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The Spiritual Leader of the Druze in Israel: International Meetings to Ensure Minority Rights in Syria
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Despite denying any Israeli involvement in military interventions to protect the Druze in Syria, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif emphasized that the community would not stand idly by in the face of any threat, c
The spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, stated that members of the Druze community are committed to non-interference in Syrian political affairs, stressing that their role is limited to providing humanitarian support, driven by religious and familial ties with their counterparts in Syria.
Tarif added that any decision made by the Druze in Syria remains an internal matter that concerns them alone, without any intervention or influence from the Druze in Israel. He underscored the importance of respecting the unique circumstances of the Druze community within Syrian territories.
Tarif faced criticism from the leader of the Progressive Socialist Party in Lebanon, Walid Jumblatt, who accused him of providing Israel with a pretext to interfere in Syrian affairs under the guise of protecting the Druze. However, Tarif responded by asserting that he does not speak on behalf of the Israeli government. He also reminded critics of the role played by the Druze of Israel in supporting their brethren during times of crisis, emphasizing that the community has always been and will remain a pillar of support for their people in times of need.
Regarding his international efforts, Tarif revealed that he has held meetings at the United Nations, in the United States, and in European countries such as France, Britain, and Italy, aiming to safeguard minority rights. He clarified that his efforts extend beyond the Druze and include advocating for the rights of various Syrian communities, including Christians, Kurds, Alawites, and Sunnis, with the goal of establishing a civil state that ensures equality and guarantees religious freedoms.
When asked about the possibility of Israeli military intervention to protect the Druze in Syria, Tarif expressed hope that the situation would not escalate to that extent. However, he affirmed that the Druze community would not tolerate a repeat of past attacks, such as the 2018 Suwayda massacre, in which hundreds were killed by ISIS, or the 2015 Qalb Lozeh incident in Idlib, where Druze civilians were slain by armed factions.
Regarding allegations that Israel supports opposition factions against the Syrian regime, Tarif declined to comment. However, he emphasized his primary concern is to prevent further violence, describing the recent escalation in Syria’s coastal region as tragic and something that must not be repeated.
Commenting on a recent visit of a Druze delegation from Syria to Israel, Tarif described the event as a “special day” for the Druze living in the Golan, Carmel, and Galilee regions. He clarified that the visit was purely religious, as the delegation visited the shrine of Prophet Jethro. Expressing his hope for more such visits, he asserted that Druze people have the right to practice their religious rituals freely, just as Muslims perform Hajj in Mecca and Christians visit Jerusalem.
Tarif concluded by expressing his hope for peace and the removal of all barriers and borders, so that people can reconnect freely with their relatives across different regions.
