6 – September 2009 DRUZEDRUZE INTERNATIONALINTERNATIONAL MAGAZINEMAGAZINE

V 3.3, Issue 6 – September 2009 DRUZEDRUZE INTERNATIONALINTERNATIONAL MAGAZINEMAGAZINE

f the Druze The Voice o

AWN FAJR - THE D ا AL ر ت ا روز

GGHADAHADA AALL AATRASHTRASH JJANBEYANBEY QuestionQuestion ofof IdentityIdentity

REINCARNATIONREINCARNATION Dr.Dr. ErlendurErlendur Haraldsson,Haraldsson, Ph.D.Ph.D. ALSO INCLUDES ALSO INCLUDES

HOLYHOLY LANDLAND

HHOUSTONOUSTON CCONVENTIONONVENTION BELGIUMBELGIUM

MONTREALMONTREAL ENGLANDENGLAND FRANCEFRANCE SILVERSILVER JUBILEEJUBILEE AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA BRAZILBRAZIL LebanonLebanon ARGENTINAARGENTINA DFSWDFSW AnnualAnnual DinnerDinner

SSYRIAYRIA -S-SWAIDAWAIDA DistinguishedDistinguished DiscoveringDiscovering MyMy RootsRoots DruzeDruze Dr.Dr. AdalAdal HamdanHamdan TakieddineTakieddine

Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe. EEE E "You give but little giveof possessiyourbut when you give "You "You give but little giveof possessiyourbut when you give "You "You give but little giveof possessiyourbut when you give "You little giveof possessiyourbut when you give "You L L I I A A M M e cie atcpns f u future our of change allow and back sit participants or possibilities active be we only have eachwe other toon depend us; support countryto Druze a have not do happening, minds their cannotchange anything.” change cannot who those and change, iiih us diminish T L L I I A A M M always feel welcome to participate. participate. to welcome feel always should families their and blood Druze no matter what, what, matter no Druze, everyone welcome must We land. nativeof regardless or out, Reach is. it small big your how matter in no active all community Druze Be can we together. that overcome one but task daunting intermarriage, through conversion faith & the “modern ways”. world, modern vast the into away melted be to threatened growing is smaller community now world &Druze world the yet but increasing are numbers Our the East. Middle the in Druze around the outnumber all way react.” numerous once we decide to actto decide we once numerous o neoe s hc wl ultimately will which us envelope to B tecag yuwn osein h old " d. worl the n i see to want you change the "Be S Wehr e ie t r o cag is change not or it like we Whether without impossible is “Progress Society,Druze Beloved My So what should we do? It is a a is It do? we should what So their made have immigrants Druze HAUKI HE : : : : Or aube eiae is heritage valuable Our ! DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R ih now right .

A E noe ih do of drop a with anyone D@ D@ @ D H D@ Te osblte are possibilities “The L P UBLISHER F E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R ALIME ! We can decide to decide can We ! DITOR AJR W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O and not and & E & , USA , T give." Gibran KhalilGibran Gibran give." KhalilGibran Gibran give." give." Gibran KhalilGibran Gibran give." KhalilGibran Gibran give." We . . HE

DITOR ulcto o ti eiin w wl be will we edition, this of publication ciey atcpt i yu Druze your in communityyouever may where live. to participate you encourage actively & world the around own your Druze various the about live learn you as faith truly to you inspire will eertn tre er o “ of years three celebrating us strong connected. us and keeps which community own our diversity within the to of meant us inform is and enlighten inclusion Every families. inclusion is magazine this of hallmarks the of One community. new their in alive world culture the keep to the able is area each around how with along spread has heritage and culture beautiful our how about read every grow to every day. having in Druze way, continue we and world the around country of the thousands along reached evolved and grown have We magazine. this treasure to come have they much how Dawn

... . D

M M O O C C M M O O C C ’ I Faithfully yours, Faithfully t s ad o eiv ta wt the with that believe to hard is It e oe ht “ that hope We Many readers value the opportunity to opportunity the value readers Many Shauki Shauki S AW . o ay ae hrd ih us with shared have many So ”. C

D w se t icue l Druze all include to seek we : HIEF ons. It is when you give of yourself that you trul whenyou isthat giveof It you yourself ons. ons. It is when you give of yourself that you trul whenyou isthat giveof It you yourself ons. ons. It is when you give of yourself that you trul whenyou isthat giveof It you yourself ons. ons. It is when you give of yourself that you trul whenyou isthat giveof It you yourself ons. M : S ESK l ar h Dawn The Fajr Al HAUKI AGAZIE

tremendously H l ar The Fajr Al I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V ALIME

” E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S

Next Issue Next willinclude: You Tell You & Us STRAIGHT TALK LEBANON - DFSW ENGLAND - -USA HOUSTON CONVENTION REINCARNATION Al Atrash Janbey Ghada Contact Information MemoriamIn You!Thank Congratulations! Scholarship Award Winners - CANADA Toronto -USA Michigan, S. Cal, TriState -USA Seattle Chapter Druze Council of North America BRAZIL AUSTRALIA FRANCE BELGIUM MONTREAL, CANADA ARGENTINA HOLY LAND NAJJAR Dr. Abdullah First My Druze Convention Heart Courage& - Rajaa Halabi American Gen. 1st a as Path My UPCOMING EVENTS DRUZEDISTINGUISHED -SYRIA 6

