The great potential of the Druze population

I’m Israeli and I’m Druze. These two identities have always accompanied me, and as a Druze citizen in the State of Israel, I have often encountered obstacles, difficulties, or prejudices. But the home, family, and society I live in have constantly sent me the message: Be the best you can and ignore the background noise.

Since the outbreak of the war, all of us, all citizens of Israel, have had to deal with unimaginable numbers of victims, and, within this painful reality, the unwavering devotion of the Druze community stands out. Since the war began, dozens of Druze soldiers have been killed and wounded, falling as they defend the country with a devotion that has no equal. These sacrifices are not only evidence of the terrible pain, but also of the faith and deep partnership of the Druze community with the State of Israel.

For those who don’t know, the Druze community makes up about 1.6 percent of the population in Israel and is an integral part of Israel’s security effort. Its high IDF recruitment rates are a testament to the Druze community’s unmatched commitment (83% recruitment rate among Druze men in Israel), and the current war is more proof of it.

But beyond military service, we as a society must ask ourselves how we reward this dedication. How do we ensure that the young people of the community, who risk their lives for the country, receive the tools and opportunities to also thrive in civilian life? One of the keys to changing the face of this reality is military preparatory programs. Dedicated preparatory programs for Druze society, such as the newly opened “Maoz HaEerz” facility at the Ma’ase Center of the Rashi Foundation, play a crucial role in preparing participants for significant service in the IDF and in empowering young Druze.

These programs are not just a stop on the road to military service, but schools of values — resilience, leadership, and striving for excellence. The preparatory programs open doors to significant roles in the military, especially in elite units and intelligence fields, thereby completely changing the course of life for the participants. When a young Druze manages to achieve a leading role in the IDF, he not only fulfills his personal potential, he also forms a bridge between the community and Israeli society, promoting its integration into the socio-economic fabric of Israel.

In Druze society today, pre-military training is not seen as a necessary step towards conscription into the army. That is because recruitment rates in Druze society are high anyway. However, I think this perception is wrong because while the recruitment rates are already high, the military preparatory program can increase the quality of the job options open to enlistees, influence the development of those recruited, and provide them with tools for their military service, as well as for the civilian life that follows. As such, the preparatory program for youth, and for the young Druze in particular, is critical.

I believe that pre-military training is key for young people who have mental resilience and social awareness, giving them additional tools that will serve them during their military service, but also, no less, later, in their civilian lives. In this case, the role of the preparatory program does not end with the military. I believe that the vision should be broader — to strive to give the young Druze community the tools to integrate into academia and the world of work.

Today, the great potential of the Druze population is still not fully realized. While academic rates are rising, the road to full realization of the abilities inherent in the young people of the community remains far off. In a country where minority sectors often face social and economic barriers, preparatory programs are a “melting pot” of a new kind, and fertile ground for building a new generation of leaders on all levels. The integration of these young people into the leadership ranks of the country is not only an interest of the Druze community, but a national interest. And indeed, how many preparatory programs for young Druze do you know?

The “Maoz HaErez” program, which was established in memory of Lieutenant Colonel M., an IDF officer who fell in Gaza in 2018, is unique in its kind. It gives the Jewish and Druze populations a daily connection and makes it possible to live together. A great example of this was when we marched together on Friday mornings, last September, in remembrance of Druze boys who fell during their IDF service. From there, we returned to the compound and began preparations for the sabbath. Quite a few Druze participants, of their own initiative, watched the prayers in the synagogue, and we held an emotional consecration together. Throughout that sabbath, the Druze and Jewish participants took an interest in each other’s cultures.

Since then, we held additional sabbaths together in the same way. Together, we built a sukkah, and the smiles on the faces of Jewish and Druze participants alike were an emotional and unique sight. It is also important to note that the preparatory program adheres to kashrut, and, in general, a basic value of the program is to allow everyone to live their way of life.

Over a period of about seven months, the program prepares the young participants for key roles in IDF intelligence units, along with deepening and familiarizing them with the history of the State of Israel, key issues in Israeli society, involvement in extensive and significant volunteer activities, activities in the field throughout the country, and more.

If the current war has taught us anything, it is how intertwined the fates of all segments of Israeli society are. The devotion of the Druze is a national example, but we must ask how we as a society epitomize that devotion. Preparatory programs such as Maoz HaErez are a lever for change, but they need support — budgetary, social, and political — to realize their potential and ensure that the young Druze community will lead, grow, and contribute, not only to the military, but also to the future of the State of Israel.

We also must note that programs such as Maoz HaErez succeed because of the close cooperation with and support from its partners — the IDF Intelligence Corps, which believes in the Druze youth and invests in their development and promotion; the population manager under the IDF Manpower Directorate, which on a daily basis sees to the creation of programs and opportunities for youth; and the Ma׳ase Center, which under, The Rashi Foundation, promotes programs for the advancement of Druze youth, believes in the youth and provides them with the tools and resources necessary to achieve their goals as they prepare for the challenges ahead.

It is our time to repay a debt of honor. Not just in beautiful words or memorial events, but in creating real opportunities — in the military, in academia, and in the job market. Only in this way will we ensure that the devotion of the members of the Druze community is properly recognized, and that its members will be full and meaningful partners in Israeli society.