Starting in July, Sunni Islamist extremists, Bedouin militants, and Syrian government forces committed a series [1] of massacres [2] similar to the October 7th massacre—this time targeting Druze and Christian religious minorities with genocidal threats.[3]
An estimated 1,700 people were killed, 228,000 displaced, and over 720, including women and girls, were kidnapped or went missing. Just like Hamas on October 7th, the perpetrators documented these atrocities themselves. Sweida is now under siege, its residents cut off and vulnerable, while Jordan refuses to open its borders to fleeing civilians.
Sweida is a majority-Druze city in Syria – a majority Sunni Muslim country. The Druze are a religious minority with an estimated population of around 1 million people worldwide. Most live in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Druze have faced persecution in the Middle East for centuries. However, in Israel the Druze are an integral part of society and many put their lives on the line for their Jewish neighbors by serving in the IDF.
This is a major reason why Israel took military action to stop the attacks in Sweida.
Despite efforts by the U.S. and Israel, Sweida is still under siege and civilians there are not getting enough aid. Additionally, Druze leaders are calling for an international investigation because they do not trust the Syrian government to hold perpetrators of the atrocities accountable.
Without immediate intervention, the Druze and Christian populations are at risk of continued genocidal violence by extremists in Syria.
Take Action Now!
Join the campaign urging your elected representative to act. Here’s how:
- Write to your elected official https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian_Search_Results?q=&mem=1&par=-1&gen=0&ps=0
- Ask them to act to protect Druze and Christian minorities from genocidal violence in Syria!
- Share the Message: Use your social media platforms to raise awareness. Call on others to voice their concerns!
Additional Context: The Druze are a religious minority who split from Islam in the 11th century and have faced persecution in the region since. About 700,000 Druze adherents live in Syria, while 150,000 and 250,000 live in Israel and Lebanon, respectively.
When the Syrian military attacked Syria’s Druze Community, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an aerial campaign to thwart impending genocide as the world stood still. Israel has continued delivering aid.
SAMPLE MESSAGE:
SUBJECT LINE: Urgent Action Needed: Protect Druze and Christian Minorities in Syria
Dear [NAME OF ELECTED OFFICIAL],
I am writing to you as your constituent to ask for your help urging immediate action in response to an unfolding humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sweida, Syria.
Starting in July, Sunni Islamist extremists, Bedouin militants, and Syrian government forces committed a series [1] of massacres [2] similar to the October 7th massacre—this time targeting Druze and Christian religious minorities with genocidal threats.[3]
An estimated 1,700 people were killed, 228,000 displaced, and over 720, including women and girls, were kidnapped or went missing. Just like Hamas on October 7th, the perpetrators documented these atrocities themselves. Sweida is now under siege, its residents cut off and vulnerable, while Jordan refuses to open its borders to fleeing civilians.
Without immediate intervention, the Druze and Christian populations are at risk of continued genocidal violence by extremists in Syria.
I respectfully ask that you urge the Australian government and use your voice to:
- Condemn the atrocities and demand the immediate release of the Christian and Druze people who have been abducted;
- Pressure the Syrian regime and its allies to remove all barriers to humanitarian aid entering Sweida and support humanitarian efforts in the region, including those led by Israel; and,
- Ensure an independent investigation of the atrocities committed by Sunni Islamist extremists, Bedouin militants, and Syrian government forces in Sweida.
Australia cannot stay silent. Silence and inaction will only embolden further crimes against vulnerable communities.
Thank you for your urgent attention to this serious matter.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[1] https://sweida-massacre.com/Home
[2] https://x.com/TheFP/status/1949904459498475901?t=DrUUVoWi94ycAAd_bRridA&s=19
[3] https://x.com/Osint613/status/1946248111870845176
