PikiWiki Israel 11406 Art of Israel.jpg|Bedouin tent in Rahat (Al-Hezeel), 1955
File:Rahat Comm.jpg|One of Rahat community centers
File:Rahat view.jpg
File:Flickr - Government Press Office (GPO) - Beduin's for Peace.jpg|Bedouin women from Rahat hold up posters in favor of the Israeli-Arab peace process, 1995
File:2017-03-11_Migratory_storks_resting_in_Rahat.jpg|Migratory [[White stork|storks]] resting in Rahat, spring 2017
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Commons category|Rahat}}
*[[Arab localities in Israel]]
*[[Negev Bedouin]]
*[[Sedentarization]]
*[[Bnei al-Salam Rahat F.C.]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage}}
*[http://photo.dennisfox.net/galleries/2006/israelpalestine_2006/rahat/index.html Rahat Photo Gallery]
*[http://www.backandforthmovie.com/about Back and Forth movie] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707204139/http://www.backandforthmovie.com/about |date=2011-07-07 }} - an independent cinematic project in Rahat guided by Uri Rosenwaks including four documentaries made by four Bedouin film directors
*[http://www.mmi.gov.il/static/HanhalaPirsumim/Beduin_information.pdf Bedouin of the Negev] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715043044/http://www.mmi.gov.il/static/HanhalaPirsumim/Beduin_information.pdf |date=2015-07-15 }}
*[http://yajaffar.tripod.com/ra.html Rahat city] General facts about Rahat, photos
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei8yHjk_MbM Lands of the Negev], a short film presented by Israel Land Administration describing the challenges faced in providing land management and infrastructure to the Bedouin in Israel's southern Negev region
* Seth Frantzman, [https://academia.edu/2267963/Presentation_to_Regavim_about_Negev Presentation to Regavim about Negev]
{{Arab localities in Israel footer|uncollapsed}}
{{Largest Israeli cities}}
{{Southern District (Israel)}}
{{Bedouin settlements}}{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Rahat| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Southern District (Israel)]]
[[Category:Cities in Israel]]
[[Category:Arab localities in Israel]]
[[Category:Bedouin localities in Israel]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1972]]
[[Category:1972 establishments in Israel]]