Consisting of only 1.6% of the Israeli population, the Druze community are often an overlooked segment of society. Yet they have a deep and positive impact on the whole nation due to their loyalty, hospitality, and many contributions to Israel.
The Druze religion dates back to the 11th century, when it separated from a branch of Shi’a Islam. They are considered heretical by most Muslims, leading to much persecution against Druze followers. Today, the Druze people live primarily in Israel, Syria and Lebanon. There are approximately 145,000 Druze in Israel, split between the Carmel range, the Upper Galilee, and the Golan Heights.
Unlike other non-Jewish minorities in Israel, the Druze are subject to mandatory military service. This policy is welcomed by the Druze as an expression of their loyalty to the State of Israel. Many Druze serve not only in the Israel Defense Forces but also in the police, the judiciary, and the Knesset.
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem has developed good relations with the Israeli Druze community over several decades now. At a recent ceremony in the Galilee, we again enjoyed a glimpse into the life of this proud, intriguing people, which highlighted once more not just their challenges but their vision for the future.
Israeli Druze ceremony
This year, ICEJ has funded the renovation of a robotics class for a Druze elementary school in Yarkah, and sponsored 47 scholarships for the students.
Many of the scholarship recipients also volunteer during their studies, and each meets weekly with a dedicated mentor throughout the program. The fields of study are diverse and include psychology, electrical/software/civil engineering, diplomacy, social work, computer science, occupational therapy, economics and business, dentistry, and law — to name just a few.
At the ceremony celebrating the Druze scholarship recipients, local leaders and other donors emphasized the crucial importance of education and the shared responsibility between generations.
“Never forget where you came from and who provided you with this opportunity to study,” Mr. Amer, head of the Hurfeish regional council, told the students. “These donors believe in you and wish you success. At every place you visit, demonstrate the excellence of our Druze community. Seize every opportunity to learn and grow.”
“Our vision is to nurture a generation of leaders from diverse Israeli communities, including Druze, Arabs and Jews,” said Aya Ha’asiya from the Ministry of Education. “Investing in your education is vital because it shapes your future. Keep dreaming. Keep studying… Understand that you are our future leaders, and we take pride in you.”
A recurring theme throughout the evening was deep mutual respect between generations, between communities, and between partners. Druze leader Mofied Amer was keen to underscore their warm, longstanding ties to the ICEJ.
“The ICEJ has consistently been a supportive ally of the Druze community,” he said. “Their support includes investing in our youth, enhancing classrooms, and assisting Druze students in their educational pursuits. We perceive this as a warm embrace from the ICEJ.”
Jannie Tolhoek and Pnina Zubarev of our Jerusalem staff were deeply moved by the friendly reception they received as representatives of a Christian organisation.
“The Druze are a truly faithful and generous people,” explained Pnina. “They’ve fully embraced life in Israel and are deeply committed to its success even to the point of serving and sacrificing in the military.”
“What struck me most was their deep intergenerational respect,” she added. “Young people genuinely honour their elders, and the elders feel a responsibility to pass down their values and support the next generation. At the ceremony, an elder said, ‘How we care for you – now you must care for the next generation in the same way.’ That mindset is rare in today’s world; it feels like we lost it, but they have it.”
“They welcomed us with warmth, love and abundance. It felt like being part of a big family. You don’t always see that level of hospitality and mutual care in other parts of the country. There’s a strong sense of identity here, not based on nationality, but on faith and community. Their loyalty lies with the nation of Israel… not just outwardly but wholeheartedly. You can feel the pride and responsibility they carry,” Pnina concluded.
ICEJ AID Assistant Jannie Tolhoek congratulates Israeli Druze students.
“Standing and shaking hands with the students, I was looking into the eyes of the next generation of doctors, lawyers, engineers, nurses, robotics specialists,” Jannie reflected on the visit. “It was so deeply touching to see each individual we are impacting with these scholarships that uplift the Druze community and all of Israel.”
This ceremony made one thing clear: While the Druze may live quietly in the hills of northern Israel, their presence has a ripple effect across the nation. Their loyalty, deep respect for tradition, and investment in education make them a hidden yet vital community.