– 6 6 6 VENEZUELA! Swaida Swaida ––– Inside this issue: issue: this Inside S Silver Silver Jubilee SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

y y y y y y y y

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

42-44 42-44 32, 3432, 4511, 1310, 3 25-26 7, 37 7, 35 8,

29 29 49 49 47 39 38 33 21 46 28 22 19 17 23 15 20 16 27 31 9 5 4 3

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M Ghada Al Atrash

Janbey British Columbia, CAN The Question of Identity By Ghada Al Atrash Janbey

Ghada Al Atrash Janbey is a Weekly Columnist in the Cranbrook Daily Townsman newspaper, in Cranbrook, BC, Canada. She holds a Master of Arts in English Literature with an emphasis on Post- Colonial Literature from the University of Oklahoma, USA. Her undergraduate degree is a BA in Business and International Studies from Abilene Christian University, Texas. She worked at Harken Energy Corporation in Texas prior to pursuing her graduate studies. She was also an Adjunct Lecturer of Arabic at the University of Oklahoma. A member of Rotary International. Ghada Al Atrash is married to Dr. Ehsan Janbey & a mother of three - Selma (11), Aamer (5), and Marcel (3). She migrated with her family from Syria in 1986. The daughter of former Syrian Ambassador, Dr. Jabr Al-Atrash. Director of the New Pen League in New York, formed to carry on with Gibran khalil’s original New York Pen League.

s an Arab Druze raised in the preserve and renew the traditions of their cultural product as strength rather than United States of America, the past, and moreover, expect their children to weakness? Our children are a A question of identity has always embrace their mythic memory and the representation of that amalgam, the played a critical role in my formation as an utopian past that they themselves have left mutuality of the old and the new, one that individual. My family emigrated from Syria in behind. allows for the past to emerge into a 1986, and my parents’ relentless struggle developed, refined, and growing product. was to make certain that their culture and In turn, the question of identity becomes a beliefs were a part of their children’s makeup constant pressure for both—old and new We must learn, and further recognize, that it and identity in a new, foreign society. generations. Parents is impossible to be solely the old in a new naturally long to instill existence. However, what is possible is to The West ignited a deep fear in their their views and traditions preserve that old while embracing the hearts. Their concern lied in the and cultural beliefs in new , in a hybrid third space. We must uncertainty of what could become of their their children, but the accept that some of our cultural practices children who neither fully shared their old children are in turn will be compromised in order to allow for the beliefs nor were completely a part of the presented with quite a new to evolve. new culture, but rather a third culture, an complicated undertaking amalgam of the old and the new. And it is as the indoctrinated I will leave my readers with a familiar this third culture, the hybrid product of the cultural practices are excerpt from Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet fusion between two cultures and identities, nowhere to be found in that sums up my thoughts. which I will discuss in this short article. the new surroundings, a

cry often heard from our Your children are not your children The hybrid product is often looked at by second generation Druze voices struggling They are the sons and daughters of many of us a negative connotation to construct an identity. Life’s longing for itself. insinuating the denial of the traditions of the They come through you but not from past to continue. However, after living in the Here, a notion often discussed in literature you, West for more than twenty years, I have known as “cultural diversity” becomes And though they are with you yet they come to believe otherwise. The hybrid relevant within the context of our article. belong not to you. product is rather the continuation of the This notion calls for the recognition of pre- You may give them your love but not mutual development of the old and the given cultural contents acquired form one’s your thoughts, new. It is a beautiful blend of the two past, and further examines how the intermix For they have their own thoughts. cultures – taking the best from both worlds. of the pre-given components with the You may house their bodies but not present is what yields each collective their souls, There are certainly legitimate reasons for identity in a multicultural humanity. for their souls dwell in the house of first generation immigrants to shrink away tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not from the new culture that threatens to It is important to keep in mind that the pre- even in your dreams. envelope them. They begin to realize that given/old that we hold onto is safe and You may strive to be like them, they are in danger of losing their old preserved in our children’s identity, and is, but seek not to make them like you. traditions and identity, and in turn, they furthermore, part of the new fusion of For life goes not backward nor tarries become uncompromisingly determined to cultures. Why not reflect on the hybridized with yesterday. 4 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is fatal: final, it not isfailurenot is Success Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is fatal: final, it not isfailurenot is Success Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is fatal: final, it not isfailurenot is Success is fatal: final, it not isfailurenot is Success L L I I A A M M do so in theso do USA. survey representative a has countries Islamic the among Turkey in Only same. the exactly never is population its of belief L L I I A A M M . e ie oee atr et i a non- a in death after forever live We 1. of forms basic twoafter-death existence. die. with we up after on come live They will we that the belief share Hinduism, & Buddhism Christianity, Islam, religions, major the All life? . h tid n nnrlgos view non-religious and third The 3. will we but death survive only not We 2. n w hv lvd pyia life physical a lived have we And rejects anyrejects after life of death.idea the Buddism, among Islam & the Druze Alevites of Turkey & Syria. in within view & Hinduisn dominant the is & Reincarnation born. were we before existence. physical into again born be & Judaism withIslam important exceptions. Christianity, dominant in the doctrine is This world. physical We The official dogma of a religion & the & religion a of dogma official The : : : : REINCARNATION REINCARNATION DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R going to die. What What die. further a there Is then? to are going we that know all D@ D@ @ D D@ lvts u also but Alevites 23% believe in in 22% n believe & a reincarnation e p o r 23% u that E show countries 2 3 in Surveysbelief. this share Sunnis some only not that in shows n which i believed reincarnation f e i 31% l e b There reincarnation. e h t on conducted been E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R W W W W Resides in Iceland, Iceland, in Resides E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O the field of Reincarnation studies) and has publish has and studies) Reincarnation field of the

