International Fellowship Aids Syrian Druze Amid Attacks
In July, a fellowship of Christians and Jews organized swiftly to aid Syrian Druze and Christians facing what has been termed genocide by jihadist forces in southern Syria.
These attacks by Syrian support forces, including jihadists, have led to the deaths of at least 1,400 individuals, among them Hosam Saraya, a 35-year-old Syrian-American visiting families in Syria. “We couldn’t ignore the situation,” stated Yael Eckstein, the president and global CEO of the organization.
The Druze community, primarily located in the Sweida region, has been under siege, with Syrian Muslims loyal to the current president and former members of designated terrorist groups targeting them. Reports suggest that Christians have also been victims, with incidents such as the murder of Khaled Mazar, a pastor, alongside multiple families.
Eckstein’s organization, new to operating in Syria as of this year, received a desperate call for help from a hospital in Sweida. They collaborated with the Israeli Defense Force to send medical supplies and equipment, even providing retired Israeli ambulances for local use.
In recent military actions, Israel targeted Bedouin forces and Syrian military installations to halt the violence engulfing Sweida. Eckstein mentioned that at least 26 Druze villages have been set ablaze, while other sources indicated that 30 villages have suffered destruction through arson.
The fellowship had initially provided assistance earlier in April, when Druze individuals were targeted, facing violent attacks and even food distribution efforts being sabotaged shortly after they began.
Interestingly, the political landscape complicates these humanitarian efforts. Israel and Syria lack diplomatic relations, with Syria considered a hostile entity due to its history of wars against Israel. Yet, Eckstein asserts that their mission, providing essential assistance on enemy territory, is driven by a moral compass that transcends borders. “Now, Jews are standing with Christians facing persecution in Syria,” she noted. “It’s an important struggle between good and evil, which extends beyond just this region.”
Safwan Marich, representing the Druze community in Israel, emphasized that what’s happening can only be described as genocide. He conveyed a dire sentiment regarding the future as displaced individuals try to return to their villages that have been ravaged. Marich suggests that the violence has distinctly religious motivations, as known jihadists determine victims based on their faith.
In troubling accounts from the frontlines, Marich reported that the Druze community remains resilient yet unyielding in the face of aggression. Their history entails defending each other, showcasing a commitment to their shared identity.
Throughout this turmoil, community members have been killed while defending Israel, highlighting the deep and complex ties they share with the nation.
