“The link between the people of Israel and the Druze community. including those living on the Golan Heights, is not coincidental or temporary–it has deep roots in the past and will continue for many generations to come for the benefit of both of our peoples, who have sealed their alliance with blood,” Minister of Religious Affairs Dr. Zerah Warhaftig said yesterday at the traditional ceremony at the grave of the Druze martyr A1 Yafouri at Birket Ram on the Heights. Dr. Warhaftig also spoke about the great economic development of the Druze villages on the Heights and about the organization of religious services. He announced that a special Druze kadi for the Heights would be appointed soon. The leaders of the Druze community in Israel and on the Heights also addressed the gathering, expressing their appreciation. They included the Sheikhs Amin Tarif, Sliman Abu Salari and Labib Abu Rukn, as well as Kamal Mansour, the president’s advisor on minorities. A former member of the Syrian Parliament, Kamal Kenj, presided at the ceremony.
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