A group of about 60 Syrian Druze clerics has traveled to Israel for a pilgrimage, the first since 1948. This visit, following an invitation from Israeli Druze, has raised concerns within the Syrian Druze community. The clerics will visit significant religious sites and meet with Druze leaders in Israel, despite restrictions on media interaction and mobile phone use. The backdrop of recent political changes in Syria further complicates the situation for the Druze.
A delegation of approximately 60 Syrian Druze clerics recently embarked on a pilgrimage to Israel, marking their first visit since the establishment of the state in 1948. They gathered near Hader village, located in the demilitarized buffer zone of the Golan Heights, while being observed by recently stationed Israeli soldiers. Two buses were set to transport them to the Israeli side, where they plan to visit the Tomb of Nabi Shuaib, a significant figure in the Druze faith, along with meeting Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel.
The clerics have been instructed not to engage with journalists or carry mobile phones during their visit. This pilgrimage, following an official invitation from Israeli Druze, has generated some controversy among the Druze minority in Syria. The Druze population is divided across Syria, Israel, Lebanon, and the Golan Heights, constituting around three percent of Syria’s populace, with the majority residing in the southern province of Sweida.
In recent developments, amidst political changes in Syria following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, Israel has increased its military presence on the Golan Heights, which it has occupied since 1967. Additionally, Israeli Druze have provided food aid to their Syrian counterparts, with the latest shipment arriving just days prior to the pilgrimage. Following a violent altercation involving Druze fighters and government forces, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a warning against any potential harm to the Druze by Syria’s new leadership, a statement that was swiftly rejected by Druze leaders who reaffirmed their loyalty to a unified Syria.
The Druze have predominantly maintained a neutral stance throughout Syria’s prolonged civil war, focusing on defending their territories rather than enlisting in the Syrian military. Currently, Druze representatives are in discussions with the new Syrian leaders regarding the integration of their armed factions into the national security forces.
The pilgrimage of Syrian Druze clerics to Israel represents a historic first since 1948, highlighting both the cultural and religious ties within the Druze community. While the visit faces resistance from some Syrian Druze, it underscores ongoing humanitarian support and interactions between the Druze populations in Syria and Israel. Furthermore, the current political landscape in Syria continues to influence the Druze community’s stance and future integration into security structures.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
