Israel's Druze lead rally for equality

Loyal minority say controversial new law on Jewish state discriminates against them

A protester waving the Druze community's flags in a rally against the Jewish nation-state law in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv last Saturday. Israel's prominent figures, including mayors and former chiefs of staff, have joined the protest.
A protester waving the Druze community's flags in a rally against the Jewish nation-state law in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv last Saturday. Israel's prominent figures, including mayors and former chiefs of staff, have joined the protest. PHOTO: REUTERS
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The Druze make up only 2 per cent of Israel's population and were a loyal Arab minority.

But the adoption of a nation-state law has turned them into the spearhead uniting many liberal forces in the country in the fight against a nationalist government.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 08, 2018, with the headline Israel's Druze lead rally for equality. Subscribe