DRUZE

Druze: translation

(Druse)

The Druze are a self-governingreligiouscommunity that broke from Islam in the 11th century and whose members live primarily inSyriaandLebanon. In Israel, they number some 90,000 (about 9 percent of Israel's non-Jewish population). Their religious practices are highly secretive and complex, and the community is very tightly knit. The Druze are considered a separate community by the state of Israel, and they are the onlyArabsconscripted into theIsrael Defense Forces. Druze soldiers have participated in all the Arab-Israeli wars for Israel, frequently fighting—and dying— with distinction for their country.