[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING SHEIKH MOWAFAQ TARIF, SPIRITUAL LEADER OF THE DRUZE 
                          COMMUNITY IN ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ABRAHAM J. HAMADEH

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2026

  Mr. HAMADEH of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheikh 
Mowafaq Tarif, the paramount spiritual leader of the Druze community in 
Israel and a respected voice for Druze communities throughout the 
region.
  For centuries, the Tarif family has held an important place in the 
spiritual life of the Druze people. Today, as the recognized leader of 
Israel's Druze community, President of the Supreme Druze Religious 
Council, and Chairman of the Druze High Appeal Religious Court, Sheikh 
Tarif stands not only as a guide for Druze citizens of Israel, but as a 
symbol of unity, continuity, and resolve for Druze communities 
throughout the Levant. His leadership is rooted in faith, honor, 
service, and an unbroken commitment to the dignity and survival of his 
people.
  Sheikh Tarif also serves as a guardian of Druze religious heritage, 
including the sacred traditions connected to the Nabi Shu'ayb, the Tomb 
of Jethro, the most important holy site in the Druze faith. As ancient 
communities across the Middle East face violence, displacement, and 
erasure, his leadership has helped preserve the identity and continuity 
of the Druze people.
  During a period of brutal violence facing Druze communities in Syria, 
Sheikh Tarif brought attention to the suffering of Druze civilians and 
urged action to prevent further bloodshed and humanitarian catastrophe. 
He also welcomed a historic delegation of Syrian Druze religious elders 
visiting Nabi Shu'ayb for the first time in decades, underscoring the 
bonds of faith, family, and history that connect Druze communities 
across modern borders. In 2025, Sheikh Tarif received the Israeli 
Presidential Medal of Honor, recognizing his contribution to Israeli 
society, his defense of the Druze people, and his work as a bridge 
between communities.
  His leadership also reflects the historic partnership between the 
Druze and Jewish peoples, Druze citizens of Israel have served with 
distinction in the Israel Defense Forces, contributed to public life, 
and held positions of national responsibility, including service in the 
Knesset, senior government roles, and even as Acting President of the 
State of Israel. Through that service, the Druze people have become an 
indispensable part of Israel's national mosaic.
  Sheikh Tarif's leadership reflects the spirit of the Abraham Accords: 
looking beyond old divisions and toward a Middle East where ancient 
communities build a future of partnership, mutual respect, and peace.
  Mr. Speaker, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif stands as a modeI of principled 
leadership for the Druze people in Israel, Syria, Lebanon, and beyond--
and deserves recognition by this Congress.

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