5 days ago
'We are witnessing terrible atrocities,' Israeli Druze says from within Syria
"The minute we see terrorists going into hospitals and murdering children and patients, we cannot stand idle," Fares Alawi told the Israeli news site.
Israel-Druze political activist Fares Alawi crossed the border into Syria on Wednesday, he told N12 News Site.
'Our objective is to enter as deeply as possible. We're trying to protect our brothers, to save them from the horrendous massacre… We are witnessing terrible atrocities, images, and clips. We cannot stand silent in the face of that,' Alawi told N12 in a phone call.
'I am grateful to Israel. I am thankful for any help. But the Druze have been here for thousands of yearsin Syria, in Israel, and Lebanon. The Druze are a strong people, a people who share blood and defend each other. We thank you for the aid. We ask for more help and more defense.
'But the minute we see terrorists going into hospitals and murdering children and patients, we cannot stand idle. With all due respect to the [IDF] military personnel here, I understand and respect you. But this has gone too far,' Alawi told N12.
When pressed on whether the Druze entering Syria is a distraction for the IDF, which is focused on comprehensive operations and defending the Druze, Alawi said that Israel's efforts have been insufficient.
''There have been talks about this twice, three times, and unfortunately, we've waited only to see our brothers slaughtered. We have called on the State of Israel, the government, and the prime minister to come to a decision and make good on their promises.
'We had no choice but to stand up and make a decision to take matters into our own hands and help our brothers,' Alawi resolved, according to N12.
Alawi declined to say whether or not he was armed, but added that the Druze who entered Syria went 'to go as far as we can and save our brothers just like a Jew would defend another Jew….'
Defending Syrian Druze
'There are thousands near the border with Israel. Like I said, just as a Jew has the right to defend another Jew in Argentina or the US, we are here to defend the Druze,' he continued.
While in Syria, Alawi said that he sees 'our relatives' homes, our brothers' homes. I am seeing faces I haven't seen in decades. It is fun to see them and meet them, and very moving to see our relatives. But we have come here very motivated and empowered to help our brothers.'
'There are many sick and wounded among the Syrians. We are also calling to help them and bring them in. We are law-abiding. We have not come here to break the law. We are certainly not here to fight with the army and security forces.'
Alawi concluded by thanking the news site for interviewing him and shining a light on his perspective for the 'decision makers' to see.
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