Amid sectarian violence in Syria, Israeli Druze crossed the border to support their community members. They disregarded border police and tear gas to reunite with family separated since the 1967 war. Following clashes resulting in numerous deaths, a ceasefire was announced by Syria's new government and local Druze leaders. Approximately 150,000 Druze reside in northern Israel, where community loyalty to the state is strong, with many serving in the military. Some Druze reject Israeli citizenship while others see Israel as essential in protecting their minority.
On Wednesday, they pushed through, disregarding Israeli border police and their tear gas and flooding into an ostensibly enemy country. They went in support of a Druze community that was cut off from them when Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 war.
Syria's fledgling government and local Druze leaders announced a ceasefire Wednesday, marking a turbulent time for Syria's Druze community after days of sectarian clashes that killed dozens.
Many Druze in Israel support its efforts to back the Druze in Syria, seeing the Jewish state as the best chance for protecting their religious minority.
Critics accuse Israel of using the Druze as an excuse to intervene in Syria, despite the community's traditional loyalty to the state and military service.
Collection
[
|
...
]