Who are the Druze?

The Druze religion began one thousand years ago and is an off shoot of Islam, with a mixture of Judaism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism and other gnostic ideas. They consider Jethro, the father in law of Moses, to be their primary prophet. Other Druze prophets are Muhammad, Plato, Aristotle, Moses, John the Baptist and Jesus. The Druze are a very secretive and closed community and faith and they do not accept converts or try to persuade anyone to follow their beliefs.

Druze in the ISraeli golan

The Druze in the Israeli Golan, who this prayer movement is focused on, are part of the wider Druze community throughout the Levant region (Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan). Although the Druze in the Golan are part of Israel, most consider themselves to be Syrian. Only 10% of the 20,000 Golani Druze have accepted Israeli citizenship. Therefore, the Golani Druze look at life differently: Are they Syrian? Are they Israeli? Are they Druze or Arab first? These are questions that make for a complicated outlook on life, however, we know that their identity can only be truly fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Druze culture

The Druze in the Golan are known as farmers most famous for their apples and cherries, olives, and bread. Most families grow their own vegetables and fruit, bake their own bread and live, for the most part, on a vegetarian diet, with meat, primarily lamb, served only on special occasions.

Despite the secretive nature of the Druze faith they are warm, friendly and hospitable to outsiders and guests. Walking along their streets you will find children playing and moms, dads, aunts and uncles enjoying each others company as they watch their children play.

The hearts of the Druze

The Druze are an extremely interesting and unique people group. The Druze communities in the Golan are somewhat wealthy and do not have many physical needs and they do not perceive their spiritual needs. Their hearts are closed to hearing about Jesus and many prayers are needed to soften and open their hearts to the Gospel. We believe that because people like you are praying many Golani Druze will be saved.