Brunch and Learn with Rabbi Edleson and Ashaf Alamatouri

Come learn about the Druze and what they experienced last August in Syria when pogrom-like massacres of Druze villages occurred in the area know as Sweida.    

The Druze are heirs to a fascinating religious and cultural tradition.  They trace their close connection to the Jewish people all the way back to Jethro, Moses' father-in-law and mentor.  In modern times, the Druze have been an integral part of Israeli society, standing with Jews during Arab violence in pre-state Palestine and then as leaders in the Israeli Defense Forces. Most recently, Israeli has stood as a strong ally with the Druze of Syria, intervening to reduce the violence against them. 

Ashraf Alamantouri is a Syrian Druze from Sweida who relocated to Vermont and now works in Higher Education.  His extended family experienced the recent attacks in Sweida and Mr. Alamantouri will be sharing those experiences with us.  He will also answer some of our questions about the Druze tradition.  

This is rare opportunity to hear directly from a local Druze about recent events in Syria and Israel's role in defending this religious minority against Islamist militias.  

In Person Only.