Syrian Druze Community Faces Ongoing Hardship After Clashes

Seven months after violent clashes between Syria's Druze minority and government-backed forces, Sheikh Muafak Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, reported that the situation for Druze in Syria remains dire. He stated that the community is "completely encircled" and unable to receive humanitarian aid, including efforts from their counterparts in Israel. The clashes, which erupted in July 2023, involved Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes, with accusations that the Syrian government sided with the Bedouin during the violence. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated that approximately 187,000 people were displaced due to the conflict.

Times of Israel

Sheikh Tarif highlighted that over 120,000 individuals remain displaced, with 38 villages captured and residents barred from returning. He noted that there are more than 300 captives, including women and children, although these claims could not be independently verified. Despite a ceasefire established in July, access to the Sweida region remains restricted, with residents alleging a government-imposed blockade, a claim the Syrian government denies. The humanitarian situation is exacerbated by harsh winter conditions in the mountainous area.

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In response to the ongoing crisis, the Druze community in Israel has set up an "emergency room" in Julis to coordinate aid efforts. Sheikh Tarif criticized the Syrian government's lack of support, asserting that the Druze possess the capability to defend themselves without external security forces. He referred to the Syrian government forces as jihadists and members of the Islamic State, indicating a deep mistrust of the current regime.

Times of Israel

The political landscape in Syria is complicated by the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose past affiliations with jihadist groups have led to skepticism among the Syrian populace. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, Israel and Syria have engaged in several rounds of direct talks, including discussions on establishing an intelligence-sharing mechanism. Sheikh Tarif expressed hope that Syrian Druze could find work in Israel, reflecting the challenging economic conditions in Syria.

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He also advocated for the right of Druze across the Middle East to visit their religious sites in neighboring countries, emphasizing the need for access to holy places in Syria and Lebanon, akin to the freedoms enjoyed by Christians and Muslims.

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• “They’re still besieged — completely encircled. They aren’t allowed to bring in any humanitarian aid, including the aid we’re trying to deliver,” — Sheikh Muafak Tarif, Druze Leader

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• “Why not let them return to their villages? We’re in the depths of winter and that is a mountainous area. It’s very cold,” — Sheikh Muafak Tarif, Druze Leader

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• “The Druze also deserve to access and pray at our holy sites in Syria and Lebanon and for them to come visit our holy places” — Sheikh Muafak Tarif, Druze Leader

Times of Israel

There are discrepancies regarding the number of displaced individuals and captives, with Sheikh Tarif claiming over 120,000 displaced and more than 300 captives, while independent verification of these figures remains unavailable. Additionally, the Syrian government's stance on the blockade of Sweida contrasts with local accounts of restricted access.

Times of Israel