In a shocking incident on July 27, a Hezbollah missile struck a soccer field in the Druze village of Majdal Shams, located in Israel’s north, killing 12 children aged between 10 and 16, and injuring 40 others.

The tragic attack on children at play caused widespread international condemnation, and has brought renewed attention to the Druze community in Israel, prompting questions about their identity, history and role in Israeli society.

The Druze in Israeli society

The Druze are a unique ethnic and religious Arab-speaking minority group with about two million of them living across the Middle East, primarily in Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Jordan.

Their monotheistic faith, an offshoot of Ismaili Islam that emerged in Egypt in the 11th century, incorporates elements from various religions and philosophies.

In Israel, the Druze population numbers approximately 150,000, making up about 1.6% of the country’s total population. They are mainly concentrated in the northern regions, including the Galilee and the Golan Heights.

The Druze have a complex history in the region, and in Israel, their story is intertwined with the establishment of the state in 1948. In contrast to many Arab communities, the Druze leadership chose to align with the nascent Israeli state, a decision that has shaped their role in Israeli society ever since.

The Druze community in Israel is known for its strong patriotism and active participation in various aspects of Israeli life, particularly in military service. Unlike most Arab citizens of Israel, Druze men are subject to mandatory conscription in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Shared sense of destiny

Druze soldiers have served in the IDF since the 1950s, often in combat units and achieving high ranks. Their participation rate in the military is comparable to that of Jewish Israelis.

This commitment to military service has fostered a sense of shared destiny between the Druze and broader Israeli society.

Many Druze have distinguished themselves in various conflicts, including the Six-Day War in 1967, the Yom Kippur War in 1973 and more recent operations, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza against Hamas.

Their contributions have not been without cost; the community has suffered casualties in these conflicts, further cementing their bond with the state.

Druze citizens of Israel also have become accomplished in academia, medicine, politics, science, arts, sports and business.

Challenges and complexities

Despite their integration and loyalty, the Druze community in Israel faces challenges. Some Druze have criticized what they perceive as inequality in state funding and development for their towns and villages compared to Jewish communities.

One example is the 2018 Nation-State Law, which defined Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. The law’s passing sparked protests from Druze leaders who felt it undermined their status as equal citizens. Despite their loyalty and service, many in the community feel sidelined by legislation that does not affirm their equal status. The protests have brought attention to these grievances, but the lack of substantial changes to the law continues to fuel discontent among the Druze and other minority groups in Israel.

The Hezbollah missile strike on Majdal Shams in the northern Golan Heights serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflicts in the region and their impact on civilian populations.

It also underscores the complex position of the Druze community in Israel – deeply integrated yet maintaining a distinct identity, supportive of the state yet facing unique challenges.

As Israel grapples with this latest attack and its broader implications, the resilience and loyalty of the Druze community will likely continue to play a significant role in the country’s social and political landscape.

The incident has also renewed discussions about the status and protection of minority communities in Israel, particularly those in border regions.

Donations to the families in Majdal Shams have already begun to pour in from the Jewish Agency, the Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod, and Microsoft Israel and its employees.

If you would like to donate to the bereaved families, a GiveBack campaign was launched on Sunday. It has already raised NIS 1.1 million. Eighty percent of donations will go directly to bereaved families and the rest spent on strengthening mental health and community resilience in the town, in coordination with the council.

To donate, click here.