Al-Hijri says Syrian Druze “integral part” of Israel
SUWAYDA, Syria (North Press) – Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, leader of the Druze Muslim community in Suwayda Governorate in southern Syria said the Druze “are an integral part of the State of Israel.”
Al-Hijri said the Druze “share with Western countries and Israel” what he described as “open-minded, advanced and civilized thinking to build sound states.”
Al-Hijri made the remarks on Monday following a march in Suwayda, during which participants carried Israeli flags and pictures of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Organizers said the march aimed to express “support and gratitude” to Israel.
“We found no one but Western countries, especially and primarily the State of Israel and the United States, to embrace us,” al-Hijri said.
He said Druze communities in Syria and Israel consider themselves “one family,” adding, “The State of Israel, in all its components, has proven to us that it is truly a state of institutions, a state of knowledge and civilization, a state that builds people in the right way, and a state where the law is the supreme authority for everyone.”
Al-Hijri called on countries in the region to “follow this humanitarian model in building states in the right way.”
He described the events in Suwayda last year as a “war of extermination,” saying they were “historically documented.”
“The time has come for something new in the coming days. We are awaiting the results of efforts led by Western countries and the United States through Israel,” al-Hijri said.
Al-Hijri said stability in Suwayda “could become the first building block or cornerstone for establishing regional stability once it obtains its full sovereign rights and the right to self-determination.”