Druze residents in Israel protest near the Israeli-Syrian border fence in solidarity with their community in Syria, July 16, 2025. (Photo by Michael Giladi/Flash90)
Hisam Abu Assi Mardac says he faces death threats for supporting Israel amid regime crackdowns and jihadist violence in war-torn Sweida.
By David Brummer, World Israel News
A Druze resident of Syria’s embattled Sweida province says he has received multiple death threats after publicly expressing support for Israel and posting a photo of himself holding the Israeli flag.
Hisam Abu Assi Mardac, a resident of a small Druze village in southern Syria, told Ynet that he shared the image on June 22 as a sign of gratitude for Israel’s reported support of his community during a deadly conflict with regime forces and jihadist militants.
“I’m Druze, and we’re glad the Israeli government stands with us,” he said.
“We hope Israeli forces will open a passage to Damascus for us, as the main road is blocked.”
Mardac described the humanitarian conditions as catastrophic.
“This is a disaster zone,” he said. “No water, no electricity, no food.”
Since posting the image, Mardac said he has been targeted with threats from both Bedouin militias and loyalists of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, better known by his jihadist alias Abu Mohammed al-Golani.
“They are traitors, extremists, and mercenaries,” Mardac said, referring to al-Sharaa’s followers.
“They don’t represent the Druze people or our values.”
Sweida, a predominantly Druze province, has become the epicenter of violent confrontations in recent weeks, with more than 1,300 people killed amid the fighting.
Regime forces have launched multiple offensives, and Islamist factions have reportedly executed civilians and prisoners in the streets.
Graphic videos have circulated widely on social media, including footage showing young Druze men executed in Sweida city’s Tishreen Square and others being shot while forced to jump from balconies.
Amid the chaos, reports have surfaced of Israeli aid reaching the Druze stronghold.
The Syrian research group Nors claimed on Sunday that four Israeli military helicopters landed in the area overnight, allegedly delivering weapons and logistical supplies to Druze militias loyal to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the community’s spiritual leader.
Al-Hijri, a vocal critic of al-Sharaa, has announced the establishment of “special judicial committees” to manage incoming aid and uphold civilian protections.
These include teams focused on humanitarian distribution, medical care, missing persons, and legal affairs.
A British intelligence official familiar with the conflict warned Israel not to trust al-Sharaa or his associates.
“Al-Golani has surrounded himself with ISIS elements,” the officer said.
“If I were Israel, I’d be very careful about signing any agreements with them.”
Despite a fragile ceasefire, Mardac and other Druze civilians continue to plead for international attention and support.
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