Unusual Tribute to Israel Held in Southern Syria

An unusual event took place in southern Syria on Wednesday, marking three years since the October 7th attacks. Dozens of people participated in a "Solidarity Rally with Israel" in the city of As-Suwayda, a stronghold of the Druze community in the country's south. According to the independent Syrian website "Enab Baladi," the participants were supporters of the Druze spiritual leader Hakmat al-Hajri. The call to participate in the event began two days prior, with attendees organizing a car convoy before gathering in Al-Karama Square.

During the rally, pictures of al-Hajri and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were displayed, alongside signs reading "We will not forget and will not forgive" and "The massacres are many, and the perpetrator is one." The "Kati'bat al-Sumud" (Battalion of Steadfastness), affiliated with the National Guard, organized the rally. In a statement, the group said the event was held "out of loyalty to the victims and in opposition to extremism, massacre, and violence against civilians."

The organizers drew a parallel between the victims of the Hamas attack in Israel and the victims of violence in southern Syria. Their statement noted, "We remember the victims of the massacres and violence that harmed civilians in Israel, just as we remember the victims of the massacres experienced by Mount Hermon." They asserted that in both cases, the threat of "religious and political extremism and violence perpetrated by political Islam groups" is the same, and that the value of human life should not be judged differently based on the victim's identity.

This is not the first time pro-Israel sentiments have been expressed in As-Suwayda. "Enab Baladi" reported that since violent incidents in the region in July 2025, several rallies have been held featuring Netanyahu's image and expressions of support for Israel. In April, Netanyahu's picture was displayed at a rally in the city that focused on demands for self-determination.

Previously, in August, al-Hajri stated that the Druze are "an integral part of the State of Israel," describing it as a "state of institutions, science, and civilization." These remarks also faced opposition within As-Suwayda, with local figures emphasizing that his views do not represent all residents of the region or all Druze in Syria.