oeie te ae ny or o five, to four only or are they scenes Sometimes lot. a vary some may number their & episodes, only is life whole a remembered, that so their never to is It them lead death. that of events many the remember particular their for their In did lived they livelihood. what who sometimes & people them, around the lived, name, location previous the they of where memories some have also may children The age. young rather a at place took usually describe children these that death unexpected sudden, the that is this for reason The home. previous their find to want they that & parents, real their to back go to want they that parents their to say may they thatis children these drowning a phobia may water. have of of memories with person a example, For died. they how to of memories the relate that they phobias also have sometimes children , These t n murder. e d i or war of actions c c a by death death, gone of violenta through images/memories frequent having the such as features, interesting reveals cases such of contents the of Analysis three. to two of age the round life previous a about particularly around world them. is the to have exposed little who been This children young in a life? interesting from episodes of previous memories people, have to some claim adults, also but do more even children Why reincarnation. out the world. He will be a guest speaker at the C the at a will speaker guest He be world. the out P nte feun caatrsi of characteristic frequent Another uh hlrn sal sat o speak to start usually children Such to related question another is There ... . AST M M O O C C M M O O C C the courage to continue that counts. counts. thecontinue that to courage the courage to continue that counts. - counts. thecontinue that to courage the courage to continue that counts. counts. thecontinue that to courage the courage to continue that counts. counts. thecontinue that to courage has studied and researched Reincarnation with Prof. with Reincarnation researched and has studied

L IFE I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V ed numerous studies & journals oncases &through- journals studies ed numerous M Professor Emeritus of Psychology Psychology of Emeritus Professor By Dr. Erlendur Haraldsson, Ph.D. Haraldsson, Erlendur ByDr. oras cn lo e on o my on found be also can & journals the Druze community is New Clothes For Clothes New is community Druze the for Particularlyrelevant 2005. in published l Souls Old Haraldsson published in 2006 by the the by 2006 Druze FoundationHeritage in London. in published Haraldsson oeae http://www.hi.is/~erlendur/ homepage: in several published been on have cases Reports individual countries. other in & Lebanon, & Lanka Sri in cases hundred such instances other characteristics attempts of verification have failed. In & statements. events child’s the to extent large a to correspond life whose died found who been has born was child the person before deceased A number. have others few a & author The subject. the about articles many & books several of University pioneeredVirginia in research this & wrote the of Stevenson Ian Prof. been to made verify these in children.memories have attempts Many imagination? of fictions they or are or them in truth some facts different into down twenty statements. broken be around these can average the memories On mentioned. facts different are dozens few a sometimes i Tce hs rte a highly a written Life Before Life has book: recommendable Tucker Jim ic 18 I ae tde about studies have I 1988 Since have memories alleged these Do leveland Convention in November2009. in leveland Convention E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S EMORIES - --- Churchill Winston y u Pafi & Erlendur & Playfair Guy by Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Winston Winston Churchill Winston 6

– 6 6 6 University of Iceland Iceland Universityof Ian Stevenson (a pioneer in(a Stevenson pioneer Ian ––– S e f i l in - t success s of a degree p in a had have memories e truth s e h t of some kernel is there if out find to attempts The many the world. of in countries different found cases of a number fair investigated also SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E & &

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

. 5

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M USA - Houston Magnificent Houston Thanksgiving Convention “A Tremendous Success”

Reported by: Shauki Halime, USA ADS President, Mr. Souheil What a wonderful convention, which will never be forgotten Ghaoui, Houston Chapter (on Left) by all who attended. The warmth and hospitality of the Houston presenting the award to Gala MC, Mr. Ray Helal Chapter was more than any one expected. No wonder it was Dr. Clovis Maksoud selected as the Chapter of the Year. It was clear the entire community, worked together under the outstanding leadership of Mr. Souheil Ghaoui, to make this a fantastic event, from the initial warm welcome to the final goodbye. Many new friends were made by everyone.

Over 800 individuals attended, families came from everywhere, which made for a diverse and interesting atmosphere and made it a National Convention. The dynamic and hardworking Convention Chair, Mr. Tarek Amine seemed to never sleep as he ensured the smooth running of all the activities and events. The entire team seemed to work ADS President, Mr. Souheil effortlessly together to make sure guests of all ages had a great Ghaoui, Houston Chapter (on Right) time, the planning had started over a year before and it The Dynamic Convention presents Mr. Moustafa Moukarim showed. Chair, Mr. Tarek Amine with Award The lovely Dima Suki, Ph.D. put together a fantastic exhibition that was a unique, one of a kind presentation. The hospitality suite was constantly open with outstanding quality which highlighted the generosity of the Chapter & its sponsors.

