A delegation of over 150 Druze dignitaries visited holy sites in Israel for the first time since 1974, emphasizing familial and communal ties. The visit, coordinated with security measures, was met with a warm welcome and aimed to reconnect families separated by geopolitical issues. Member of Knesset Hamed Amar expressed hope for continued connections and addressed regional political challenges, asserting the Druze community’s commitment to peace.
A historic visit took place when a delegation of over 150 Druze clerics and dignitaries crossed the border from Syria to Israel, marking the first such visit since 1974. This significant event involved a two-day journey to sacred sites, including the Tomb of Jethro in the Galilee, and included ceremonies in which the guests were warmly welcomed by their Israeli counterparts. The visit was meticulously coordinated with high levels of security and diplomacy to facilitate this momentous occasion.
During this visit, the delegation met the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, and participated in the dedication of a Kilhweh or Druze prayer house in Peki’in. They also took part in the annual “Sheikhs’ March,” which aims to celebrate and promote Druze heritage within Israel. This reunion was not only a cultural event but also served to reconnect families that had been separated by geopolitical circumstances since the 1974 demilitarization agreement.
In remarks about the occasion, Druze Member of Knesset Hamed Amar expressed a heartfelt desire for continued connection, stating, “The Druze are all connected everywhere they are, like one big family.” He noted that many participants have families on the Israeli side who welcomed them warmly. Amar elaborated on the significance of restoring this connection, emphasizing that the visit was primarily a religious and communal event, devoid of political undertones.
Although the visit sparked criticism from certain factions within the Arab world, Amar remarked, “Many in the Arab world saw the visit in a negative way.” He contrasted this with the normalcy of daily Palestinian labor in Israel, questioning the disproportionate reaction to the Druze gathering. This visit, Amar stressed, should not be interpreted through a political lens but as an essential return to a long-standing tradition of familial and communal ties.
Amar also voiced concerns regarding the shifting political landscape in Syria, pointing to the rise of extremist groups such as ISIS, and underscoring the potential risks these groups pose to regional stability. He reinforced Israel’s commitment to national security, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding borders against any resurgence of conflict.
He expressed hope for more such visits in the future, stating, “I think we will try to have more meetings. It’s been 51 years; it was like a holiday for us.” The emotional impact of the visit was profound, with delegates reportedly moved to tears at the reunion. Amar concluded by highlighting the Druze community’s commitment to peace, asserting the essential, family-like connections that transcends borders and politics.
The recent visit of Druze clerics and dignitaries from Syria to Israel marks a pivotal moment of reconnection after decades of separation. This reunion emphasized the deep familial and communal ties among the Druze community, transcending political implications. Member of Knesset Hamed Amar articulated a vision for future interactions, stressing the importance of unity and peace. The ongoing complexities in regional politics were acknowledged, yet the visit served as a hopeful reminder of enduring connections that can foster communal harmony across borders.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
