The Druze community in Israel is set to host the first delegation from Syrian Druze in five decades, highlighting regional ties despite ongoing tensions. Their visit includes stops at important religious sites and reflects Israel’s support for Syria’s Druze minority amidst the backdrop of critical political challenges.
On Thursday, the leader of the Druze community in Israel announced the upcoming visit of a Druze religious delegation from Syria, marking their first trip to Israel in fifty years. Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif expressed optimism about this historic event, highlighting the deep cultural connections between the Druze populations in the region, including those in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and the Golan Heights. The visit by approximately 100 Syrian Druze elders is anticipated to take place on Friday, after a long period of separation following the 1973 Yom Kippur war.
The delegation, primarily from villages near Mount Hermon in Syria, plans to visit significant religious sites, including the tomb of prophet Shuayb located in the Lower Galilee. While this visit exemplifies Israel’s support for the Druze minority in Syria against the backdrop of rising tensions, it also occurs amidst increased concerns about the new Islamist government in Damascus. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Druze workers from Syria would be permitted to enter Israel, a development not seen since the onset of the Syrian civil war.
The situation between Israel and Syria remains tense, particularly following an Israeli airstrike on targets in Damascus linked to the Iran-backed Islamic Jihad movement. Israeli officials have voiced skepticism toward the Syrian government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, labeling his political faction as jihadist. Israel has taken proactive steps, including deploying troops in strategic areas within Syrian territory to prevent the presence of Syrian military forces near its borders.
Sheikh Tarif commented on Israel’s potential intervention for the safety of the Druze in Syria, asserting that protection is unnecessary because Syrian Druze have a strong sense of national identity. He expressed hope for a more inclusive Syrian government that acknowledges the rights of all minorities and prayed for peace in the region. His vision encompassed a future where all ethnic and religious groups could live harmoniously in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and beyond, reflecting a yearning for stability and coexistence.
In summary, the upcoming visit of the Syrian Druze delegation signifies a critical step toward reconnection among the Druze people across regional borders after decades of political turmoil. This historic event occurs amidst significant tensions between Israel and Syria, particularly regarding the new Syrian government. Sheikh Tarif’s call for unity among diverse groups in Syria illustrates a broader desire for peace and understanding in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