The extraordinary Gala evening was a visual delight in green, each table had an amazing floral bouquet. The evenings MC was Mr. Ray Helal , the program also included a wonderful fashion show by Ms. Mouawad. Sheikh Moustafa Moukarim was honored by the Houston Chapter as well as the distinguished Dr. Clovis Maksoud was made an honorary member, which was a touch of class. Houston Chapter Convention Board Members Dr. Anis Obeid, Dr. Melhim Salman with Sheikh Moustafa Moukarim presented a number of very valuable Our warmest thanks & appreciation to everyone who seminars during the convention. The trip to the NASA space helped make this a memorable and outstanding center was a very interesting an enlightening adventure. Convention. We are looking forward to repeat this Event in Houston.

6 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M L L I I A A M M : : : : DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R D@ D@ @ D D@ Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character. becomes attitude of weakness of Weakness Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character. becomes attitude of weakness of Weakness Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character. becomes attitude of weakness of Weakness Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character. becomes attitude of weakness of Weakness E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C

I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V -

- --- Albert Einstein Albert Albert Einstein Albert Einstein Albert Albert Einstein Albert E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S 6

– 6 6 6 ––– S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E 9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M HOLY LAND The Druze --- Identity and Current Challenges By: Mr. Said Naffaa A Member of the Israeli Knesset for the Arab National Democratic Assembly.

November 2, 1947, or were agreed to receive the people who had been removed populations who resided, and forcefully from the Jewish are still, on that land. section, or who have been received by Israel from Jordan Therefore, it has dealt and according to the Rhudos still deals with them, not as a Agreements of 1949. national and unified minority, but as groups of minorities Israel considered this a according to their religious dangerous demographic problem, and sectarian groups. This and their main issue was: How to gives them religious rights, The Druze sect, as it is known, is a deal with this minority? but not equal citizenship or Middle Eastern religious minority group. human rights as an Ethnically and culturally they are Arab; Israel was aware of the indigenous population. their ethnic origin goes back to the original consequences of recognizing Arab clans living in the region, and their these people as a national minority because The more dangerous treatment was the religious origin as an Islamic reform such recognition meant that Israel would have old doctrine of "divide-and-rule." Israel movement goes back to the 11 th Century. to give them national rights according to implemented a policy that aimed at dealing The sect developed in Egypt as an offshoot international law. with the sects separately. It took the small of Shi’a Isma’ilism under the rule of the sects and imposed special policies on each in sixth caliph of the Fatimid dynasty of Furthermore, it could not transfer them order to separate them from the other sects of Egypt, Alhakim Biamrillah (AD 966- the population. At times, Israel even 1020). created contradictory interests between them when it suited its aims. Worldwide, there are approximately 1.3 million Druze, who live mainly in The Druze were, of course, part of this Syria (approx. 50%), Lebanon (approx. environment, and they were the first 40%), Jordan (approx. 1%), and Israel sacrifice of this policy, followed by other (approx. 5%). small sects like the Circassians.

The Druze community living in Israel Israeli policy has aimed at recasting the resides in eighteen mountainous villages Druze religious identity as a national in the north of the country. In 2007, the identity, thus separating and alienating Druze community in Israel numbered them from other Arab citizens of Israel. approximately 96,000 souls (approx. 1.4% of Israel’s population; approx. 7% of the In the words of Ya’acov Shimoni, an Arab minority). early Foreign Ministry official, Israel would use the Druze as “the sharp blade In 1948, they numbered of a knife to stab in the back of Arab approximately 13,200 souls, which is unity.” about 9% of the remaining 156,000 Mr. Said Naffa with Mr. Shauki Halime at the Druze Palestinians after the Naqba and Convention in Washington, DC, in July 2009. In 1951, the Israeli Parliament (The establishment of Israel. Knesset) legislated the Compulsory as it had previously done with the rest of the Military Service Law, which stated that every The majority of the Palestinians, Palestinian population, because under the Israeli citizen must be mobilized in the "IDF," including the Druze, who remained in the aforementioned 1949 Rhudos Agreement, whatever his national identity. This law also area being controlled by the new state were Israel had received additional land held by authorized the Israeli government to exempt residents of the part of Palestine that was Jordan in the area of the Mouthalath. In certain individuals or groups for individual, supposed to be part of the Palestinian state, exchange for receiving the land, Israel had in accordance with U.N. resolution of (Continued on page 38) 8 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E American living with newly immigrated immigrated newly with living American & cultural the hard adding is without school enough, high in friends Making highGoLetting& Academia reach I time school. curious. the more by become Especially to me caused asked, so” said I “Because generic & “No” the like, answers Soon, always why?” “But & that?” do who you do “Why that?” what’s “Mommy, kids those of one was anxious I but me, know who those to surprise a as come maynot This assimilate around us. social circlesthe into to was it taboo how ethnic imagine by couldyou said, That life. of way& routes town, Arab their preserve understandingto strove who parents beach to Caucasian, element predominately a in raised key was I balance. a is age, young a at find to came I Challenge, California Malibu, Adolescence:1980’s take. you can daring, paths paved many not are there parents, is generation first a taken you’re if yet time, same not the At scary! darn pretty & questionable, path a toward steps anyone Taking one. pioneer, become could a be to easy were it If HeartIsthe WhereHome is L L I I A A M M L L I I A A M M : : : : DDD In this life we cannot Butalwayswe life dothings. great this In In this life we cannot Butalwayswe life dothings. great this In

