In response to the growing misinformation that portrays Israel as an “apartheid” state and the rise of antisemitism on American college campuses, a delegation of Druze—an Arab minority group from Israel—embarked on a crucial visit to Miami, New York City and Washington, D.C., from April 9 to April 21.
With a clear mission to offer a unique view of Israeli society, the delegation aimed to deepen awareness and appreciation of Israel’s multifaceted identity while highlighting key issues affecting the region, particularly the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas that resulted in the brutal murder and kidnapping of not only Jews but also numerous Arab citizens of Israel.
The delegation, which was organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), included Amir Lilawy, Hasan Azzam and Waleed Sharoof. In America, they also met up with Israeli Druze politician and journalist Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh. During the visit, the group met with political officials, religious figures and interfaith leaders to showcase the Druze role in the tapestry of Israeli society; draw attention to the coexistence and contributions of Israeli minorities; and share stories from Oct. 7 and how it impacted the Druze community, many of whom serve in the Israel Defense Forces.
“The events of Oct. 7 left a deep mark on our lives, and reminded us of how important unity and national solidarity are,” said Azzam. “At a time when external enemies try to break us, our strength lies in our ability to stand together, support each other and continue to build a country where mutual respect and peace are guiding values.”
The delegation hoped to broaden understanding and encourage meaningful dialogue, emphasizing the need for international action to counter antisemitism and support Israel’s efforts to defeat Hamas.
“The image of Israel in the global realm is displayed through colors of conflict and antisemitism. When, in fact, the reality of living there is a different one. It’s a reality of coexistence, of co-living,” said Sharoof. “It’s a story of diverse communities living side by side in harmony, with mutual respect and a constant learning process.”
As director of community engagement for CAM, Shira Granot serves as the primary point of contact for the organization’s Arab and Muslim outreach. She underscored the importance of building alliances worldwide, as well as bridging gaps between various cultures and lesser-known communities, such as the Druze.
“Our mission is to create a global network of allies who stand united against antisemitism and promote peace and coexistence,” stated Granot. “By showcasing the experiences and perspectives of minority communities in Israel, we aim to challenge misconceptions and foster a more nuanced understanding of the region’s complexities.”
Notable stops on the visit included a meeting with the U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom and participating in an interfaith Passover seder. The delegation also met with a bipartisan group of congressional representatives and policy advisers.
“In confronting antisemitism and promoting inclusivity, education emerges as a powerful tool for change,” said Amir Lilawy. “By fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and challenging stereotypes, we can create a more compassionate and just society for all.”
The visit is part of ongoing efforts by CAM to amplify diverse voices from Israel and engage with American stakeholders.
“The horrors of Oct. 7 were felt by communities across Israel, so it’s critical that we give minority communities the opportunity to share their experiences,” said Sacha Roytman, CEO of CAM. “When we stand together across religious backgrounds, we can make a greater impact in addressing growing antisemitism.”
