Syrian Druze and Israel: Religious and Political Solidarity Amid Regional Crisis

Introduction

A Landmark Event After Over 75 Years

Israel opinion

In a historic first since 1948, nearly 100 senior Druze religious leaders from Syria embarked on a rare pilgrimage to a sacred site in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.

The event, which took place on March 14, 2025, was facilitated by the Israeli military and marked by celebrations with Israeli Druze leaders.

This unprecedented gathering highlighted the deep, enduring religious, cultural, and familial bonds that unite Druze communities across national borders despite decades of political and geographical separation.

Political and Religious Significance

Beyond its religious importance, this pilgrimage carries significant political and security implications. With the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, the Druze community in Syria has found itself increasingly vulnerable.

The rise of an Islamist-led government under Ahmad al-Sharaa has raised concerns among Syria’s minorities, including the Druze, who fear potential persecution and displacement.

A Unique and Tight-Knit Community

The Druze are a small religious and ethnic group in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Emerging in the 11th century as an offshoot of Ismaili Islam, the Druze faith incorporates elements from several religious traditions, maintaining a closed community. Known for their strong unity and loyalty to their countries, many Druze in Israel are integrated into society, serving in the military and holding critical governmental positions, unlike their counterparts in Syria and Lebanon, who traditionally seek autonomy within their mountainous regions.

A Community at Risk

Historically, the Druze in Syria have carefully balanced loyalty to the regime with a degree of autonomy. However, as the country has undergone dramatic political shifts, sectarian violence has escalated. Recently, over 1,000 people, mainly from the Alawite sect, have died in the coastal regions, raising fears that the Druze could be next.

This insecurity played a pivotal role in the pilgrimage. For the visiting clerics, it was not only a religious journey but also a gesture of solidarity with their Israeli Druze counterparts, who have long been integrated into Israeli society and serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Israel’s Commitment to the Druze

The Druze in Israel enjoys a unique status within the country's social fabric. While most Arabic-speaking minorities in Israel do not serve in the IDF, the majority of Israeli Druze do, and they hold significant positions in security and government. Israeli leaders have voiced their concern for the well-being of the Syrian Druze. In response to recent violence, Israel has introduced measures to assist the community, including issuing work permits for Syrian Druze to enter the Golan Heights.

Furthermore, Israel has granted special work permits to 40 Syrian Druze, allowing them to work in agriculture in the Golan Heights. This policy shift represents a significant change and highlights Israel’s growing role in supporting the Druze community amidst Syria’s instability.

Symbolic and Practical Implications

During their visit, the Syrian Druze delegation met with Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze in Israel. Discussions focused on the precarious situation of the Syrian Druze and possible avenues for assistance. This visit showcased the stark contrast between the security of the Druze in Israel and the mounting uncertainties faced by their counterparts in Syria.

Beyond the religious and diplomatic dimensions, this pilgrimage symbolized Druze's identity and unity. In a region marked by division and conflict, the visit emphasized that cultural and familial ties can endure even under the most challenging circumstances.

Israel’s Role in a Changing Middle East

The pilgrimage occurred at a time when Israel was navigating an increasingly complex regional landscape, with the fall of Assad reshaping Syria’s power dynamics. Israel is mainly focused on the growing influence of Iran and Hezbollah in the region. In this context, Israel’s support for the Druze is not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic imperative.

Strengthening ties with the Druze, both within Israel and beyond, underscores Israel’s role as a defender of religious minorities in a turbulent region. It also sends a message to the international community that Israel is committed to the safety of those who share cultural and historical connections with the country.

 Looking to the Future

Although the pilgrimage was celebrated as a moment of unity, it also highlighted the uncertain future facing the Druze in Syria. With sectarian violence escalating and the new Syrian government’s stance on minorities still unclear, the future remains precarious. Yet, the visit to Israel gave hope, illustrating that shared history and identity can unite people despite political divisions.

As the Middle East continues to evolve, the fate of the Druze will remain a closely watched issue—both within Israel and beyond. Whether this historic visit leads to further cross-border cooperation or remains isolated will depend on the political developments ahead. For now, the pilgrimage is a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and the enduring strength of the Druze community.