Over 150 Druze Dignitaries Cross Border to Israel for Religious and Communal Gathering

In a historic moment for the Druze community, a delegation of over 150 Druze clerics and dignitaries visited Israel last weekend for the first time since 1974. The group, hailing from the Druze villages of the Hader area near the Israeli Golan, made the two-day pilgrimage with coordinated security and diplomatic arrangements. Their visit included stops at sacred sites like Nebi Shu’ayb (Tomb of Jethro) in the Galilee and the participation in various ceremonial events, offering a unique opportunity to reconnect with their Israeli Druze brethren.

The visit, which took place without political undertones, was characterized as a religious and communal gathering, emphasizing the shared values and ties among the Druze community, regardless of national borders. A key moment of the visit was the meeting with Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze in Israel, and the dedication of a Druze prayer house (Kilhweh) in Peki’in. Additionally, the delegation participated in the annual "Sheikhs' March," which celebrates and promotes Druze heritage.

Druze Member of Knesset Hamed Amar, who welcomed the delegation, spoke emotionally about the deep connection shared between the Druze communities on both sides of the border. Despite the political tension in the region, Amar emphasized that the visit was purely a social and religious occasion, noting that many of those in the delegation have family ties to Israeli Druze.

Historically, such visits were common before the demilitarization agreement of 1974, which halted Druze pilgrimages and separated families living on both sides of the Israeli-Syrian border. Amar also noted the visit's significance, highlighting the unity and peace-loving nature of the Druze people and reaffirming their commitment to fostering peaceful relationships.

However, the visit sparked controversy in the Arab world, with some viewing it as a step toward normalization. Despite the criticism, Amar stood firm in his stance, pointing out that many Palestinians work in Israel and that the visit was about religious connection rather than politics.

Amar expressed hope for future visits, stating that the occasion was emotional for everyone involved, with many of the delegates seeing their families for the first time in over five decades. Looking forward, he hopes the opportunity for such religious and communal gatherings will be available more regularly.