Members of the Druze community, in particular those of Syrian and Lebanese background, organised a “Stand with Sweida” rally on July 26, on the steps of the Victorian Parliament.
They called on state and federal governments to take a stand against the persecution in Syria. The Syrian Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) government has targeted the Druze in the southern Syrian city of Sweida (also written as Suwayda). Sweida is also home to Alawite and Catholic minorities. More than 900 people are reported to have been murdered in recent weeks, and large parts of Sweida remain under siege.
Protestors spoke and sang traditional Druze folk songs. They held up photos of massacres in Sweida, including what appeared to be members of the Syrian army wearing ISIS/Daesh patches.
Hadi Saab, a City of Kingston councillor and Druze community member, reflected on the role the Druze played fighting French colonialism, as well as during the Syrian revolution.
“Our people, nearly 100 years ago, united all the different religious groups in Syria to fight oppression and bring upon Syria liberation from French colonial rule,” Saab said. “We live and coexist with everyone in every corner of the world … Since the start of the Syrian revolution, Sweida has long served as a safe haven for displaced people, regardless of their sect or affiliation.”
Sleiman Raydan, president of the Unitarian Druze Community of Victoria, said the Druze are calling for “the unity of the Syrian people through a civil constitution that secures the aspirations and rights of the entire people”. He said the community is demanding governments act to help end the “bloodbath”.
Shams, a young Druze woman, told those passing by that it is “not a war, but a genocide”.
“It is not just the Druze”, she said, adding “It is the Catholics, Christians and the Jews — anyone who don’t align with ISIS”. The community is demanding an urgent ceasefire, and justice and peace. “We want our religion, and all religions, to be tolerated and respected. We are calling on you who are walking by to stop and listen for the sake of humanity.”
The Unitarian Druze Community of Victoria has sent a letter to Foreign Minister Penny Wong asking the government to establish a streamlined humanitarian pathway for Syrian Druze seeking refuge and protection; expand Australia’s humanitarian visa allocation from the Middle East with specific consideration given to Druze minorities in Syria and neighbouring countries who are at immediate risk of persecution; and prioritise expedited resettlement for at-risk Druze families and individuals with ties to communities here.
It has also asked Australia to support global protections for religious and ethnic minorities in Syria, publicly condemn the attacks against Druze civilians and religious leaders and support the establishment of humanitarian corridors in Syria to ensure access to vital food, water, and medical aid for affected communities.