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

On 2026-05-21, Representative Abraham J. Hamadeh (R-AZ-8) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING SHEIKH MOWAFAQ TARIF, SPIRITUAL LEADER OF THE DRUZE COMMUNITY IN ISRAEL" in the House.

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

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [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. ____________________