D In this life we cannot Butalwayswe life dothings. great this In In this life we cannot Butalwayswe life dothings. great this In E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R D@ D@ @ D D@ E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R

W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O Generation AmericanAmerican Generation Generation Generation AmericanAmerican Generation Generation a Project Manager in the legal department of the ph the of department legal the in Manager Project a where she also completed a semester abroad at Ameri at abroad semester a completed also she where

s h frt oa i m family my in woman first the As having the chance, receiving the the receiving chance, the actually about having doubt with filled was myselfIprepwork, the allsetting was I Cal’s discuss to took opportunity could, I every as scholarships many dream as for applied I So challenge!! my a was (“Cal”), Berkeley UC college, attending marriage, than even for other home from reasons away move to f o r e n o creatively. i society s into s been integrate i to m not inspired m o I C had “ Entertainment” s a stage on or court the on activities be extracurricular to time spare my would of all dedicating to myself applied family would I think don’t I comfortable. my terms that school through life social a have to way a found I services, & school Through team counsel. student basketball school high myjoined Igaps. culturalthe bridge to way a find to relentless became I this, “stricter-than- Despite a home. at upbringing average” & clashes linguistic raised between the states & Lebanon. She is a gradu a is She Lebanon. & states the between raised The second of Bahij & Suzanne Abu-Khzam's four daug four Abu-Khzam's Suzanne & Bahij of second The ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C engaged to be married to her sweetheart, Fadi Khair Fadi sweetheart, her to married be to engaged My Path as a 1st 1st 1st a a as as Path Path My My My Path as a 1st 1st 1st a a as as Path Path My My

e d a u Though them. s to r e p attempt an in visit campus to them y inspired even & n to parents, my a attributes m we can do small things with great love.great dosmall can thingswith we we can do small things with great love. love. great dosmall can thingswith we we can do small things with great love.great dosmall can thingswith we we can do small things with great love.great dosmall can thingswith we I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V Hana with her parents, Suzanne and Bahij Bahij and Bahij Suzanne and Suzanne parents, her parents, with her Hana with Hana Hana with her parents, Suzanne and Bahij and Bahij Suzanne and Suzanne parents, her parents, with her Hana with Hana ee togt t ol atal come. actually would it thought never I years, for moment that of dreamt had evenIthoughbecause criedI that now realize I excitement.moment, that at back Looking bittersweet with hair my on yanking mom my finally & down, in her upjumping watching of lot a joy,& pride of tears first, mom my the to stuttering news remember I my parents? to news the break acceptance to going I was Cal's I How when oneday. mymailbox in package found white turning actually remember I wonderhave "what to didn't if?” I so apply to wanted just I mother, my toexplained I As attenduniversity. dream my even to package, acceptance undergrad and Harvard Law School) in 2010. 2010. in School) Law Harvard and undergrad armaceutical company Amgen. She is 26 & & 26 is She Amgen. company armaceutical E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S ate of University of California, Berkeley Berkeley California, of University of ate can University of Beirut (AUB). Hana is is Hana (AUB). Beirut of University can hters, Hana was born in California & & California in born was Hana hters, Amer, (he is a graduate of UCLA UCLA of graduate a is (he Amer, (Continued on page 36) page on (Continued 6

By Hana B. AbuBy HanaB. Khzam – 6 6 6 ––– S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M

Make Schedule of lans! Upcoming PPP Druze For Convention Details - check our website

www.DruzeWorldwide.com click on EVENTS Conventions All information and program details are listed there. Check Cleveland, Ohio, USA www.DruzeWorldwide.com Nov 25 to 29, 2009 under EVENTS The 10th Annual Mini Convention for more details !! Please make a plan to DR. ERLUNDER HARALDS SON

join your friends and family ** Special Guest Speaker on Reincarnation during the Thanksgiving Young Adult Activities BRAZIL Holiday. Some events Religious Educational Seminars planned are listed at right. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Oct 9 12, 2009 We hope to see you there! Entertainment Sao Paulo - 3rd Annual Thanksgiving weekend USA Sao Paulo, BRAZIL Nov 25 29, 2009 Cleveland, Ohio Oct 9 12, 2009 10th Annual Mini - Conv.

