For the first time in years, a delegation of about 100 Druze sheikhs from Syria is expected to arrive in Israel this Friday for a 24-hour visit with special approval from Israeli authorities, according to a report by Kan 11 News.
Efforts to Strengthen Ties with the Druze Community in Syria
As a part of efforts to strengthen ties with the Druze community in Israel and Syria, the visit will mainly focus on religious and cultural aspects. The Israeli delegation will include members from the village of Hadar, located on the slopes of the Syrian Hermon, and will meet with senior Druze leaders in Israel.
The religious leaders are expected to stay in Druze villages in Israel and visit their communities’ holy sites. After years of disconnection and movement restrictions, this marks a significant step towards warming relations between both sides.
Approval for Druze to Enter Israel for Work
Another part of Israel’s efforts to improve relations with the Druze in the Golan and Syria includes approval for Druze from the area to enter Israel for work. Officials involved in the process note that this is an attempt to deepen cooperation and increase understanding between the communities on both sides of the border.
The visit is an extraordinary event, as the movement of Druze between the two countries has been very limited since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War. Druze community leaders in Israel have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that it will pave the way for further collaborations, deeper cooperation and mutual understanding in the future.
Don’t let the nose of the camel under the tent.