Orthodox Union Launches Druze Relief Drive

New York, NY August 1, 2025- The Orthodox Union has launched a relief drive in support of the Druze community in Syria. The Druze are currently in crisis from attacks frighteningly reminiscent of the October 7 attack on Israeli communities in the Gaza envelope. 

There is an evolving humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands driven from their homes. The OU is working with those coordinating assistance and asks the Jewish community to support these efforts.

OU leaders have met Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, spiritual leader of the Israeli Druze community, and other Druze leaders. Their story is devastating.

The Druze shared shocking images and footage of the ongoing horrific attacks on their family members in Syria, drawn from the same grotesque playbook used to attack Israel. The Sheikh further observed how the images of soldiers humiliating Druze elders by shaving their beards were eerily like pictures we’re familiar with of Nazis abusing Rabbis.

The attacks have triggered a humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of Syrian Druze driven from their homes and roads and supply routes obstructed. There is a real need for food, medicine, clothing, and shelter.

The OU JLIC-TLV team is working in close partnership with long-time friends in the Israeli Druze community and have identified the most reliable and accountable channel working with Tzahal to deliver vital humanitarian supplies to the Druze in Syria.

The Druze community traces its relationship with the Jewish people to the days of Yitro and has regularly demonstrated outstanding loyalty to Israel, with a record of leadership in the IDF, including most recently the many Druze who gave their lives in defense of Israel, both on October 7th and since.

The Jewish community has the opportunity to support the Druze in their time of crisis. The Druze did not stand by when Israel was attacked. Our community must not stand by when they are attacked.

Every dollar raised in this effort will go directly to providing food and medicine to the Druze suffering in Syria. And every dollar raised will show the loyal Druze of Israel that the Jewish community is standing by them as they have stood by us.

Those who wish to contribute to the drive can make a donation at: ou.org/druze. All funds raised will go directly towards purchasing medical and food supplies for the Druze community in Suwayda, which is still under siege with little or no electricity.

About the OU

Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union (OU), or Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs.