HUNDREDS of Druze residents of Majdal Shams, an Israeli-controlled town in the Golan Heights, took to the streets yesterday afternoon to declare their support for family members in Syria — and for the Assad regime.
The Druze in Israel and the Golan Heights, who number about 140,000, find themselves in a predicament that the Syrian civil war has only exacerbated.
Traditionally, the Druze, followers of a secretive faith derived from Islam with elements of mysticism and Greek philosophy, have pledged allegiance to whichever political power they find themselves governed by. In Syria, there are about 700,000, alongside communities in Lebanon and Jordan. Those in the Golan Heights mostly identify as Syrian, but in Israel proper they actively see themselves as Israeli.
Yet both groups are united in their fears for relatives in Syria, after the defeats of regime troops in the south. Druze villages have been attacked by Isil and al-Qaedaaffiliated Jabhat al-Nusra rebels.
According to a woman supporting the demonstrators yesterday, Druze families in Syria have formed guards. But Hassan Safadi, from Majdal Shams, said they were divided. At least two militias exist – one independent group, Shiu Al Karam [Men of Dignity], and another, Dara Watan [Protectors of the Land], through which young men sign up for Assad’s army.
The Druze on the Israeli side are also divided. Some want the government to provide humanitarian and military aid and have asked that the Syrian Druze be given a safe haven. Israeli Druze leaders have met the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and other ministers. But while some Israeli Druze are also calling for military intervention, those in the Golan Heights protest at such notions.
Even the support of Assad is a contentious issue in Majdal Shams, with pro and anti-Assad demonstrations taking place. The one issue that unites the Druze is also their greatest fear: what will happen if their families are attacked? “I’m a peaceful person,” said Mr Safadi. “But if Isil attack my people, I will go and fight.”