The Chief of the General Staff Visited The Druze and Bedouin Communities in Honor of Eid al-Adha

Last Friday, in honor of Eid al-Adha, IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Herzi Halevi visited the villages of Julis and Zarzir, alongside the Head of the Manpower Directorate, MG Yaniv Asor, the Head of the Home Front Command, MG Rafi Milo, and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, MG Ghassan Alian. They met with heads of Druze and Bedouin authorities, the chairman of “Yad LaBanim” branches and families of the communities’ fallen soldiers.

Soldiers and commanders from the Druze and Bedouin communities participated in meetings regarding the integration of minorities in the IDF. The discussion revolved around encouraging meaningful combat service and focused on the value of service and sense of mission among IDF soldiers. This important meeting takes place every year and emphasizes the IDF being the People’s Army, which combines servicemembers from all parts of Israeli society.

IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Herzi Halevi:

“During these complex times, I would like to tell you on behalf of the IDF, that we strive for equality and partnership. The people of the Druze community contribute exceptionally to Israel’s security through their service and in their admirable integration in both combat and non-combat units. You comprise an indispensable part of the IDF’s strength. Even during difficult times, we must operate in accordance with the law and use our influence to find great solutions within the framework of the law. Happy holiday.”

The spiritual leader of the Druze Community in Israel, Sheikh Mowafeq Tarif: 

"Druze soldiers serve in all IDF units and branches thanks to their exceptional talents and capabilities. They set an example to the IDF as a whole. I was pleased to hear that dozens of soldiers continue to become IDF officers every year and advance in the chain of command. I would like to ensure that this continues to be the case over the next decades. We should therefore find ways to encourage capable officers and promote them.”

Head of the Bedouin Authorities in Northern Israel Forum, Mr. Amir Mazarib:

“I view this visit as a sign of appreciation and honor to the soldiers who are serving in the IDF, the bereaved families, those who were injured during their service and the Bedouin community which has fought ever since Israel’s establishment. As someone who retired from the field of security in Israel, I see it fit to encourage enlistment within the Bedouin society. The IDF is not only a defense force that provides every civilian with security, but it also provides them with values, meaning, friendship and unity. Above all, the IDF is a canopy of defense that ensures Israel’s existence. The IDF’s servicemembers are people of different opinions and beliefs, who prove every day that they can put their differences aside to maintain unity and friendship. Even more so during these days of polarization and controversy, the joint service by all communities in Israel reminds us that we are all part of the same society with one goal and one shared future.”