FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Israeli Druze leader Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh. Gadeer is the first Druze woman to have served in the Knesset, and has an incredible resume, building a remarkable career as one of the most impactful Israelis - Jewish or non-Jewish - in Israel. Gadeer explains her upbringing as an Israeli Druze woman, her father having told her to view herself as not a Druze living in the Jewish state, but as an Israeli. Most Druze lived in Lebanon, but left due to dissension. Many Druze residing in Syria, but the Israeli-Druze population is considered to be the most influential, and have provided a shining example to Druze people of how to integrate into a Democratic society while maintaining your identity. Druze have been viewed by Israelis, even during the early days of establishing the state of Israel, as a trusted and strong stabilizing force in the region. Having embraced modernization and a strong patriotism to the state of Israeli, with Druze serving passionately in the IDF and the Knesset, and contributing in other economic, social and political ways, the Druze have emerged as an invaluable minority of Israeli citizens, whose impact on Israel far exceeds their population. 12 Druze soldiers fell in the war and Gaza, and, being a small minority in the state, the losses have been felt deeply by the community. Gadeer discusses the tragedy of the Majdal-Shams terror attack in July of 2024. However, Gadeer points out how much stronger the ties between the Druze and wider Israeli community after witnessing the outpouring of support from other Israelis, and the massive attendance of Israelis at the victims’ funerals. 

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