The race took place down south, in the Negev. With thousands of cheering spectators. I wonder if betting on the camels was allowed.
It seems like this is one of those theories of how to deal with [certain] crimes - legalize it and make it as safe as possible and collect tax money from it, or keep it illegal and dont collect tax money and allow it to remain unsafe and dangerous with likely cruelty to animal abuses as well. Camel races have been going on a long time, though only illegally. This is the first time it was done in a legal format. Maybe Israel decided legalizing it will better regulate it, since it is happening anyway, and make some tax revenue on it.
The camel races this past Friday were set for two distances - 12 kilometers and six kilometers for young camels, with prize money offered to the winning camels. The top prize was 12000nis.
Honestly, slightly disappointing - 12 kilometers isnt even a half marathon! The camels should have been able to do better than 12km.
They have turned this into a symbol of hope and coexistence, with both Bedouin and Jewish attendees. I am somewhat skeptical about this but if it makes them feel good about themselves, all the better. Peace and coexistence will be achieved when the Jews are not just among the spectators but also of owners of some of the competing camels.
Next time, if I find out about this in advance, I will plan to go.
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