Widow of Fallen Druze Soldier Shares Grief and Loyalty
Yasmine Khattar, widow of Sergeant Major Maher Khattar, the first Druze soldier from Majdal Shams to be buried in the military section of the local cemetery, will participate in the "For the Druze Sons" race this weekend. She stated, "This is our country and we must support it." Maher Khattar, who served in the IDF for eight years, was killed on March 8th. Yasmine described him as a pure, kind-hearted man with great vitality who loved music and dancing. He joined the "Ambassadors in Uniform" program, aiming to integrate influential individuals into educational activities encouraging military service among Arabic speakers. Unlike Druze men in the Galilee and Carmel who are conscripted, residents of the four Druze villages in the Golan Heights are exempt due to their legal and historical status, and military service is not customary there due to historical ties to Syria. Maher felt a sense of belonging and purpose in the IDF, progressing through courses and enlisting in regular service.
Yasmine recounted their last video call the day before his death, expressing her worry about his well-being. She learned of his death the following morning when military officials arrived. She admits she still struggles to process his absence, feeling an endless longing and wishing she could wake up to find it all a dream. She finds strength in her faith, believing in fate and divine will, and in the strong support of Maher's parents, who live nearby and help with their daughters.
Khattar explained that Maher had requested to be buried in Usfiya if military burial in their village faced opposition. However, she decided to have him buried in Majdal Shams, his birthplace. The funeral was attended by thousands from the village, followed by a military ceremony where he was laid to rest in the newly designated military section near the cemetery.
The "For the Druze Sons" race, an annual national event honoring Druze fallen soldiers, is organized by the "For the Sons" association in cooperation with the IDF, the Ministry of Defense, FIDF, and the Association for the Soldier. Approximately 20,000 participants are expected. Yasmine will walk in the event with her daughters, wanting them to experience and support the nation, and to understand their father's sacrifice. She also aims to send a message to the Druze community, particularly in the Golan Heights, to reconsider their stance towards the state and their identity, noting that Syria will not return. To Jewish society, she urged careful consideration of positions affecting the Druze community, emphasizing their shared destiny.
