Chad Merlin
Jerusalem Post, Mar. 16, 2025
“After years in which these visits were forbidden by the former regime, things were changing.”
A delegation of more than 150 Druze dignitaries from Syria visited holy sites in Israel over the weekend. It was the first time since 1974 that such a delegation crossed the border.
They came from the Druze villages in the Hader region, which is adjacent to the Golan Heights.
Their two-day visit was coordinated with the highest security and diplomatic bodies in Israel. It included a visit to holy sites, such as the Tomb of Jethro (Nabi Shu’ayb), near Karnei Hittin in the Galilee, and warm reception ceremonies with their Israeli brethren.
The delegation met with the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, and attended the dedication of a Druze prayer house in Peki’in. The dignitaries then took part in the annual “sheikhs’ march,” which promotes Druze heritage in Israel.
Druze MK Hamad Amar (Yisrael Beytenu), who received the delegation at a welcoming ceremony, spoke with The Jerusalem Post about the historic visit. …SOURCE