The Intersection of Domestic and Foreign Policy

Jerusalem


Thursday, June 7, 2012

The Druze Community

During one of our trips to the North our group met with the Druze Community. The Druze are found
primarily in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel, emerging during the 11th century from Ismailism.
The Druze get their title from a individual Druze by the name of Anushtak'in ad-Darazi, who was later considered a heretic and casted out of the community.

Very little is known about their actual religious beliefs as these are kept secret. When Druze reach a certain age (though I can't remember the exact age) they must choose whether to be religious or not. Those who choose religion continue the secret practice of the faith and adhere to specific dress codes. Both men and women are stressed as being equal in this community and as such, both genders can take roles as religious leaders. A Druze can change their mind about being religious or not once more after they make their initial decision. A Druze can also only marry a Druze and one cannot convert to be a Druze. If an individual marries outside of the community, they are no longer considered a Druze and must leave.

Though a religious minority in Israel and Arabic speaking, the Druze communities are very loyal to whatever government is occupying them and work hard to be incorporated into that society. Druze identify themselves as Israeli and even served in the Israeli Defense Forces on a volunteer basis before this was entered into law.

After being educated about their culture, the Druze family whose house were we guests at served us a beautiful and enormous lunch. You can see for yourself below.




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