Druze

The Druze (Arabic: duruzī درزي, pl. durūz دروز, Hebrew: druzim ??????) are a small and distinct religious community residing mainly in Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Turkey and Jordan (small communities of expatriates also live in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Australia, and Europe). They use the Arabic language and follow a social pattern very similar to the Arabs of the region. They are not considered Muslim by most Muslims in the region, although most Druze say that their religion is Islamic. Most Druze consider themselves to be Arabs http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_1-2-2004_pg3_5, although some Israeli Druze do not. There are about 1 million Druze worldwide, the vast majority in the Middle East http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3612002.stm.

The Druze today

In Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, the Druze have official recognition as a separate religious community with its own religious court system. Their symbol is an array of five colors: green, red, yellow, blue and white. Each color pertains to a symbol defining its principles. The symbol can also be represented in a five-sided star. This is why the number 5 has special considerations among the religious community.

Related Topics:
Green - Red - Yellow - Blue - White - 5

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In Israel, Druze choose to vote in elections and usually identify themselves as Israeli citizens; a number also identify themselves as Arabs (but not specifically as Palestinians)1. The Galilean and Carmelean Druzes are well known in Israel as ?Israeli patriots?. Lately Azzam Azzam, an alleged Israeli-Druze spy, has become (in Israel?s popular culture) the model of the ?ultimate Israeli patriot?. However, many Druze living in the Golan Heights consider themselves Syrian and refuse Israeli citizenship, while the remainder consider themselves Israeli. In general elections the majority of Druze's villages have similar voting patterns as the general public. However, Druze living in the Golan Heights vote almost exclusive to the right wing parties. Some Israeli Druze complain that their villages do not receive the same grants and subsidies that are given to Jewish communities.

Related Topics:
Israel - Arab - Palestinian - 1 - Azzam Azzam - Golan Heights - Syria - Jew

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Israeli Druze also serve in the Israeli army, voluntarily since 1948, and—at the community's request—compulsorily since 1956. Their privileges and responsibilites are the same as Israeli Jews; thus, all Druze are drafted, but exemptions are given for religious students and for various other reasons; however, conscientious objectors typically face jail time http://www.jcpa.org/jl/vp464.htm (see also Refusal to serve in the Israeli military).

Related Topics:
Israeli army - 1948 - 1956 - Refusal to serve in the Israeli military

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