Explained: Who are the Druze?

When you mention the Druze of Israel and the Levant, you might see a few confused faces around you. Even in British Jewish circles (outside of the Israeli expat communities), knowledge of Druze communities and culture are fairly limited. However, this small but significant nation is vital to understand the social and political landscapes of modern Israel, and what is happening today in Syria.

The Druze religion emerged in the 10th century, branching from a Shia Islamic sect in the Levant. However, while they share some historical roots with Islam, Druze do not identify as Muslims. In fact, they reject the Five Pillars of Islam and are not considered part of the Muslim ummah. Their sacred texts and core beliefs are kept strictly secret, even from most Druze until they choose to be initiated. Whilst information about their exact beliefs can be found online these days, when I met with Druze educators, they were adamant: their religion is not for public sharing. And so, out of respect, I won’t attempt to reveal it here. I can confirm (as may suggest in their origins) that Druze theology incorporates figures and stories from all three Abrahamic faiths. They trace their spiritual ancestry from Jethro, the High Priest of Midian, who you may recognise as Moses’ father-in-law from the Book of Exodus (Shemot). Because of these historical and religious ties, Druze in Israel are often referred to as “our Druze brothers and sisters” by politicians and civilians alike. This isn’t just a term of endearment stemming from solidarity in modern standings, but also holds deep theological meaning.

Druze, like Jews, are an ethno-religion, and birthright matters just as much, if not more, than religious practice. Lineage passes through both parents, and marrying outside the community traditionally results in exclusion from the Druze fold, for both the individual and their children. The community’s survival has often depended on discretion and assimilation. For centuries, Druze lived as a hidden minority under hostile regimes. As a result, they adopted certain outward customs—such as the Islamic call to prayer—not as expressions of faith, but as survival tactics. Some of these practices linger today, even though they hold little actual religious significance within Druze belief.

Druze make up around 1.6% of Israel’s population. Most identify first as Druze (ethnically and religiously), then as Arab (culturally), and finally as Israeli (nationally). Arabic is their primary language, but nearly all Israeli Druze speak fluent Hebrew. Over the decades, Druze citizens have served as Knesset members, judges, public officials, and cultural ambassadors.

The Druze first fought for Israel in the 1948 War for Independence. Whilst many of their prophets urged neutrality, ultimately many fighting men chose to join the war to protect their villages. Since the establishment of Israel, male Druze citizens are all conscripted into the IDF, the only non-Jewish group to have mandatory conscription. Until 2015 they had their own unit, Herev, that soldiers could elect to serve in. It has since been disbanded, and all Druze recruits serve in the military alongside Jewish soldiers. Druze soldiers are extremely prominent in the IDF, famously having a high percentage of their soldiers in elite units, and as high-ranking Officers. The connection of Druze & Jewish soldiers is referred to as Brit Damim, The “Covenant of Blood”.

Beyond Israel’s borders, Druze communities primarily exist in southern Syria and Lebanon, where they have long endured persecution for their religious independence. Under various regimes, they’ve suffered massacres, forced conversions, and the destruction of holy sites. Even today, Druze villages in Syria are under threat from both Islamist militias and regional instability.

Despite national borders, Druze communities across the region remain tightly connected. Their sense of collective identity as a single, ancient nation runs deep. What happens in one Druze village is felt across all.

Understanding the Druze is more than a matter of curiosity; it’s about recognising one of the Middle East’s most unique and loyal communities. In Israel, they are not just allies, they are family. And in the broader region, their resilience and dignity in the face of centuries of oppression demand both respect and attention.

As Jews both in Israel and abroad continue to fight against those who’d wish to harm us, it is important for us to turn our attention and care to the nation that has stood with us, arm in arm for generations, and their fight for freedom from their enemies.