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Druzes
The Druze (Hebrew word, plural Druzim) are a distinct Semitic community based mostly in the Middle East whose religion has been influenced by Islam and other philosophies, including Greek philosophy. Druze consider themselves theologically as "an Islamic Unist, reformatory sect", although they are not considered Muslims by most Muslims in the region. The Druze call themselves "People of Monotheism". The origin of the name Druze is traced to Nashtakin ad-Darazi, one of the first preachers of the religion. The Druze reside primarily in Syria and Lebanon, with smaller communities in Israel and Jordan. In Israel, Druze usually identify themselves as Arabs (but not as Palestinians). However, many Druze living in the Golan Heights consider themselves Syrians and refuse Israeli citizenship, while the remainder consider themselves Israeli. Israeli Druze also serve in the Israeli army, voluntarily since 1948. Their privileges and responsibilities are the same as those of Israeli Jews; thus, all Druze are drafted, but exemptions are given for religious students and for various other reasons. In January 2004, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel signed a declaration calling on all non-Jews in Israel to observe the Seven Noahide Laws (a list of seven moral imperatives which, according to the Talmud, were given by God to Noah as a binding set of laws for all mankind) as laid down in the Bible and expounded upon in Jewish tradition. The declaration includes the commitment to make a "... better humane world based on the Seven Noahide Commandments and the values they represent commanded by the Creator to all mankind through Moses on Mount Sinai". The Druze community reveres the non-Jewish father-in-law of Moses, Jethro. According to the biblical narrative, Jethro joined and assisted the Jewish people in the desert during the Exodus, accepted monotheism, but ultimately rejoined his own people. In fact, the tomb of Jethro near Tiberias is the most important religious site for the Druze community. It has been claimed that the Druze are actually descendants of Jethro. |