A fragile ceasefire was established in southern Syria on July 19, 2025, after weeks of violence between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes. This escalation involved government forces and Israeli airstrikes in Damascus. The United States played a role in brokering the agreement due to concerns about regional violence. The conflict highlights the complexities of politics and identity among the Druze, a minority in several countries, including Israel. Their strong communal identity is reinforced by beliefs in the protection of their faith and reincarnation.
The Druze are a monotheistic religious community that split from a branch of Shiite Islam in the 11th century. Today, they live mainly in three countries: Lebanon, Syria and Israel.
Despite their geographical dispersion, they have managed to retain a strong sense of communal identity. One of the most important creeds of their faith is 'protection of brothers of the faith.'
After World War I, the creation of the modern states in the Middle East divided the Druze community between Syria, Lebanon and the British mandate of Palestine, which is now Israel.
Although Druze history shows that the community is not always united, the belief in and practice of cross-border solidarity is very strong.
Collection
[
|
...
]