The Defense Ministry, together with the Association of Released Druze Officers, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), and Mifal Hapais, inaugurated on Wednesday the Saban Druze Warrior Heritage Center in the Galilee town of Kisra-Sumei. The event focused on honoring generations of Druze service to Israel, as lead donor Israeli-American Haim Saban used the ceremony to call for repealing Israel’s 2018 Nation-State Law.
“This is a deeply emotional day. Our brave Druze brothers finally have a home of their own, a home that tells a story of heroism, sacrifice, and a shared destiny with the State of Israel,” Saban said. “I am proud to play a role in this national heritage project, and I believe the time has come to repeal the Nation-State Law.”
Built by the Defense Ministry’s Engineering and Construction Directorate on roughly 0.9 hectares allocated by the local council, the complex spans several thousand square meters and is set to host students, soldiers, and visitors from Israel and abroad. It includes heritage galleries, classrooms, an outdoor ceremonial plaza, and an auditorium of about 500 seats.
Attending were Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Muwaffak Tarif; IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir; Defense Ministry Director-General Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram; FIDF CEO and National Director Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nadav Padan; and Mifal Hapais Director-General Benny Dreyfus, alongside senior defense officials and Druze community leaders.
“FIDF is proud to help establish a center that reflects the fighting spirit, loyalty, and inseparable partnership of the Druze community with the State of Israel and the IDF,” said Padan. “It stands as a symbol of our appreciation for past, present, and future generations of courageous fighters who safeguard Israel’s resilience.”
Center's inauguration underway for years
The Nation-State Law, passed in 2018 as a Basic Law, defines Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, establishes Hebrew as the state language, and gives Arabic a “special status.” The law does not anchor a constitutional equality clause, a point that has drawn sustained criticism, including from many in the Druze community who serve in the IDF.
Planning for a national Druze heritage center has been underway for years with backing from Saban and FIDF. Early outlines described a facility that would tell the story of Druze contributions to the IDF and the state and include a large auditorium and educational spaces.