In July, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews responded rapidly to the alarming situation facing the Syrian Druze and Christians amid violent attacks by jihadists in southern Syria. As hostilities escalated, government forces allied with these jihadists targeted the Druze community, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 individuals, including Hosam Saraya, a Syrian American visiting family. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Yael Eckstein, President and Global CEO of the Fellowship, described the urgent need for humanitarian aid as they received requests from hospitals in the affected area. The organization has a history of providing aid but had not previously operated in Syria prior to this crisis.
The Fellowship mobilized resources quickly, coordinating with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to deliver essential medical supplies and equipment to the beleaguered city of Sweida. By facilitating the transport of retired Israeli ambulances, they aimed to establish a basic medical infrastructure in a region that had witnessed heinous attacks, including the murder of Christian pastor Khaled Mazhar and his family. As Eckstein noted, Sweida has become a focal point for violent assaults led by Syrian Islamists under the regime of new President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, a noted figure aligned with terrorist movements.
Israel’s involvement escalated during this crisis, with military strikes aimed at preventing further massacres in Sweida. Reports indicated that at least 26 Druze villages were completely incinerated due to these coordinated assaults. Eckstein referenced an earlier instance in April when the Fellowship had distributed food aid to those impacted by similar violence and noted that just days later, their food boxes had been destroyed by jihadist actions. This history of conflict highlights the complicated relationship between Israel and Syria, given their lack of diplomatic relations and the ongoing hostilities since 1948.
While working in what they termed “enemy territory,” Eckstein emphasized the collaboration between Jews and Christians to provide life-saving aid in the face of persecution. This effort symbolizes a broader struggle of good versus evil, extending beyond Syria to encompass shared values among religious communities globally. Eckstein reiterated the importance of this partnership, indicating that they aim to foster goodwill and support within the region—encouraging a broader acknowledgment of humanitarian needs despite ongoing political tensions.
Safwan Marich, part of the Israeli Druze community and a key figure in the Fellowship’s Emergency Response Center, remarked on the severity of the situation, asserting that a genocide is occurring. He emphasized the religious nature of these hostilities, sharing distressing stories of execution based on religious identity and ongoing injustices suffered by the Druze. Marich reflects a deep emotional connection to his roots, feeling a moral obligation to support his community, especially in the wake of violence and suffering.
Marich’s insights shed light on the historical and cultural context of the Druze community, which emphasizes solidarity and defense against external threats. He expressed the expectation that Israeli society would visibly support the Druze in their struggle, particularly recalling the loss of Druze soldiers in conflicts defending the country. Underlining the necessity for vigilance against growing threats from radical groups at their borders, he drew parallels to the increasing dangers posed by Hamas and other extremist factions, underscoring the implications for regional stability and the shared coexistence among diverse religious communities.
