Who Are the Druze People of the Middle East?

Jun 20, 2024 | Article, Event

JEWISHcolorado, the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), and The Jewish Agency for Israel are thrilled to host Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh this July in Aspen, Colorado. Kamal-Mreeh broke ground in 2017 as the first Druze woman to anchor the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation’s Saturday evening newscast in Hebrew, as well as their nightly newscast. This also made her the first non-Jewish anchorwoman to broadcast their main evening news in the Hebrew language in Israel. Further, in 2019, she was elected to the Knesset as a member of the Blue and White party, shattering more glass ceilings as the first Druze woman to become a member of the Knesset. Kamal-Mreeh kept her momentum going in 2021 when she became The Jewish Agency for Israel’s first Druze emissary to the U.S., based in Washington, D.C. Don’t miss your chance to hear her fascinating story on Thursday, July 11, at the Aspen Chabad JCC.

As Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh continues to shed light on her unique experiences as a Druze woman in communications and politics, many have begun to ask the question: Who are the Druze people? While some mistake the word, “Druze,” as a mispronunciation of the word, “Jew,” others struggle to come up with a strong definition or understanding of this population of the planet. Check out these quick facts about the Druze people below to learn more about this fascinating community.

What is the Druze religion?

The Druze are a unique religious and ethnic group in the Middle East. With traditions that date back to the 11th century, the Druze religion comprises of a blend of Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and classical Greek mythology. They believe in Allah, and honor several “mentors” and “prophets,” including Jethro of Midian (Moses’ father-in-law), Moses, Jesus, John the Baptist, and the Prophet Muhammad. Further, they celebrate philosophers and other influential people such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Alexander the Great. While most Druze religious practices are kept secret, we do know that some of the main tenets assert the unity of God, reincarnation, and the eternity of the soul.

Where did Druze come from?

The Druze faith originated in Egypt as an offshoot of Shiah Islam. Their founder was al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, who became ruler of Egypt in 996, and then disappeared in 1021. The Druze believe he will return one day. The Druze faith gradually died out in Egypt, but survived in isolated areas of Syria and Lebanon, where missionaries had established significant communities.

What are their values?

The Druze place heavy emphasis on philosophy and spiritual purity. Nearly all believe in God. However, there are minimal holy sites, no set holy days, and no regular liturgy or obligations for pilgrimage as they generally reject the concepts of ceremonies and rituals. They believe God is transcendent and imminent – that he is above everything, but also a part of everything. They accept “The Seven Precepts,” which form the core of Druze faith: truthfulness in speech, belief in one God, protection of others, and the belief that every hour of every day is a time to reckon oneself before God. They are a seclusive religion, meaning they do not accept converts, and marriage outside the religion is forbidden. The Druze faith has been closed to outsiders since 1044, meaning all of today’s population descended directly from its 11th-century followers and adherents. Druze women are seen as equals; they can participate in religious services and learn the secret teachings of their doctrine. They have the right to own and sell property and can initiate divorce. Most Druze women are educated and literate. All Druze are forbidden from eating pork, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Druze people are seen as hardworking trustworthy, and peaceful.

How many Druze are there in the world?

Worldwide, it is estimated that the total population is between 800,000 and one million. Druze people reside primarily in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. According to scholar Colbert C. Held of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, about 45% to 50% live in Syria, 35% to 40% live in Lebanon, and less than 10% live in Israel, with a growing Druze diaspora. As of 2021, the largest communities outside the Middle East are in Venezuela (60,000) and in the United States (50,000).

Druze in Israel

About 150,000 Druze live in Israel, located entirely in the northern portions of the country. They are unique among the Arab communities in Israel, known for their loyalty to the state. When the Sunni leadership in Jerusalem threatened to take control of the Tomb of Jethro in 1942 in Tiberias, the Druze sided with the Jewish forces in the 1948 War. They have since fought for Israel in every Arab-Israeli war. They are the only Arab group conscripted into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and for more than four decades, had a primarily Druze infantry unit called the Herev, or “sword battalion”.