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Occupied Golan: 560 Syrian Druze cross to Syria proper
02-11-2009 Photo gallery
For the estimated 21,100 Syrian Arabs living in the occupied Golan, travel to Syria proper is severely restricted, if not impossible. The ICRC works as a neutral intermediary with officials in Syria and in Israel to help students and pilgrims cross the demarcation line for educational and religious purposes.
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For the estimated 21,100 Syrian Arabs living in the occupied Golan, travel to Syria proper is severely restricted, if not impossible. The ICRC works as a neutral intermediary with officials in Syria and in Israel to help students and pilgrims cross the demarcation line for educational and religious purposes.
It is a very special event when Syrian Druze from the Golan are able to travel to Syria proper. While Druze communities on both sides of the demarcation line can keep in touch by phone, direct family contact is almost impossible. Many people in the Golan have been separated from their loved ones since 1967. Not being able to maintain social, cultural and family ties has an immense effect on the Syrian Arab population of the occupied Golan.
Operational update: ICRC helps Syrian Arabs maintain links with families elsewhere in Syria
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Once a year, a group of Druze get the chance to set out on a pilgrimage to Syria proper. This also gives them a much appreciated opportunity to see family on the other side of the heavily guarded demarcation line.
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On 24 September 2009, about 560 Druze were allowed to cross from the occupied Golan into Syria proper through the Kuneitra crossing. Since there are no diplomatic relations between Syria and Israel, the ICRC acted as a neutral intermediary between the two countries to facilitate the pilgrimage.
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Hindieh Abou Saleh (70)
“I came to the Golan as a young bride 42 years ago. After the occupation, I was cut off from my family and relatives in Syria. I am very happy, because I am going to see my family for the first time in 42 years. I really appreciate what the ICRC is doing.”
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Ittra hamad Abou rafe’ al Qalani, 72 years old
“I’m both happy and sad to be going home today after 42 years. I’ve lost many family members over the years, but I’m happy to be finally going. Although my health is not good and one of my legs is paralysed, I wouldn’t give up this opportunity even at the expense of my health. Even if I die in Syria, at least I will have seen my country once again.”
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One by one, the pilgrims' names are crosschecked at the small ICRC office in the demilitarized zone between the occupied Golan and Syria proper.
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The ICRC establishes handover documents for all pilgrims who have crossed. These lists are given to the authorities on both sides.
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Al Haj Hassan Yousef Bashir (96)
“I have taken part in the pilgrimage several times over the years thanks to the ICRC, who continue to help people here in the Golan. Every time I see Damascus, I cry tears of joy; I’m home. You know, we say ‘God comes first and the homeland comes second.’ Who would ever consider giving up their country?
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Last year was the first time that female pilgrims were allowed to cross into Syria proper. This year, 43 women were on the list, but many more were eagerly waiting for permission from the authorities to participate. All the women allowed to cross were over 70.
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In the past, the ICRC ran what was known as the "family visit programme," which allowed separated family members to meet in Syria once a year for two weeks. This programme was suspended in 1992. The ICRC continues to call on both countries to allow it to resume. Until that happens, facilitating this annual religious pilgrimage is a way of making sure that at least a small group of Druze get a chance to re-connect with their homeland and their relatives.
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