Syrian Druze Emergency Update and Prayer Request

A few months ago, we published an article explaining the background of the situation in Syria, with a particular emphasis on the Druze population. Looking back, the article seems particularly relevant and even more so today. You can read the entire article below.   https://www.tikkunglobal.org/post/global-prayer-request-situation-in-syria

[The Druze are a self-contained religious-ethnic community numbering 1.5 million. Over 1,000 years ago, they broke away from Shiite Islam under their leader Muhammed al Darazi. They live in the geographic triangle between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon.]  

The Syrian Druze are crying out to Israel to protect them from the new Syrian regime under Ahmad Shara’a (Al-Juliani). The situation burst out of control yesterday with jihadist gangs invading the Syrian Druze region of Suweida. According to Druze reports, over one thousand people were slaughtered!  

These are not collateral casualties in a declared, legitimate war, but planned ISIS-style terror warfare. The horrors include public executions, throwing children off roofs, and religious humiliation - all designed to intimidate the Druze population into submission.  

Two thousand Israeli Druze young men broke through the Israeli border into Syria walking by foot toward the conflict areas to help their relatives. 

Israel feels a moral responsibility to protect the Syrian relatives of our Druze citizens. We launched a precision attack, primarily as a warning to the Syrian regime. Some Syrian tanks approaching the Druze area were hit, as well as the government palace in Damascus and the Ministry of Defense building in downtown Damascus.

In response, Syria's de facto president, Ahmad Shara’a (Al-Juliani), published a statement condemning Israel, yet at the same time, pulled those militant gangs out of the Suweida area for now. This may be the best outcome that can be expected at this time.  

Western diplomatic and media forums were quick to condemn Israel for aggression. It seems outrageously ironic when you consider the following: 

• Terrorist gangs under the cover of the new regime start to massacre Syrian Druze.

• Druze in Israel, Lebanon, and Syrian cry out to Israel to save them from slaughter.

• Israel launches a brief but pointed attack to halt the aggression.

• There is an immediate withdrawal of the gangs and a halt to the massacre.

• Western sources condemn Israel for aggression (!).   
  

If we were to look for an optimistic angle, this may be the best temporary stalemate for a longer-term settlement. Israel should be seen as allies to the Druze. The Druze would be protected. Syria could agree not to harm the Druze and thereby come to a negotiated agreement with Israel.  

If the neighboring countries see Israel as a strong military power, there could be a tense but peaceful relationship in the whole area. 

The current conflict may be seen as a test for the new Syrian regime. Will they restrain the militant gangs in their midst or support them? Israel has no choice other than the "peace through strength" option.   

Please pray for:

• Protection for the minority communities in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq: particularly the Druze, Kurds, and Christians.

• New Syrian regime to restrain the jihadist gangs, and choose a path of a modern, law-abiding government.

• Right relationship and allegiance for Israel with the Druze, Kurds, and Christians.

• Freedom of religious expression in all the Arab nations, particularly for the Christians living there.

• Peace and security agreements across the Middle East. 

• Return of Israel's hostages still underground in Gaza after 650 days.

• Dismantling of Hamas and establishing a new government authority for Gaza.