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Expected Meeting Between Syrian Druze Figures and the Spiritual Leader of the Sect in Israel
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The visit of one hundred prominent Druze figures to the Golan Heights reflects a shift in relations between Druze components across borders and may pave the way for broader economic and religious coop
Reuters reported on Wednesday that about one hundred prominent figures from the Syrian Druze community are preparing to visit the Golan Heights, according to information from members of the sect.
The visiting delegation is expected to meet with Sheikh Muafak Tarif, the highest religious authority for the Druze sect in Israel, in addition to meetings with other figures from the community. The visit also includes a trip to one of the sacred religious shrines. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has not yet issued any official confirmation regarding this visit.
There are reports about the possibility of allowing Syrian Druze citizens to work inside Israel, in a step that may represent a new economic opening at the border.
The Druze, an ethnic minority spread across Syria, Israel, and Lebanon, belong to a religious belief that emerged from Islam but is distinguished by its unique identity and teachings.
In the Israeli context, many Druze serve in the army and police forces, including during military operations in Gaza, and some members of the community have reached high positions in security institutions.
The Israeli government approved on Sunday a five-year plan worth approximately 3.9 billion shekels (equivalent to 1.1 billion dollars) to address the challenges facing the Druze and Circassian communities, two minorities living within Israel.
