Israel Launches National Task Force to Empower Druze Community Two Years After Majdal Shams Tragedy
President Isaac Herzog hosted the launch of a pioneering national initiative on Monday, establishing a task force comprising 21 senior Druze leaders. This group will collaborate with government ministries, local authorities, the business sector, academia, and civil society to advance national programs and strategic plans benefiting the Druze community and Israel as a whole. The initiative, led by the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience, the Taib Foundation, and the Ma'ase Center NGO, aims to unite Druze leaders from diverse fields to create impactful partnerships and public initiatives.
The event opened with a tribute to the 12 children and youths killed by Hezbollah rocket fire in Majdal Shams two years ago, expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and the Druze community. Launching the task force on this solemn anniversary symbolizes a commitment to transform tragedy into collective action, strengthening the Druze society and deepening its partnership with the state of Israel.
President Herzog emphasized the responsibility toward the Druze people in Israel and worldwide, highlighting the community's unique historical role and the importance of empowering its leaders with innovative thinking tools to enhance their influence across all sectors. Minister of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience, Itzik Vissarlof, underscored the deep bond between the Druze community and Israel, describing the program as a step forward in integrating the Druze into national development and leadership.
Spiritual leader Sheikh Muafak Tarif stressed the Druze community's strength in unity and mutual responsibility, expressing confidence that the task force will foster cooperation and create a better future. Taib Foundation President Haim Taib noted the initiative as a "covenant of life" born from shared pain, aiming to translate partnerships into tangible improvements in Druze citizens' lives by linking leadership, government, and civil society.