3rd Unitarist DRUZE International & VENEZUELA 2nd Young BRAZILIAN DRUZE Convention January, 2010

Maturin The event will take place at the headquarters of Lar Druzo Brasileiro (Brazilian Druze Home) 24th Annual Conv. All are welcome! AUSTRALIA January 2010 Maturin, VENEZUELA 5th Annual BDW January 2010 CANADA At the 5 Star Morichal Largo Hotel May 21 24, 2010 Organizing Committee Members Toronto, Ontario The Schedule plans for a 7th Annual Convention Great Arab Night, so bring a costume! USA Jun 29 Jul 4, 2010 Michigan Nisrin Yordi Acram Abou 64th Annual Convention Abou Chakra Said 10 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M EmirRiman Sincerely, the entire community. of success and reducing joy the the revealing world, and distances the all around integrates druze somehow that work your all the for Congratulations Haime, Shauki Mr. Dear BRAZIL Y L L I I A A M M The best and most beautiful things in life cannotb beautifullife most and in thingsbest The The best and most beautiful things in life cannotb beautifullife most and in thingsbest The The best and most beautiful things in life cannotb beautifullife most and in thingsbest The The best and most beautiful things in life cannotb beautifullife most and in thingsbest The President President Abouchacra Nader regards, Best example. good a setting youare Congratulations, work. hard the up Keep together. work to w and dynamic passionate, personality, charming of and person a are You heights. new achieving are You extra push. little per many for motivator a is and very informative is th pu you that material the with magazine your think for I congratulations and thanks you work hard the all for and magazine instructive our accept Please Halime Mr.Shauki Dear Canadian Druze Society (Quebec) (Quebec) Society Druze Canadian : : : : DDD D OU E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R D@ D@ @ D D@ E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R T W W W W

E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O

ELL London, ENGLANDLondon, British Druze Society PresidentDruze Society British AbouChakra Ayad DAWN of issue the that I read appreciation & pleasure great with It is the BDS, which has celebrated its its celebrated you. has thank a sincere Jubilee, Silver which BDS, the of behalf on and personally, me From this the with magazine it. for set you have goals great achieve Druze you International help and ... . . May God bless your efforts, efforts, your bless God May . M M O O C C M M O O C C

sons who need a a need who sons have done. done. have t at our disposal disposal our at t U remarkable remarkable e are eager eager are e e seen, not touched, but are felt in the buttouched,in are seen,heart. felt e not e seen, not touched, but are felt in the heart. the buttouched,in are seen,heart. felt e not e seen, not touched, but are felt in the buttouched,in are seen,heart. felt e not e seen, not touched, but are felt in the buttouched,in are seen,heart. felt e not L AR THE FAJR AL s well is

H S ERE

I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V ’ …. …. S Vancouver,BC,CANADA Allah bless us all. us all. bless Allah Please keep up your good work and we we way.Thanks! the and youall support will work good your up success. keep a Please magazine this make to work woman that have paved the way for us. us. & for way men the paved the have that all woman always. remember way always Druze Let's the celebrate Let's to us allows our what & tides. the survive & identify is magazine existence this unique in written every article with agree I obvious. is inspiration our & something for much so sacrificed & faith. & struggled youth have all we Druze many our so Like of prosperity & hope with future the at look I children beautiful the & future two of thefather & husband a As possibilities. about excited so am I time. volunteered of amazing this of hours endless with together put magazine, creation crucial the many to so Thanks read to Magazine. the in culture our nice about articles so is It SamSouky of DAWN your issues through events successful community our all of informed be to like would I Shauki Dear Edmonton, AB,CANADA Daniel Zeid Jaber Daniel What’s Your Thoughts?

WHAT at: usonline, with connect Also, for &content. clarity, chosen phone length, for edited Comments be may publication and number. Country) (including address, name, your include Please to: comments your send Please [email protected] [email protected] www.DruzeWorldwide.com , I am proud of you and your hard hard your and you of proud am I , E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S

FEW 6

– 6 6 6 –––

S READERS

SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E AL FAJR THE THE FAJR AL

SAID 9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M ARGENTINA My Druze History

By Mr. Edil Quintar Has lived in Argentina all his life, is married and is active in Druze events as much as possible. This article is also in Spanish later in this issue.

