Bedouin Muslim Dedicated to Prosperous Future for Israel

February 24, 2008

Author: LARRY MITCHELL

Source: ChicoER

http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_8349753

Ishmael Khaldi hasn't done what was expected, but one day he will.

The expectation -- of his family and culture -- was that once he got an education, he'd return to his village in northern Israel, get married and raise a family.

Instead, Khaldi, 36, is still single and traveling the world as an Israeli diplomat.

He was in Chico Friday, speaking to a couple of classes at Chico State University and also talking at Congregation Beth Israel. His visit here was sponsored by the synagogue.

One striking fact about Khaldi is that he is a Bedouin, a member of an Arab people known for its nomadic lifestyle and ability to survive in the desert.