\nThe holiday reflects the Druze belief in Shu’ayb as a prophetic figure who embodied wisdom, humility, and deep faith in God. The Druze tradition holds that Shu’ayb preached social justice, loyalty to truth, and living a moral life. His character serves as a model for spiritual guidance and justice.<\/p>\n
The holiday lasts four days, from April 25 to April 28, centered around the tomb of Nabi Shu’ayb near Kfar Hittim in the Lower Galilee. Druze from across Israel make pilgrimage to the sacred site. Special prayers and religious ceremonies are held, alongside gatherings of the community\u2019s elders for spiritual discussions. The emphasis is placed on community unity, reconciliation among families, and strengthening the bonds of the heart.<\/p>\n State Recognition and the Covenant with the State of Israel<\/strong> The covenant with the Druze predates the establishment of the State. In 1957, it was formally recognized: the Druze were acknowledged as a distinct religious community separate from Islam \u2014 a status not granted to them in any other country. Since then, Druze citizens have served mandatory military service in the IDF alongside Jewish citizens.<\/p>\n The Government Will Send Representatives<\/strong> Last week, Rafik Halabi \u2014 formerly a journalist and now head of the Daliyat al-Karmel local council \u2014 protested that no government representative would attend this year\u2019s central memorial ceremony for Druze fallen soldiers at the military cemetery in Usfiya. The Festivals of Renewal<\/strong> While Nabi Shu’ayb is not a holiday of freedom in the simple sense of Passover or Independence Day, Shu’ayb\u2019s character embodies moral and spiritual freedom. He guided his people to worship God purely, reject idolatry and corruption, and strive for spiritual and personal liberation.<\/p>\n Like Passover and Independence Day, the Nabi Shu’ayb holiday takes place during spring \u2014 a time of natural renewal. It can be seen as a festival expressing moral freedom and spiritual rebirth, even if it does not have the national-political dimension found in Passover or Independence Day.<\/p>\n Strengthening the Covenant Especially These Days<\/strong> Between Passover and Independence Day, the Druze community celebrates the Nabi Shu’ayb holiday. It is easy to think the connection ends with Jethro, but the truth runs deeper: A column about a partnership that should be strengthened, especially these days.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":21018,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,2276,85,6],"tags":[4617,3527,4841,4819,4840,4842,1600],"class_list":["post-21016","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture","category-people","category-positive-moment","category-security","tag-druze-community","tag-independence-day","tag-israeli-druze-partnership","tag-memorial-day-for-fallen-soldiers-and-victims-of-terrorism","tag-nabi-shuayb-holiday","tag-spiritual-renewal","tag-state-of-israel"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/druze2.webp\")
\nThe holiday is officially recognized by the State of Israel as a public holiday for the Druze community. Over the years, Israeli presidents, prime ministers, and senior military officers have attended the ceremonies, as a mark of respect for the historical alliance with the Druze.<\/p>\n
\nThirteen Druze soldiers fell in the Swords of Iron War, and hundreds more have fallen across Israel\u2019s military campaigns. Although the bond between the Druze community and the State of Israel is strong and enduring, it too has moments of pain and disappointment that deserve recognition.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/druze3-1024x682.jpg\")
\n“There are no ministers, no emotion, no honor, and no respect. We are tired of this disgrace,” he wrote in frustration on X. Following his protest, it was decided that Education Minister Yoav Kisch would represent the State of Israel at the ceremony \u2014 a correct and necessary decision.<\/p>\n
\nPassover represents our celebration of freedom as Jews. Independence Day, too, is a holiday of freedom. Both fall in the spring, a season when nature itself is reborn. The feeling of renewal at this time of year is universal and existed long before the emergence of the Jewish people.<\/p>\n
\nThese shared festive days \u2014 and during our shared Memorial Day \u2014 present an opportunityto strengthen the covenant between Jews and Druze, and Druze and Jews.
\nAt a time when some in the Negev, in the Galilee, and even among a segment of Israeli Arabs are challenging Israeli sovereignty over the Holy Land \u2014 it is especially critical now to strengthen the shared blood covenant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"