Recent violence in Syria's southern province of Sweida has resulted in the deaths of hundreds, destabilizing the nation’s new leadership and attracting the attention of neighboring Israel. At the center of these hostilities is the Druse, a secretive religious group that has historically maintained a delicate balance between integration and independence across Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.
The Druse community’s survival tactics, rooted in their faith that emerged as a branch of Ismailism in the 11th century, are now facing tremendous pressure. Their religious beliefs, which intertwine elements of monotheism, philosophy, and mysticism, contribute to their unique identity and often place them at odds with mainstream Islamic communities.
Comprising over a million followers globally with the majority in Syria, the Druse make up approximately 3% of the country's population. They are also significantly present in Lebanon, Israel, and the Golan Heights, which Israel captured during the 1960s.
Historically, Druse individuals demonstrate allegiance to the nation in which they reside, a principle that emphasizes pragmatism and self-preservation. This political positioning has led to diversity in political affiliations across Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, yet their strong bonds rooted in shared heritage and protection remain resilient amidst the turbulence of their surrounding environments.
