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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 AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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