A delegation of about 60 Syrian Druze clerics visited Israel for the first time since 1948, amidst ongoing tensions within the Druze community regarding this pilgrimage. They were set to visit significant religious sites, meet the Israeli Druze spiritual leader, and faced restrictions on communication. The visit coincided with increased military presence in the Golan Heights and humanitarian support efforts between Israeli and Syrian Druze communities.
A significant delegation of approximately 60 Syrian Druze clerics traveled to Israel on a pilgrimage, marking the first such visit since the establishment of Israel in 1948. They gathered near Hader, a village in the Golan Heights, under the observation of recently deployed Israeli soldiers. Upon arriving on the Israeli side, they were set to visit the Tomb of Nabi Shuaib in Galilee, a key site in the Druze faith, and meet with Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel.
The pilgrims were restricted from communicating with journalists and prohibited from carrying mobile phones during their visit. This pilgrimage was organized following an invitation from the Druze community in Israel, although it has faced opposition from some members of the Syrian Druze community. The Druze faith is an esoteric monotheistic belief system, and the clergy represent a segment split across Syria, Israel, Lebanon, and the Golan Heights, with about three percent of Syria’s population concentrated in the southern province of Sweida.
Following the overthrow of Syria’s long-time President Bashar al-Assad in December, Israel increased military presence in the Golan Heights, which it has occupied since 1967. Some Israeli Druze have shown solidarity with their counterparts in Syria by providing food aid across the border, with the latest delivery occurring just days prior to the clerics’ pilgrimage.
Tensions have escalated in recent months; after a violent clash between government-affiliated forces and Druze fighters in Damascus suburbs, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of potential military intervention to protect the Druze. However, Druze leaders have publicly rejected these threats, affirming their commitment to a unified Syria. Throughout the ongoing civil war, Druze forces have largely defended their areas while avoiding conscription into the Syrian military and are now negotiating arrangements that would integrate their armed groups with Syria’s security forces.
The pilgrimage of Syrian Druze clerics to Israel signifies an important cultural and religious event, despite facing internal opposition. The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region have led to increased military activity and humanitarian aid between Israeli and Syrian Druze, while the Druze community navigates their position amidst Syria’s civil war and strives to ensure their security and representation.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
