Israeli Druze community leader mourns death of Capt. Wassem Mahmoud in Gaza

The head of the Druze community in Israel, Sheikh Muafak Tarif, commented on the community's contribution and sacrifice to Israel's security following the announcement of the death of Capt. Wassem Mahmoud  in Rafah on Saturday.

"The Druze community pays once again a very heavy price in this war. Capt. Waseem Mahmoud, may his memory be blessed, from Beit Jann, joins a long list of Druze fallen who sacrificed their lives for the security of the state since the outbreak of the war."

He then expressed sympathy for Mahmoud's family, and said,"The family, who hoped and waited for their officer son to return home for the holiday, receives this terrible news on the holiday eve. Their son will return, but to eternal rest."

Tarif continued, "Once again, we discover in the battlefield the partnership and equality in bearing the burden and loss. This partnership and equality must also be in everyday life, but sadly, this is not the case. The Druze community must be equal partners not only in battle and mourning but also in life."

He concluded, "The Druze community grieves and shares in the sorrow of the families of the fallen soldiers, including Sergeant Waseem. May his memory and the memory of all the fallen be cherished in our hearts forever."