Emily Damari highlights Druze community struggles in Syria

In Israel, on January 9, 2025, Emily Damari, a British-Israeli teenager who was held captive by Hamas for over 15 months, was released. Following her release, Damari visited Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Israel's Druze community, at Sheba Medical Center. This meeting took place amidst severe concerns about the worsening situation for Druze communities in Syria, particularly in the Sweida province. Damari's own experience as a hostage resonated deeply with the plight of others, as she learned from Tarif that numerous hostages still face dire conditions in Syria. During the meeting, the conversation focused on the escalating violence and instability in Sweida, which has been exacerbated by ongoing clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin groups. The Druze community has been severely affected by the collapse of the Assad regime and the subsequent rise of extremist groups such as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, who have gained control over vast regions of the country. In light of these developments, Syrian forces are being deployed to reassert authority, while the Israel Defense Forces have conducted airstrikes on positions in Syria to prevent threats from reaching Israel's borders. The situation is particularly alarming for women and young girls, as the conflict has placed them in precarious situations. Damari expressed her solidarity with the Druze, extending her heart to them in their struggles. Her experience as a former hostage allows her to draw parallels between her suffering and that of the Druze, emphasizing the shared struggle for safety and peace amid the turmoil. The meeting underscores the poignant connections between the experiences of different communities facing violence, showcasing a mutual understanding and the importance of support. As violence continues to escalate in Sweida, some members of Israel's Druze community have sought ways to aid their brethren across the border, leading to calls for possible annexation of the region to Israel, reflecting their deep-rooted ties to the land. The meeting was a significant moment, catalyzing dialogue about the experience of hostages and the urgent need for solidarity among communities facing adversities.