Ask Haviv Anything Episode 29: After the Druze massacre, can Israel make peace with Joulani? A conversation with Druze activist Rania Fadel Dean
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Jul 17, 2025 Rania Fadel Dean is an Israeli Druze activist and founder of Covenant, aiming to educate Americans about the Druze community. In this engaging conversation, she sheds light on the recent violence in Sweida, touching on the complex relationship between the Druze, Syria, and Israel. Rania shares personal insights about the challenges faced by the Druze, their historical loyalty, and the need for humanitarian recognition. She also discusses the intricate ties between Druze and Jewish communities, advocating for peaceful coexistence amidst rising tensions.
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Druze Religion and Society
- The Druze maintain a secretive religion with distinct societal divisions, including secular and initiated members.
- They emphasize loyalty, peaceful coexistence, and societal solidarity within their communities.
Druze-Jewish Historic Alliance
- The Druze-Jewish alliance predates Israel's statehood through historical friendships and cooperation.
- Druze fought alongside Jews even before 1948, showing long-standing loyalty beyond political convenience.
Shared Druze-Jewish Ancestry
- Druze oral history and recent DNA evidence link them closely to Ashkenazi Jews.
- This shared ancestry reinforces a deep cultural and identity bond between Druze and Jews.