Congressman Hamadeh Meets Israeli Druze Leader After Syria Massacres

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US Congressman Abraham J. Hamadeh met with Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, to discuss regional security, the Druze role in Israeli society, and the recent attacks on Druze civilians in Syria.

The meeting came after last month’s massacre in Syria, which claimed the lives of dozens of Druze civilians, including an American citizen. Hamadeh, a Republican from Arizona and a former US military intelligence officer, said efforts were underway with “partners and all parties” to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need and that Americans and other victims are safely evacuated.

Hamadeh, who has a mixed Muslim and Druze heritage, praised the Druze community’s contribution to Israel’s defense, noting their long history of service in the country’s military. He emphasized the need to strengthen ties between US lawmakers and minority communities that “stand on the front lines against extremism.”

The congressman has made several visits to Israel and has been vocal about reinforcing regional security partnerships. Earlier this year, he toured Israel’s northern border and met with security officials to assess threats from Hezbollah and Iran.

Hamadeh has also been active in advocating for Americans held abroad. In July, he urged the Trump administration to step up efforts to secure the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton University doctoral student and Israeli-Russian citizen abducted in Iraq in March 2023. Tsurkov, conducting academic research at the time, is believed to be held by the Iran-backed Shi’ite militia Kata’ib Hezbollah. Hamadeh criticized what he described as a lack of urgency from Washington, calling her release a priority for US diplomacy.

Sheikh Tarif, who has led the Druze community since 1993, is widely regarded as a unifying figure for the roughly 150,000 Druze citizens of Israel. He has consistently supported the community’s integration into national life while safeguarding its traditions.

In recent weeks, Tarif has been outspoken in urging international intervention to protect Druze in Syria from extremist violence. Following the massacre in the Syrian city of Hadar, he condemned the killings as “a crime against humanity” and appealed for urgent global action.

Tarif also traveled to the Golan Heights alongside other Druze leaders to express solidarity with the local community and coordinate aid for Syrian Druze affected by the attacks. The meeting with Hamadeh underscored shared concerns over regional instability and the importance of cooperation to safeguard vulnerable communities from further atrocities.