What It’s About
In Israel, Druze reservists are vocalizing their desire for equal treatment and recognition. A prominent voice among them, Adib Abu Aasi, who serves as an active reservist and an officer in the IDF, shares the struggles faced by the Druze community despite their unwavering commitment and sacrifices for Israel.
Why It Matters
The Druze community, represented by figures such as Adib Abu Aasi, asks for equal rights and recognition within Israel, highlighting a crucial issue of integration and support for minority groups who significantly contribute to the nation’s defense.
Key Points
Commitment and Sacrifice
Adib Abu Aasi has expressed the dedication of Druze reservists to the Israeli state. Despite cultural differences, Druze reservists have high recruitment and combat participation rates, proudly standing with their Jewish counterparts during times of war.
Challenges Faced
A gap exists between the Druze and Jewish reservists in terms of accessing resources and managing daily life during wartime. Druze reservists often face significant hurdles, including steep fines for building violations and lack of governmental support.
Seeking Equality
Echoing the sentiment of Israel’s Declaration of Independence, Abu Aasi and the Druze community advocate for equal treatment. They seek not special favors but the basic rights and functionalities granted to other citizens, such as electricity and building permits.
Fighting with a Clear Mind
Many Druze reservists serve with distractions and pressures upon them due to the fines and building regulations they face back home. This detracts from their ability to serve effectively and highlights the need for improvements in their living conditions and support systems.
Community Development
The Druze community is working towards creating foundations and organizations to support their reservists and better integrate into Israeli society. They aim for self-improvement and mutual support while seeking to become an integral part of Israel’s collective successes.
A Call for Unity and Recognition
This plea for equality is driven by their love and commitment to the Israeli state. Druze reservists, like Abu Aasi, sing ‘Hatikvah’ with pride and seek an embrace of inclusivity and equality from their homeland.
This story was first published on jpost.com.