A historic visit by over 150 Druze clerics and dignitaries from Syria to Israel took place, marking the first delegation since 1974. The event aimed to reconnect families and reaffirm cultural ties, with broad reception and emotional significance. While the visit faced some criticism, it underscored a commitment to community solidarity, amidst concerns about regional security.
A historic visit was made by a delegation of over 150 Druze clerics and dignitaries from Syria to holy sites in Israel, the first of its kind since 1974. The two-day event included visits to significant sites such as Nebi Shu’ayb and participating in a ceremony led by Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, the Druze spiritual leader in Israel. The trip, which aimed to reconnect families divided by borders, emphasized religious and communal ties rather than political motives.
MK Hamed Amar from the Yisrael Beiteinu party welcomed the delegation and shared reflections on the emotional significance of the event. “It was a warm welcome. The Druze are all connected everywhere they are, like one big family,” Amar stated, highlighting the familial bonds between many participants. He noted that the prior restrictions following the 1974 demilitarization agreement had long impeded such pilgrimages, which are vital to their culture.
Amar clarified that the visit was not political but a means to renew historical and religious ties. He acknowledged the mixed reaction from the Arab world, where some viewed the visit as a normalization effort. Despite this, he pointed out the ongoing economic interactions between Palestinians and Israel, questioning the disproportionate criticism of this event.
Discussing the current regime in Syria, Amar expressed his concerns regarding the rise of extremist groups, describing the situation as perilous for the Druze community. He stressed, “The ones who seized power in Syria are ISIS, nothing less,” urging that Israel must ensure its national security and support the Druze in safeguarding themselves.
Encouraged by the success of this reunion, Amar expressed hope for more such meetings in the future. He mentioned the emotional reactions of the delegates, describing scenes of joy and tears during their visit. According to Amar, the bond among the Druze, much like that among Jews globally, is profound. “We are a peace-loving people; we do not harm anyone, and we want to live in peace,” he affirmed, reiterating the need for lasting connections between the communities.
In conclusion, the recent visit by the Druze delegation from Syria to Israel marks a significant step in rekindling familial and cultural ties that have been disrupted for over fifty years. Despite facing criticism from the Arab world, this gathering underscored the emphasis on religious and communal unity. Moving forward, there is hope for regular reunions to strengthen the bonds among the Druze community while remaining vigilant regarding the geopolitical challenges in the region.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