all the livestock he had & usually in such today, Jujuy. Of course he was not storms no one survives. Having spent prosecuted because no crime was weeks searching, they gave him up for committed but was political persecution. dead & sent condolences to his mother for so unfortunate an incident. In Jujuy he founded his winery, which currently produces & sells more than all started with a dream in the But he had not given up, as he had 1,000,000 liters per month of wine & his early 1900’s when Mohamed found a cave in the mountains where he achievement was one of the most It Al Kontar (father of my survived by eating raw meat & kept warm mother) decided that in Lebanon there with the fur of animals that had died. From were no opportunities for him & his there, & once the family had earned some family. He then emigrated from Lebanon money, they returned to Lebanon. His with his father & brothers to Argentina parents did not want him to return him to because he heard that it could "make Argentina, & so married him very young America" or in other words it had to a Druze woman (Madcur) & they had a sufficient wealth & abundance as to earn daughter. money & progress. But he had already known Argentina They arrived as immigrants, to the & he decided to return alone, leaving his family at Lebanon. I never knew the important industries in the province. He reasons, whether they were economic or separated from his second wife in sentimental. My maternal grandfather was Argentina & his 1st wife being my Mohamed Al Kontar (here called Manuel grandmother (Madcur) of which was born Quintar, spanish name) he was the son of my mother. He never forgot his 2nd wife Zaki Arslam (one of the latest titles from & always sent economic aid throughout Lebanon). He also left a brother who their lives (The daughter of his 2nd wife, turned out to be the Ambassador of has been in charge the Argentinean Lebanon in Argentina (Riad Al Kontar). embassy in China). He came alone, with high hopes of a The story of the father of my father is future bound to succeed on the basis of capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, it was no less important, as he also came from fruitful work. The City of San Juan was Lebanon in early 1900’s, & decided to go full of immigrants trying to get a job. He producing wine, so he decided to learn then headed north where they heard the to the city of Catamarca (Tinogasta) where winemaking & began to make wine. He he worked from sun to sun, too with the opportunities were better & established also married an Argentina woman & had a themselves in the city of San Juan aim of winning because in Lebanon he was daughter. With a lot of hard work he a stoker of a boiler in a leather factory. (Caucete) where he wanted to do all kinds founded his first winery, but when the of business that made a profit. One of the Governor decided to put a price on wine, it They lived in an area with many wild most daring was to bring cattle to Chile bankrupted his business. He decided to animals so he started a business selling crossing the Cordillera de Los Andes pull the grapes trees out by the roots & the furs with traders in the capital of (hills), but even if he made money with Governor decided to put him in prison. Argentina, which helped him to sell this business, it was very risky. To the His wife, in an act of love decided to go to products there & bring their products to point that on one of his trips, he his aid & asked to visit him in prison people of his town also. encountered a snowstorm also called where they exchanged clothes & got free. “white wind” 5,000 meters high & it killed Then he went to the city where we live (Continued on page 40) 12 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE OUR DRUZE FAMILIES IN AUSTRALIA IN FAMILIES DRUZE OUR E AUSTRALIA IN FAMILIES DRUZE OUR OUR DRUZE FAMILIES IN AUSTRALIA BDW AUSTRALIA BDW IN FAMILIES DRUZE OUR L L I I A A M M L L I I A A M M Love is the only force capable of transforming an e capable transforming an force of only the is Love Love is the only force capable of transforming an e capable transforming an force of only the is Love Love is the only force capable of transforming an e capable transforming an force of only the is Love Love is the only force capable of transforming an e capable transforming an force of only the is Love : : : : DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R D@ D@ @ D D@ E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R W W W W OUR DRUZE FAMILIES IN IN FAMILIES DRUZE OUR OUR DRUZE FAMILIES IN IN FAMILIES DRUZE OUR E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C

VICTORIA VICTORIA

OUR DRUZE FAMILIES IN AUSTRALIA IN FAMILIES DRUZE OUR OUR DRUZE FAMILIES IN AUSTRALIA IN FAMILIES DRUZE OUR ARGENTINA ARGENTINA nemy to a to friend.— nemy nemy to a to friend.nemy nemy to a to friend.nemy nemy to a to friend.nemy

I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V —Martin Luther King,—— Jr. —Martin

Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S 6

– 6 6 6 ––– ARGENTINA QuintarEdil In S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

BDW BDW BDW BDW

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M SSTRAIGHTTRAIGHT TTALKALK The Druze in America have been here for generations now. We have the ADS organization which was formed by our honorable forefathers with the understanding to keep our beliefs alive and well in this country for our future generations. Many individuals have volunteered and spent countless hours in serving their community over the years to keep the Druze Traditions alive and the community together. Their efforts and sacrifice are to be commended! Yet there are many hurdles to overcome with difficult challenges ahead and we keep doing the same things while expecting different results . Frank and open dialogue is necessary , for new ideas will move our organization forward into the future. This page is dedicated to comments, constructive suggestions & open dialogue. Do you have something to say? If you have a comment and/or possible solutions you are welcome to submit it to : [email protected] Please include your name, Country, and phone number (your name will remain confidential if you so choose ). Comments chosen for publication may be edited for length, clarity, & content. Also, connect with us online, at: www.DruzeWorldwide.com

Affordability For The Youth at Cleveland Mini Convention: The idea behind the youth convention that is now known as the mini convention, was to attract the largest amount of youth possible. Events were planned in an atmosphere that gives them a chance to get acquainted. “It seems to me the ADS Conventions are Now the cost of registration along with optional youth events is $230/youth . A shared hotel room is only for the rich and $300. Airline ticket about $300. Total cost is $830/youth minimum without any personal expenses. those that can afford How many college students or recent graduates can afford this expense? it. Conventions should be for all Druze to I have two college students of my own & I know first hand how hard is it for them. Judging from the come together. amount of youth who attend the convention to those who are left behind, we have to be creative in finding a solution that allows more young adults to attend. Hind, Tri-State Those who work tirelessly to achieve successful conventions are much appreciated & should be rewarded. Making it possible for the largest amount of our young adults to attend is the best possible reward. The Theme for one of the conventions was "OUR YOUTH OUR FUTURE" let us make that a reality by making it affordable for them to attend. AMEEN HALABI, Oklahoma

Some Suggestions !! The free rooms the ADS receives from the Hotel for putting on the Convention can be used to reduce the cost of the Convention “I would like to overall or specifically for the Youth. attend Dr but the ruze Con prices are ventions Youth that Sign up before a deadline, or 1st 50 Young Adults to too high of my fri for me sign-up will pay half price, etc. ends. W & many b hy can’t t e made m the Conv Hotel Cost for youth could be partially subsidized by the ADS, ie. more affo entions c rdable fo Youth Rooms only $49. (within age guidelines, etc.) an come? r us so w ?” e all More Youth should be involved to create solutions that will work Rami, a for them and to encourage more young adult participation. ge 22, Ca alifornia There are many ideas out there that would encourage more Youth attendance, please share them for the benefit of all. Thank you!!

