After exploring the story of the Druze people in Syria, we thought it necessary to turn the lens toward Israel—to spotlight the Druze community within its borders. The Druze are not Arabs. They are a distinct religious and ethnic minority with deep historical and spiritual roots. Their vibrant presence in Israel offers a compelling counterpoint to those who label Israel an apartheid state. In fact, the Druze story is a powerful testament to coexistence, integration, and mutual respect between a minority and the Jewish state.
The Origins of a Unique People
The Druze trace their origins to the early 11th century CE, during the reign of the Fatimid caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah in Egypt. Emerging from Isma'ili Shi'a Islam, the Druze faith became a distinct monotheistic religion. It absorbed philosophical elements from Greek thought, Gnosticism, and Neoplatonism, forming a deeply esoteric spiritual system.
Central to Druze belief is the concept of Tawhid—the absolute unity of God—which echoes the biblical Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Their sacred texts, the Epistles of Wisdom (Rasa'il al-Hikma), remain secret and accessible only to an initiated few. This closed canon reflects their emphasis on moral integrity, spiritual purity, and deep inner reflection.
The Druze do not accept converts, focusing instead on community service and loyalty to their homeland. They venerate Jethro (Nabi Shu’ayb), Moses’ father-in-law, as a prophet and spiritual patriarch. His grave, located near Tiberias, is a revered pilgrimage site and a focal point for Druze identity in Israel. Like the ancient Israelites, the Druze historically retreated to mountainous areas to preserve their autonomy and beliefs.
Though their theology includes concepts like reincarnation—which differs from Jewish or Christian doctrine—the Druze maintain values often found in biblical teachings: justice, humility, and reverence for divine guidance.
A Community Deeply Rooted in Israel
Today, the Druze community in Israel numbers around 150,000 and is concentrated in villages such as Daliyat al-Karmel, Julis, and Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights. These communities are known for their strong social cohesion, rich hospitality, and distinctive traditions. The villages draw many Israeli visitors who come to enjoy Druze cuisine, markets, and scenic views.
The Druze in the Golan Heights—originally under Syrian rule before 1967—have experienced a complex evolution in their identity. Initially loyal to Syria, many began to re-evaluate their position following the Syrian Civil War and the collapse of order across the border. The brutal conflict, now culminating in the reported fall of the Assad regime in 2025, has pushed more Golan Druze to apply for Israeli citizenship, recognizing Israel as a stable, democratic, and secure state.
Military Service: A Pact of Trust
Unlike most other minorities in Israel, Druze men are subject to mandatory military service, a practice formalized in 1956. They serve not only willingly but often with distinction in elite units such as the Golani Brigade, Sayeret Matkal, and Maglan. Brigadier General Amal Asad and Colonel Ghassan Alian—who once led the Golani Brigade—are among the most notable Druze officers in the IDF.
Beyond the Uniform: Contributions Across Society
The Druze aren’t just visible in the IDF—they’re present in Israeli politics, business, education, and medicine. Figures like Ayoub Kara, former Minister of Communications, have helped shape national policy. Druze professionals are respected doctors, engineers, teachers, and entrepreneurs. In academia, Druze scholars have influenced fields from philosophy to Middle Eastern studies.
At the grassroots level, the Druze engage in interfaith and coexistence efforts, building bridges between Jews, Muslims, Christians, and other communities. Yet, their integration has not been without tension. The 2018 Nation-State Law, which emphasizes Israel’s Jewish character, was met with strong Druze opposition. They felt it undermined their equal status, prompting nationwide protests and a national conversation about inclusion and identity.
Reality Over Rhetoric
While not immune to the inequalities that affect many minorities worldwide—like gaps in infrastructure and public investment—the Druze in Israel are living proof that integration, loyalty, and respect are not only possible, but real. They’re not guests or outsiders; they are an essential part of Israel’s social, cultural, and national fabric.
Their story dismantles the claim that Israel is an apartheid state. The Druze are not segregated or marginalized by law—they serve in the army, vote in elections, hold public office, and contribute to the economy, culture, and defense of the nation. Their lived experience contradicts simplistic narratives and reveals a more complex, diverse, and shared reality. Israel is not a perfect society, but it is not an apartheid state. The Druze community stands as clear evidence of that truth.
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