Yisrael Party Faces Criticism for Gender Segregation at Druze Community Event

The Yisrael party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, held a political gathering in Daliyat al-Karmel, Israel's largest Druze town, focusing on the Druze community's future in security, education, and social challenges. The event featured former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen and Druze candidate Brigadier General (res.) Kamil Abu Rokan. However, a photo from the event sparked controversy as it showed men and women seated separately on opposite sides of a white fence, highlighting gender segregation.

The organizers confirmed the meeting took place on the evening prior in the Druze local council. The discussion centered on the Druze community's security situation and its potential influence on its future. Despite the party's stated commitment to equality and democracy, the gender-segregated seating arrangement drew criticism online, especially given the party's inclusive platform aimed at all Israeli citizens, including the Druze.

Simultaneously, another Druze political party, Brit Achim, held a political conference in the same town without any gender segregation, with men and women sitting together. This contrast intensified scrutiny of Yisrael's event, raising questions about why a party advocating equality would allow gender separation in the same community and timeframe.

Activist and legal expert Shaerezad Hasson, a Druze woman from Daliyat al-Karmel, condemned the segregation, stating it is unacceptable for parties promoting equality and democracy to conform to outdated social norms under the guise of cultural adaptation. She emphasized the need for political parties to engage Druze women directly and not exclude them from political spaces.

Yisrael party did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.