About the Druze Community
The Druze are a unique, Arabic speaking ethno-religious group numbering approximately one million globally. Druze mostly live in Syria, Lebanon and Israel. Approximately 140.000 Druze live in Israel, predominantly in the Carmel Mountain area, the Galilee and Golan Heights.
Why do we support the Druze Veterans organization and DTEC?
Most of the male Israeli Druze proudly serve in the IDF. While they only make up to 3% of the total Israeli population, the number of Druze soldiers in the IDF is 4%. The rate of their enlistment in IDF combat service is one of the highest among any other ethnic, religious or social group. Most Druze women serve in civil service. The Druze represent an unparalleled voice in the Arab-speaking world as they engage in Israeli advocacy debunking the often-hostile narrative coming from the Middle Eastern region.
A high number of Druze veterans struggle to progress professionally and academically following their release from the military service. This creates a socioeconomic burden on the community. We believe that with DTEC’s expert knowledge, the Druze veterans receive the right support and guidance that help them navigate and succeed within the Israeli hitech job and academic ecosystem.
What does the organization do?
The Druze Veteran Association built its Tech Empowerment center in 2020 in cooperation with the Technion, the leading engineering university and research center in Israel. It has witnessed their graduates succeed in the tech sector, both as students, employees and entrepreneurs.
DTEC offers its students
- Training courses in tech fields in high demand, such as cyber security.
- Pre academic training courses
- Assistance with job-market placement
- Assisting Druze women join STEM studies.
The DVA operates a war room founded on October 7th, directing their activities at Arabspeaking news agencies, extensive activity over social networks and general advocacy for Israel’s democracy.
