Rav Shmuel Eliyahu, Chief Rabbi of Tzefas and a leading voice in the religious Zionist movement, voiced strong backing on Wednesday for the embattled Druze community in southern Syria, urging the Israeli government to step in and help protect them.
“The Torah teaches us that all humans are created in the image of God,” Rav Eliyahu said. “Disrespecting people and humiliating them contradicts the values of the Torah. Disrespecting their blood goes against the most basic values that God has instilled in us and the entire world.”
He highlighted the deep connection between the Jewish and Druze communities, stressing the sacrifices the Druze have made to help safeguard the Jewish state. “The Druze community has been defending Israel since the founding of the state, at great personal risk. The Torah tells us of the special bonds between the people of Israel and Yisro over three thousand years ago, and also of Yael, who defended the people of Israel in times of trouble.”
Rav Eliyahu called for solidarity during the current crisis, in which the Druze in Syria are being brutally targeted. “In this difficult time, when forces of darkness and evil are abusing the Druze community in Syria,” he added, “we must stand by their side and assist them. We support the Israeli government, which has warned the Syrian governor not to allow his forces to abuse the Druze. We also support the IDF, which is striking Syrian forces who are oppressing the Druze.”
Reaffirming the moral obligation to intervene, Rav Eliyahu declared: “It is our duty to stand firm against those attacking the Druze community, which has forged a blood alliance with us.”
The rabbi’s remarks come amid escalating violence in Syria, where ongoing clashes have reportedly left hundreds dead. The chaos intensified when fighters loyal to Ahmad al-Sharaa, better known as al-Julani, took control of As-Suwayda — a city that had not seen their presence since Assad’s authority in the region collapsed.
Shocking footage has emerged over the last day showing members of al-Julani’s faction degrading Druze religious leaders and civilians. One widely circulated video shows fighters mocking and forcibly shaving the mustaches of respected Druze sheikhs in a clear attempt to humiliate them publicly.
Meanwhile, reports from inside Syria describe a grim situation as Assad-aligned forces stormed back into As-Suwayda. Eyewitnesses say the military has been firing on civilians, conducting home invasions, and positioning tanks in the heart of the city.
In reaction to these developments, the Israeli Air Force launched a series of strikes targeting the Syrian regime. The IDF reportedly hit a convoy of armored and heavily armed vehicles heading toward As-Suwayda, as well as multiple launch sites, weapons storage facilities, and other regime positions located in Syria’s south — all believed to be linked to the oppression of the Druze.
{Matzav.com}
