Israeli Druze Welcome Historic Visit from Syrian Druze Delegation

The Druze community in Israel prepares for the first visit by Syrian Druze elders in fifty years, amidst ongoing tensions with Syria. Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif views this visit as a historic occasion. The event underscores Israel’s support for the Syrian Druze minority, while addressing concerns regarding the new Syrian government. Despite military tensions, Druze leaders express hope for peace and inclusivity in Syria.

The Druze community in Israel is preparing for a significant event as they anticipate the first visit by a Druze religious delegation from Syria in the last fifty years. Despite heightened tensions between the two nations, this visit, which will include around 100 Syrian Druze elders, is viewed positively by community leaders, particularly Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif. He termed it a historic and festive occasion following decades of absence since the last delegation visited post the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

The delegation is expected to visit notable sites, such as the tomb of prophet Shuayb in Lower Galilee. This upcoming visit could signify Israel’s ongoing commitment to its Druze population, particularly amid concerns regarding the new Syrian government’s Islamist agenda. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that restrictions would ease for Druze workers from Syria, indicating an opening at the border for the first time since the onset of the Syrian civil war.

Recent airstrikes by Israel on Damascus have underscored the ongoing tensions with the Syrian government, particularly with the rise of President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration, which Israeli officials consider extremist. Israel has taken proactive measures, including troop deployments within Syria, to discourage Syrian military presence near its borders, while reiterating its willingness to support the Druze community in Syria if necessary.

However, Sheikh Tarif expressed confidence in the resilience of the Syrian Druze, stating they are proud citizens of Syria and do not require protection from Israel. He expressed a desire for a government that represents all ethnic and religious minorities in Syria. Ultimately, he emphasized the importance of peace in the region, highlighting a collective aspiration for harmony among its diverse populations.

In summary, the forthcoming visit of the Syrian Druze delegation to Israel marks a historically significant event, reflective of ongoing efforts to bridge communities despite prevailing tensions. The Druze leaders advocate for unity and coexistence, hoping for a peaceful future that respects diversity within Syria. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the intricate relationship between Israel and Syria, particularly concerning the Druze population. Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif’s views point towards a hopeful perspective for integrating various minority groups in Syria’s political landscape, emphasizing a broader desire for regional peace and stability.

Original Source: www.usnews.com