Histadrut stands in solidarity with Druze communities in Syria

“We must not remain silent or indifferent,” says Histadrut Chair Arnon Bar-David

In light of the escalating violence targeting the Druze population in southern Syria, the Histadrut has mobilized in a show of solidarity and humanitarian support for the Druze community in Israel and their families across the border in Syria.

After a series of deadly assaults against Druze civilians in the Suwayda region by Syrian government forces, the Histadrut Chairman, Arnon Bar-David, issued a strong call for action: “The families of our brothers are in distress, and we must not remain silent or indifferent. This is the time for all of us to express human and moral solidarity across sectors, communities, and political camps.”

While the Histadrut traditionally refrains from involvement in foreign affairs, Bar-David emphasized that this crisis strikes at the heart of Israeli society. “Israel’s shared destiny with our Druze brothers and sisters is not measured only on holidays or in times of joy,” he said. “This is an inseparable part of the soul of the State of Israel and of the strong alliance built between us on friendship, respect, sacrifice, and mutual responsibility.”

Humanitarian Action and Solidarity in Motion

In recent days, the Histadrut has sent a truck loaded with essential supplies from its social market to the leadership of the Druze community in Israel to support Druze communities affected by the violence in Syria. “The Histadrut is ready to activate all its logistical and organizational capabilities to supply food and equipment for our Druze brothers,” Bar-David declared in his visit to the Central Galilee region last week.

With a senior delegation from the Histadrut, Bar-David held meetings with Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel and community members. Referring to the situation in Syria as a “heinous ethnic assault,” he expressed public backing for Sheikh Tarif’s efforts to lobby both the Israeli government and international actors to intervene and stop the bloodshed.

The Chairman also pledged immediate and practical support by delivering essential supplies from the Histadrut social market: “We came here not only to visit but to embrace and strengthen our brothers. The Histadrut will do everything in its power to provide assistance.”

Mobilizing Support Across Israel

In a letter circulated to union heads and regional branches across the country, Bar-David called on the broader Histadrut network to actively support Druze-led solidarity events, rallies, and relief initiatives. “Our shared responsibility demands that we stand by the community until calm and stability return to Jabal al-Druze,” he wrote.

The Histadrut Chair also visited the home of Captain Amir Abdallah Saad, a Druze IDF officer who fell in recent fighting in Gaza, offering condolences and reaffirming the federation’s unbreakable bond with the Druze community. “We were here not long ago to console the family of Lt. Col. Salman Habaka,” he said. “Now we are back to support another grieving family. We come not as outsiders, but as brothers.”

A Call for Government Action

Bar-David concluded his Galilee visit with a direct appeal to the Israeli leadership. “In the name of the alliance between us, I call on the Minister of Defense and the Prime Minister to extend the support and assistance our Druze brothers are asking for. Their pain is our pain.”

This article contains information from Davar news.