Druze: The Unfortunate, Untold, Unheard Story of Israel

Due to the constant disputes between the Jews and Arabs in Israel continuously propagated by the media, very little have paid attention to the numerous other ethnic and religious minorities of this region. One of those under-the-radar minority groups of Israel would be the Druze. Although very little is known about their religious backgrounds and theological belief system, one thing has become quite apparent over the years: while technically considered Israelites, they have been subjected to discrimination and persecution by the state of Israel.

While discrimination of any form is always a discouraging realistic matter when confronted, what makes this particular situation even more depressing is the unprecedented historical contribution and significance that the Druze have had in the defense of Israel. Journalist Ari Bussel in the article titled, "The Druze Minority in Israel", where he provides a brief but concise description of this disadvantaged minority, explains that, unlike the Arabs, the Druze have served immensely in the military and see it as their obligation to Israel. As matter of fact, Donna Rosenthal, author of The Israelis: Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land, explains that Druze are the only non-Jewish group of Israel who perform compulsory military service, hence explaining the fascinating phenomenon that a higher proportion of Druze than Jews serve in the IDF (296 and 297). According to a statistic that Bussel presents, "96% of [Druze] men serve, mostly in combats units, the full term length required". No other non-Jewish (or Jewish) group of Israel can even compete with this astonishing patriotic duty!

Besides showing their magnificent sense of loyalty toward the State through their military service, they have immensely influenced Israel in the political world as well. Bussel emphasizes the fact that many notable Druzes have served in the UN and the Knesset, one of whom is currently the deputy minister for the development of the Galilee and the Negev and Regional Cooperation, Ayoob Kara. Furthermore, relative to their percentage in society, they have also been "over"-represented in the Knesset. 

Unfortunately, while their sacrifices and loyalty to Israel is more than evident, and deserves to be highly recognized, Druze have been the victim of various ethnic discrimination and persecution. Bussel argues, while in the military, the Druze are Israelis, however, once outside, they feel and are treated differently (due to their Arab appearance), as they return to their communities. One vivid example was illustrated beautifully by Donna Rosenthal. She described an incident that occurred near Haifa in 2001, where "a Druze couple pushing their baby stroller in the Gand Canyon Mall were assaulted verbally and physical by a group of Jews who mistook them for Arabs" (298). Ironically, the victimized husband was actually an off-duty IDF soldier. 

Furthermore than just personal attacks, virtually every Israeli Druze village has been receiving inequitable government funding when compared to Jewish towns. From, Daliat al-Carmel, the largest Druze village in israel, to Beit Jann, the town to have lost the highest proportion of their soldier-sons than any other place in Israel, the Israeli government has shown significant neglect and betrayal, seeming to focus more on "building the Palestinian economy rather than strengthening that from within which is most loyal to Israel".  

With all these difficulties and mistreatment building-up over the years, many Druze have reached their boiling point and believe their time for compensation is more than overdue. While still not seeking excuses to avoid serving, or resorting to radical terrorist attacks, this disadvantaged minority group have staged several public protests to present their unknown victimization. 

In the blog post titled, "Israeli Druze Protest Against Discrimination", emotions are manifested in a mass protest demonstrating the tears and frustration from a group of people that have sacrificed so much for a country that continues to treat them as second-class citizens. Although the author is not mentioned, the writer unquestionably argues on behalf of the Druze, expressing their rightful demand for ethnic equality and fair state support toward their neglected communities. In this Israeli Druze protest, various placards and posters were portrayed, including one that so simply yet accurately depicted the unfortunate circumstance that these Druze face. It states, "Our soldier serve at the front but there's no state support at home." 

As an American citizen who is deeply convicted in how wrong it was for the white Euro-Americans to have racially discriminated against the ethnic minorities in our country, I believe it is only right for the Israeli Druze to continue their public outcry against this unfair and unequal treatment from the Israeli government. It should not even be an opinion, but a common fact, that the Israeli Druze have served their debt to their country, and hence deserves every right, privilege, and opportunity that the Israeli Jew receives. Honestly, what more can anybody ask for from such as a loyal, patriotic, and nationally devoted group of people. We, as Americans have learned, through much bitter conflicts and unfortunate deaths, the evilness of discrimination and only hope that not much unnecessary blood gets spilled before Israel comes to the same absolute realization.

In regards of reliability of the articles and blog posts utilized in this blog, both sources pertains to be quite reliable and accurate in their information presented. Although the blog post titled, "Israeli Druze Protest Against Discrimination", did not state the author, the post was taken from the Al Arabiya internet news service, predominately know for carrying news current affairs, business, and documentaries. While some critics have dubbed it to be "anti-Jewish", any "pro-Arab" or "pro-Muslims" bias would be irrelevant in this particular issue since Druze are not considered to be traditional Arabs or Muslims. In regards of journalist Ari Bussel, the author of the article, "The Druze Minority in israel", he is a reporter and an activist on behalf of Israel. He is also currently residing in the state of Israel and specializing in Israel Diplomacy's Front for Canada Free Press. While it becomes clear that he holds this undeniable defense for Israel thorugh his biased sympathy for the State and the pro-Israel depiction of his online article, I found it interesting for him revealing Israel's woes against a minority group rarely noticed. With that said, although It is evident that both sources seemed to have been written under a personal agenda in expressing remorse toward this unfortunate minority, I still believe both holds enough credibility and reliability in regards of this issue.

For more information please see:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3734470,00.html