Druze delegation visit US to combat anti-Israel misinformation, highlight diversity

During the last two weeks, a touring Druze delegation has visited several cities in the United States in order to counter widespread misinformation in the US regarding Israel.A rise in antisemitism on American college campuses had sparked the trip, the delegation said in a statement.

In a statement, the delegation said that the rise in antisemitism on American college campuses had sparked the trip.

The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) organized the delegation and aimed to "showcase the Druze role in the rich tapestry of Israeli society, draw attention to the coexistence and contributions of Israeli minorities, and share stories from October 7th and how it impacted the Druze community."

The delegation met with political officials, religious figures, and interfaith leaders across Washington DC, New York, and Miami.

They also met with several important Jewish-American organizations, such as B’nai B’rith International and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

The Druze experience

“The image of Israel in the global realm is displayed through colors of conflict and antisemitism when, in fact, the reality of living there is a different one,” said Waleed Sharoof, a member of the delegation. “It’s a reality of coexistence, of co-living. It’s a story of diverse communities living side by side in harmony with mutual respect. [It’s] a constant learning process.”

Hasan Azzam, another delegate, said that “the events of October 7 left a deep mark on our lives and reminded us of how important unity and national solidarity are. At a time when external enemies try to break us, our strength lies in our ability to stand together, support each other, and continue to build a country where mutual respect and peace are guiding values.”

CAM’s Director of Community Engagement Shira Granot emphasized that “our mission is to create a global network of allies who stand united against antisemitism and promote peace and coexistence. By showcasing the experiences and perspectives of minority communities in Israel like the Druze, we aim to challenge misconceptions and foster a more nuanced understanding of the region’s complexities.”