Akko, Israel — Sheikh Muafak Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, issued a stark warning on Monday, alleging that the recent violence against Druze civilians in southern Syria should serve as a cautionary tale for Israel. Speaking at a conference organized by the Western Galilee Academic College, which convened Druze elders, Israeli security experts, and scholars, Tarif addressed escalating unrest near the Syrian capital.
“We find ourselves in a challenging and multifaceted situation,” Tarif stated, highlighting the alarming trend of violence against Druze populations in Syria, which he described as a horrific instance of terrorism aimed at ethnic cleansing. His remarks underlined a pressing humanitarian concern that has the potential to destabilize the region further.
According to Tarif, the Druze in Syria had anticipated receiving international assistance in light of their government’s failure to protect them. “That support did not materialize,” he lamented. He noted that there would be discussions regarding why Israel has not taken decisive action to assist; however, he reminded attendees that both the Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister had reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the Druze in southern Syria just two months prior. This commitment includes efforts to establish a demilitarized zone and safeguard the rights of the Druze within Syria.
While Tarif emphasized the Israeli Druze community’s position of non-interference in Syrian affairs, he firmly stated, “We will do everything within our reach to assist them.” He warned that the escalating violence just across the border presents a broader risk to Israel. “This massacre should act as a wake-up call for Israel, as extremist groups increase their influence a mere 90 minutes away,” he pointed out.
The urgency of his message was amplified by the recent spike in tensions, particularly following events after October 7 and heightened concerns surrounding Hezbollah’s activities. “Can Israel afford to overlook the growing presence of these extremist organizations near its northern border? A political resolution is essential to ensure the safety of our brethren in Syria,” he urged.
The conference not only involved discussions on security concerns but also combined voices from within the Druze community with insights from academia and the Israeli security apparatus. One of the focal points of the dialogue was the potential impact of the Nation-State Law on the Druze identity and their relationship with the state of Israel.
Prof. Nissim Ben-David, president of the Western Galilee Academic College, remarked, “This conference occurs at a pivotal moment for both Israeli society and the Druze community. The enduring alliance between the Druze and Israel is built on a shared historical foundation and needs to be honored not just in words but through sincere actions of partnership.”
As the discussions wrapped up, participants left with a sense of urgency, recognizing the critical need for proactive measures to address the ongoing crisis. The reflections shared during the conference may well set the stage for future initiatives aimed at both safeguarding the Druze community in Syria and ensuring stability along Israel’s northern borders.