SOCIALIZING LANDSCAPES, NATURALIZING CONFLICT: ENVIRONMENTAL DISCOURSES AND LAND CONFLICT IN THE NEGEV REGION OF ISRAEL

I am indebted to many people for their support in completing this dissertation. I cannot give enough thanks to those in the Negev who welcomed me into their midst and who both challenged and encouraged me for the better part of two years. The staff and volunteers of Bustan provided my first home in the Negev and welcomed me as a colleague and fellow participant. They, as well as many other social and environmental activists throughout Israel have been indispensable in realizing this research. Many residents of “‘Ayn al-‘Azm, ” “Dganim ” and other Negev communities opened their doors to me, fed me, tolerated my blunders, and taught me. Though I cannot name them here for reasons of confidentiality, I am profoundly grateful to all of them, and particularly to the families who invited me into their homes to live and to those at Moadon ha-Kashishim. Beyond the education these people gave me in language, history, and dwelling practices, they taught me immense lessons in hospitality and grace. Tel Aviv University and the Ben Gurion University of the Negev provided institutional support during fieldwork. The staff of the David Tuviyahu Archives of the Negev welcomed me into their offices for many hours of sifting through documents.