A Shepherd’’s Journey: the story of Israel’’s first bedouin diplomat

A Shepherd's Journey is Ishmael Khaldi's unique story of transformation from his modest village roots to his triumph as Israel's first bedouin diplomat and voice of reason in the Middle East. born into a traditional Bedouin family in a poor Bedouin village in northern Israel, Ishmael Khaldi's road has not been an easy one. from his early days as a sheepherder to his schoolboy "fights," his terrifying first forays into the mysterious New York subway system, and later, his remarkable friendships with Jews and Muslims, religious and secular, on two continents, Ishmael Khaldi's life has been full of adventure and love, humor and pathos. this is a story that will inspire, educate and charm, told with authenticity and passion, as only a Bedouin can tell it.

Ishmael Khaldi, born and raised in a Bedouin village in Israel, served in the Israeli Defense Forces, Defense Ministry and the Israeli Police before being chosen to join the Foreign Ministry. He was Deputy Consul General in San Francisco from 2006 - 2009.