Who Are the Druze?
The Druze are a religious and ethnic minority group that originated in the Middle East, with significant communities in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. Their faith emerged in the 11th century as a branch of Ismaili Islam, though it incorporates elements from other religions and philosophies.
The Druze have a unique monotheistic religion that emphasizes wisdom, truth, and faith. Despite their relatively small numbers globally (approximately 1-2 million people), they have maintained a distinct identity and culture for over a thousand years.
In Syria, the Druze population of around 700,000 is predominantly located in the Sweida province in the southern part of the country, an area sometimes referred to as Jabal al-Druze (Mountain of the Druze).
The Current Crisis
Since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, the Druze community has faced increasing violence and persecution. While initially attempting to remain neutral in the conflict, the Druze have been targeted by extremist groups, particularly in recent years.
In 2018, ISIS launched a devastating attack on Sweida province, killing more than 250 Druze civilians and kidnapping dozens of women and children. This massacre represented one of the deadliest attacks against civilians in the Syrian conflict.
More recently, the Druze community has continued to face threats and violence from various armed groups, with limited protection from governmental forces. The systematic targeting of civilians, destruction of cultural heritage, and forced displacement have raised serious concerns about potential genocide against this religious minority.
Recent Incidents
Mass Displacement from Sweida Province
Over 10,000 Druze civilians have been forced to flee their homes in Sweida province due to escalating violence and targeted attacks against their communities.
June 15, 2023
Destruction of Historic Druze Shrines
Multiple historic Druze religious sites and shrines have been deliberately destroyed by extremist groups, representing a systematic attempt to erase Druze cultural heritage.
August 3, 2023
Attacks on Druze Villages
Coordinated attacks on several Druze villages have resulted in dozens of civilian casualties, including women and children, with many more injured or missing.
September 22, 2023
Voices from the Community
"They came to our village before dawn. We heard the gunfire and explosions. My husband told me to take the children and run. I haven't seen him since that day. We lost everything - our home, our land, our community. Now we are refugees in our own country."
"Our religious sites, some dating back centuries, have been deliberately targeted and destroyed. These shrines aren't just buildings - they represent our identity, our history, our connection to this land. This is more than just war - it's an attempt to erase us completely."
"I was a student at Damascus University when the attacks on my village happened. My entire family - parents, two sisters, and younger brother - were killed. I am the only one left. How can the world remain silent while an entire community is being systematically targeted?"
How You Can Help
The Druze community in Syria needs international support and recognition of the crimes being committed against them. Here are ways you can help: