Word: druze
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With such a void in our religious education, it is difficult to imagine what connects a Druze in Lebanon to a Druze in Israel, Syria, or Palestine—even though the Druze were originally found in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel/Palestine. At the same time, the Druze religion represents a progressive break from Islam in all countries, since the Druze man is forbidden to marry more than one woman, and the institution of marriage is based on equality between men and women...
Despite all challenges, there is a deep sense of pride in being a Druze. Given that the Druze faith is based on different religions, including Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism, it is a real loss to allow this unique religious identity to wither. It is estimated that there are approx 1.5 million Druze worldwide, but there are no reliable updated statistics or population-trend analyses studies that can educate us about the future survival of the Druze as a community...
...survival of the Druze community and faith compels further research. The establishment of a Druze library is a critical starting point. Preserving relics such as books, articles, manuscripts, and photos will ensure the protection of Druze religion, history, culture, and heritage. At Harvard, we need to think about developing a minorities program to conduct research, organize events, and collect minorities’ heritage in our libraries...
...international community can help preserve the identity of minorities by learning more about them, and funding important initiatives. There is a need to fund projects that connect the Druze with their ancestral brethren in Syria and Israel/Palestine. It is also unclear whether the Druze have historical or spiritual roots in China and India...
Ultimately, the survival of the Druze will largely depend on the young Druze educated professional class and their ability to establish an international committee to reform the tenets of the Druze faith that are in conflict with modern times...