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The Spiritual Leader of the Druze in Israel: International Meetings to Ensure Minority Rights in Syria
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Despite denying any Israeli involvement in military interventions to protect the Druze in Syria, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif emphasized that the community would not stand idly by in the face of any threat, c

The spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, stated that members of the Druze community are committed to non-interference in Syrian political affairs, stressing that their role is limited to providing humanitarian support, driven by religious and familial ties with their counterparts in Syria.
Tarif added that any decision made by the Druze in Syria remains an internal matter that concerns them alone, without any intervention or influence from the Druze in Israel. He underscored the importance of respecting the unique circumstances of the Druze community within Syrian territories.
Tarif faced criticism from the leader of the Progressive Socialist Party in Lebanon, Walid Jumblatt, who accused him of providing Israel with a pretext to interfere in Syrian affairs under the guise of protecting the Druze. However, Tarif responded by asserting that he does not speak on behalf of the Israeli government. He also reminded critics of the role played by the Druze of Israel in supporting their brethren during times of crisis, emphasizing that the community has always been and will remain a pillar of support for their people in times of need.
Regarding his international efforts, Tarif revealed that he has held meetings at the United Nations, in the United States, and in European countries such as France, Britain, and Italy, aiming to safeguard minority rights. He clarified that his efforts extend beyond the Druze and include advocating for the rights of various Syrian communities, including Christians, Kurds, Alawites, and Sunnis, with the goal of establishing a civil state that ensures equality and guarantees religious freedoms.
When asked about the possibility of Israeli military intervention to protect the Druze in Syria, Tarif expressed hope that the situation would not escalate to that extent. However, he affirmed that the Druze community would not tolerate a repeat of past attacks, such as the 2018 Suwayda massacre, in which hundreds were killed by ISIS, or the 2015 Qalb Lozeh incident in Idlib, where Druze civilians were slain by armed factions.
Regarding allegations that Israel supports opposition factions against the Syrian regime, Tarif declined to comment. However, he emphasized his primary concern is to prevent further violence, describing the recent escalation in Syria’s coastal region as tragic and something that must not be repeated.
Commenting on a recent visit of a Druze delegation from Syria to Israel, Tarif described the event as a “special day” for the Druze living in the Golan, Carmel, and Galilee regions. He clarified that the visit was purely religious, as the delegation visited the shrine of Prophet Jethro. Expressing his hope for more such visits, he asserted that Druze people have the right to practice their religious rituals freely, just as Muslims perform Hajj in Mecca and Christians visit Jerusalem.
Tarif concluded by expressing his hope for peace and the removal of all barriers and borders, so that people can reconnect freely with their relatives across different regions.
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BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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