Historic Pilgrimage of Syrian Druze Clerics to Israel Highlights Regional Tensions

A delegation of about 60 Syrian Druze clerics has made a historic pilgrimage to Israel, their first since 1948. Under the supervision of Israeli soldiers, they visited significant religious sites and met with local Druze leaders. The move has stirred mixed reactions, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the Druze community across borders.

A group of approximately 60 Druze clerics from Syria embarked on a pilgrimage to Israel, marking the first such journey since the establishment of Israel in 1948. The clerics gathered near Hader, a village situated in the demilitarized zone on the Golan Heights. Their arrival coincided with increased Israeli military presence in the region, according to reports from an AFP correspondent in southern Syria.

Upon crossing into Israel, the group is scheduled to visit the Tomb of Nabi Shuaib located in the Galilee, a significant religious site for the Druze faith. They will also engage with Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel. Notably, the pilgrims have been restricted from speaking with the media and possessing mobile phones during their visit.

The pilgrimage has sparked dissent among segments of the Syrian Druze community, as this religious minority is geographically divided among Syria, Israel, Lebanon, and the Golan Heights. In Syria, they comprise approximately three percent of the population, predominantly located in Sweida province.

The visit occurs amidst geopolitical tensions, especially after Israel deployed troops to the Golan Heights following the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. In solidarity, the Druze in Israel have sent food aid to their brethren in Syria, with the latest shipment occurring just days before the pilgrimage.

In early March, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a warning regarding military intervention to protect the Druze in Syria following violence involving government forces and Druze fighters. Druze leaders, however, reaffirmed their allegiance to a unified Syria, despite the ongoing civil war that has largely sidelined their community in the conflict.

Ongoing discussions between Druze representatives and Syria’s current leadership aim to facilitate the integration of Druze armed groups into the nation’s security forces, potentially reshaping their role within the country.

In summary, the recent pilgrimage of Syrian Druze clerics to Israel represents a significant religious and cultural engagement following decades of political separation. The journey underscores the complexities surrounding the Druze community, who are navigating their identity and loyalties amidst ongoing regional tensions. Their ongoing negotiations with Syrian authorities for the integration of armed forces highlight their desire for security and stability.

Original Source: www.newarab.com