Standing with the Druze
ECAJ condemns attacks on Syrian Druze, UIA holds briefing
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) has condemned brutal attacks against Syria’s Druze minority following deadly clashes that have left hundreds dead since mid-July.
ECAJ co-CEO Alex Ryvchin said the Australian Jewish community “stands firmly in solidarity with our friends in the Druze community following the recent brutal attacks in southern Syria”.
“The Druze are an integral part of Israeli society, contributing immensely to the defence, commerce and culture of Israel,” he said.
“We urge the international community not to stay silent amid these shocking reports of murder, humiliation and sexual violence.”
The violence erupted in Sweida when clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes escalated into systematic attacks involving Syrian government forces.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports nearly 600 fighters and civilians were killed over four days. At least 86 civilians died in “field executions”, mostly Druze Syrians killed by government forces and allies.
IDF Lieutenant Colonel (Reserve) Eyal Dror addressed Australian Jewish community members via a United Israel Appeal (UIA) briefing recently.
He explained that Israel’s 150,000 Druze citizens serve in the military and hold senior positions across Israeli society while maintaining family ties with Syria’s 800,000-strong Druze population.
“When my brother calls me to help him, I will do it,” Dror said, describing Israel’s relationship with Syrian Druze as “blood relation”.
More than 1000 Israeli Druze breached the border fence to help their Syrian relatives, prompting Israeli forces to deploy additional troops to the Golan Heights.
Israel has responded with airstrikes against Syrian government forces and humanitarian aid deliveries to affected areas.
UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk reported “credible” accounts of widespread violations including summary executions, arbitrary killings, kidnappings and looting during the violence.
The situation highlights broader fears among Syria’s religious minorities about their safety under the country’s new leadership.
Dror, who served 24 years in the IDF and established humanitarian operations on the Syrian border, warned that similar violence could resurface.
“Don’t be surprised if in the next couple of months, those clashes will be happening again,” he said during the briefing.