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A Syrian Druze Religious Delegation Visits Sacred Sites in Israel for the First Time in Decades
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An unprecedented visit reopens spiritual and social communication channels between the Druze of Syria and the Golan, despite ongoing political tensions
A delegation of senior Druze sheikhs from Syria arrived in Israel this morning from villages in Mount Hermon, located in southeastern Syria, on a special religious visit to the tomb of Prophet Shu'ayb in the Lower Galilee. This marks the first visit of its kind in nearly five decades, amid the complex political and security situation in the region.
Social media activists shared footage documenting the reception of the delegation, where traditional religious and social hymns were chanted, reflecting the unique cultural heritage of the Druze community. The attendees were also seen singing "Tala'a Al-Badru Alayna," a song historically associated with welcoming the Prophet Muhammad upon his arrival in Medina.
Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, praised the visit, describing it as a significant step despite ongoing border tensions.
According to a statement given to Reuters, the delegation, which includes approximately 100 Syrian Druze sheikhs, is set to arrive in Israel on March 14, 2025. This is the first such visit since a similar delegation traveled to Israel following the 1973 war.
The delegation’s itinerary is expected to include visits to several sacred sites, notably the tomb of Prophet Shu'ayb, located west of Tiberias in the Lower Galilee, as well as other shrines of great religious significance to the Druze community.
A Tradition Revived After Years of Interruption
Before the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011, Druze delegations regularly traveled between Syria and Israel through the Quneitra crossing, under coordination between the two countries and the United Nations forces.
These visits served as a bridge for spiritual and social connections between the Druze communities on both sides of the border. In addition to religious ceremonies, they also facilitated social gatherings, including weddings where Druze individuals, who had met in neighboring countries like Jordan, could formally unite in marriage, with brides being escorted across the border for their weddings.
