The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) is stepping up to help the Druze community in Syria, who are currently facing severe violence and persecution. This support comes in light of recent attacks by Islamic militants in the Druze-majority region of Suwayda, which began on July 13. The violence has led to kidnappings and even the execution of civilians, including an American citizen named Hosam Saraya.
In response to this crisis, IFCJ has already sent 1,500 food boxes and medical supplies to those in need within Syria. Yael Eckstein, the organization’s president and CEO, emphasized the urgency of the situation. She stated that the Druze and Christian communities near Israel’s border are under threat and that action is necessary to prevent their potential eradication.
The Druze are a small ethnoreligious group, primarily found in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. In Syria, they make up about 3% of the population. Although their beliefs stem from an offshoot of Islam, they do not identify as Muslims. They hold a unique place in the region, tracing their spiritual roots back to Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses.
The next shipment of aid from IFCJ will go directly to a hospital in Suwayda, which is struggling to care for patients after militants attacked, killing individuals in their beds, including children. Hospital staff report that many patients are dying because they lack essential medical supplies like antibiotics.
Eckstein highlighted the dire circumstances, saying that many are unnecessarily losing their lives due to a lack of basic medical care. She believes it is the organization’s responsibility to help those in need.
In Israel, there are about 150,000 Druze individuals who have a long history of loyalty to the country. Many serve in the Israeli Defense Forces, and Eckstein noted that the Druze community’s contributions are invaluable. She also pointed out that the Druze have faced persecution historically, similar to the experiences of the Jewish community in the Middle East.
The IFCJ has been supporting the Druze for over a decade, funding initiatives like a home for Druze orphans and providing scholarships for talented youth. Recently, they donated ambulances to an Israeli Druze town on the border with Syria, which have been crucial in responding to emergencies in the area.
Eckstein remarked on the overwhelming focus on Israel in global discussions, suggesting that it often overshadows the suffering of other communities, including the Druze. She expressed hope that more people would recognize the urgent need for action and support for those facing persecution.
As the situation evolves, the IFCJ remains committed to providing aid and support to the Druze community, ensuring that they receive the assistance they desperately need during this challenging time.