Rate of Druse women in National Service doubles

In 2012, 301 women from the sector will serve as opposed to 147 in 2011, an increase of 96 percent.

By JEREMY SHARON
Gerbi 370 (photo credit: Yisrael Hedri)
Gerbi 370
(photo credit: Yisrael Hedri)
The number of young women from the Druse sector enlisting in National- Civilian Service has increased dramatically this year, according to figures released on Wednesday. In 2012, 301 women from the sector will serve as opposed to 147 in 2011, an increase of 96 percent.
In light of the new figures, Shalom Gerbi, director of the National-Civilian Service, met in the northern town of Kafr Yasif with Sheikh Muaffak Tarif, spiritual leader of the Druse community and head of the Druse Higher Religious Council, last Thursday, to review the program and the increased participation of the Druse sector.
“There is a blood covenant between the Jewish people and the Druse community,” said Gerbi. “It is a community which is inseparable from Israeli society, and its sons and daughters contribute significantly towards the state and its security.”
“The daughters of the community also have an role to play, and participation in the National-Civilian Service program helps both broader society and the volunteers themselves.”
National-Civilian Service volunteers serve in several different fields, such as the health service as well as the state education and welfare frameworks, most within their own community. This year’s numbers represent a record high in female Druse participation in the program. Those volunteering for the National-Civilian Service program receive grants for higher-education studies.
MK Hamad Amer (Israel Beiteinu), a member of the Druse community, was also present at the meeting and praised the volunteers for their contribution to Israeli society and the Druse community.
In 2012, more than 2,000 people from minority communities in the country will volunteer for the National-Civilian Service program, including Israeli Arabs, Beduin, Druse, Muslims and Christians.
Obligatory IDF conscription for men within the Druse community has existed for more than 50 years, during which time thousands of Druze have served in the military. Women from the sector are not obligated to serve.