IsraelS Health Ministry is coordinating the delivery of medical supplies to a hospital in Sweida, Syria, in response to escalating violence impacting the Druze community there.
The initiative, spearheaded by Health Minister Uriel Buso and Director-General moshe Bar Siman-Tov, involves collaboration with local Druze physicians, including Dolan Abu Saleh, and Ziv medical Center director Prof. Salman Zarka. The aid package, comprising medical equipment and medication, will be transported by Israeli security forces and the IDF to Sweida’s sole functioning hospital.
Minister Buso emphasized the strong and well-known brotherhood between Israel and the Druze community, stating, “We are resolute to strengthen our shared bond of life and stand shoulder to shoulder in all aspects of society.” He highlighted that the swift mobilization of Israel’s health system reflects a commitment to assisting Druze community members, even beyond Israel’s borders, when they are under threat.
Director-General Bar Siman-Tov echoed these sentiments, noting Israel’s long-standing commitment to its Druze brethren. He stated, “This decision reflects our values and the enduring alliance with the Druze community.”
Prof. Zarka of Ziv Medical Center described the Israeli goverment’s intervention as vital, particularly from the health sector, and a response to what he termed an “attempted extermination of the Druze community.” He stressed the importance of the mission, driven by “painful lessons and a clear warning,” and underscored that assisting patients and medical staff globally aligns with the guiding human values of the health system.
