Druze Families Divided by Israeli-Occupied Buffer Zone with Syria Speak Out Against Separation
For decades, the Israeli-occupied buffer zone with Syria has separated Druze families, leaving them with limited opportunities to reunite. The buffer zone, established in 1974, stretches for over 80 kilometers and has become a physical and emotional barrier for the Druze community.
The Druze are an ethnic and religious minority group that has historically resided in the Golan Heights, a region that has been occupied by Israel since 1967. Prior to the establishment of the buffer zone, Druze families were able to move freely between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Syria.
However, the creation of the buffer zone has made it increasingly difficult for Druze families to reunite. The zone is heavily militarized, and movement across it is strictly controlled by Israeli authorities. Druze families are often forced to rely on intermediaries or wait for rare permits to visit their loved ones on the other side of the buffer zone.
"It's like living in a prison," said Amal, a 35-year-old Druze woman who lives in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. "We can't move freely, we can't visit our families, and we can't live our lives as we want to."
Amal's family is one of many that have been separated by the buffer zone. Her parents and siblings live in Syria, while she and her husband reside in the Golan Heights. The last time Amal saw her family was over a decade ago, when she was able to obtain a rare permit to visit them in Syria.
The separation has taken a significant toll on Amal and her family. "It's hard to explain the feeling of being separated from your loved ones for so long," she said. "It's like a part of you is missing, and you can't do anything to fix it."
The Druze community has long advocated for the removal of the buffer zone and the establishment of a safe and secure passage for families to reunite. However, their efforts have been met with resistance from Israeli authorities, who argue that the buffer zone is necessary for security reasons.
Despite the challenges, the Druze community remains determined to find a solution to the separation. "We will continue to fight for our rights and for the right to be reunited with our families," said Amal. "We will not give up, no matter how difficult it gets."
The story of the Druze families separated by the Israeli-occupied buffer zone with Syria is a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and occupation. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Middle East conflict, it is essential that the voices and stories of communities like the Druze are heard and amplified.
- _Druze Community:_ The Druze are an ethnic and religious minority group that has historically resided in the Golan Heights and other parts of the Middle East.
- _Israeli-Occupied Buffer Zone:_ The buffer zone was established in 1974 and stretches for over 80 kilometers. It has become a physical and emotional barrier for the Druze community.
- _Golan Heights:_ The Golan Heights is a region that has been occupied by Israel since 1967. It is home to a significant portion of the Druze community.
- _Druze Families Speak Out:_ Druze families separated by the Israeli-occupied buffer zone with Syria are speaking out against the separation and advocating for the removal of the buffer zone.
- _Israeli Authorities Resist:_ Israeli authorities are resisting the Druze community's efforts to remove the buffer zone, arguing that it is necessary for security reasons.
- _International Community Urged to Act:_ The Druze community is urging the international community to take action to address the separation and to support their efforts to remove the buffer zone.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0