14 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M L L I I A A M M : : : : DDD D To reach a port, we mustawe- sail port, reach To mustawe sail port, reach To To reach a port, we mustawe sail port, reach To mustawe sail port, reach To E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R D@ D@ @ D D@ E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O - --- sail, not tie at tiesail, at anchor not sail, not tie at - tiesail, at anchor not tiesail, at anchor not sail, not tie at tiesail, at anchor not ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C

- --- sail, not drift. drift. sail, not sail, not drift. drift. sail,- not drift. sail, not sail, not drift. drift. sail, not I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V - --- E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S Franklin Roosevelt Franklin Franklin Roosevelt Franklin Roosevelt Franklin Franklin Roosevelt Franklin 6

– 6 6 6 ––– S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M

Heart & Courage

By Rajaa Nadim Halabi

Rajaa Nadim Halabi was born in Bchamoon, Lebanon and currently resides in New Jersey with her family. She is twenty years old, in college and is pursuing a double major in business finance along with economics. She is very intelligent with intentions to continue her education and receive the highest degree offered in her field of study.

myself from my family & from my friends. A Brother to Watch Over Me… I bottled up my emotions & swore to myself I would never let anybody in. After September 3rd, 1996 you came into this world. all, how could anyone really understand Your eyes wide open & your little toes curled how I felt? As I started to lose hope & my A healthy baby boy, so beautiful & small “Courage is not the absence of fear. outlook on life began to dwindle, my It is acting in spite of it.” o one knew your wisdom, your courage, or brother only worsened. your strength, you would show us all -Mark Twain You were a gift from god, a blessing, a miracle As I lived in fear, Amir thrived off his There are not many people who can in disguise illness. Even though he was afraid, his Everything in this world seemed right when I honestly say that their now eleven-year- head stood high & faithful. As I noticed looked into your eyes old brother changed their life. However, I the confidence & maturity that Amir pos- As precious as you were, a sickness you did am as fortunate as I am unfortunate to sessed, I realized I was not helping my suffer say that my little brother has. After Amir brother, my family, or myself by hiding Whatever came your way, it only made you was born, he contracted a rare disease; my emotions & by being afraid. Amir tougher so rare the doctors have yet to name it. needed his older sister to be strong & to You were wise beyond your years & always Amir was also born with have hope. Through the be- needed answers to your questions a very weak & underde- havior of my brave, intelligent, Everywhere you went you left the most veloped immune sys- & admirable brother, I finally unforgettable impressions tem. Amir was always in realized that courage is not “the Your sickness never stopped you from & out of hospitals his absence of fear” but it is how- following your heart entire childhood & en- ever, “acting in spite of it”. And You were friendly, lovable, compassionate, dured things that that so, as I stood outside of Amir’s & smart people should never hospital bedroom & my tears You changed the lives of everyone you met have to face in a life- began to flow, my stomach You had a charisma & presence people just time. My brother is my dropped, & my heart broke, I could not forget hero. would hold my head high & You had a smile that was contagious & bright have courage, just like my baby brother It would light up the world on a dark winter My family & I were also in & out of always did. night hospitals to comfort & visit my brother. You saw no race, religion, or creed The years had been exceedingly chal- Unfortunately, Amir passed away but You reached out your arms to people in need lenging emotionally, physically, & finan- with his passing, he left behind a pres- You were sicker than most & that you knew cially. Every time I would stand outside ence that I personally have never experi- But you had so many dreams you just had to of Amir’s hospital door, I would wait to enced before. I chose my brother be- pursue gain the courage to face the sight of cause I learned more from him than I You changed my life in ways you cannot see tubes & monitors & oxygen tanks con- have learned from anyone in my life. You made me the person that I want to be nected to my brother’s helpless body. Everything about him just amazed me. But on March 21st, the first day of spring I watched you pass away, unable to do a thing Amir has given me courage. His charm, his intelligence, his charisma, You were nine years old & had a full life & his general presence were unbeliev- While it is natural to be afraid during ahead able. Here is a child who has been sick unfortunate circumstances, I was truly I wish that I could have gone instead his whole life yet has not complained terrified. As the severity of Amir’s condi- Without you in my life, there is a feeling once. His perseverance & determination tion worsened, I isolated myself more & I cannot explain in life were incredible. He had so many more. I could barely even look at my Each day I miss you more & my heart it bleeds hopes & dreams that he never thought brother without evoking a tear. I was with pain twice about. I chose him because he afraid that Amir would never get to live I have felt so empty since the day you passed showed me what it is to be living & that the life he deserved. I was afraid that my Without you here, life moves too fast no matter what obstacle stands in your little brother would not wake up one I know that you are gone & forever will be way you have to be strong. My Poem is morning. Out of pure fear, I ostracized You are my guardian angel, please watch over titled: me. 16 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE Dr. ShibliDr. Chahine,MajAbi GenIssam Abu Mun Zaki, Inaam Osseiran,Inaam Makarem,Shawky Hassan, Abu Nabil & Dr. ShibliDr. Chahine,MajAbi GenIssam Abu Mun Zaki, Inaam Osseiran,Inaam Makarem,Shawky Hassan, Abu Nabil & E Dr. ShibliDr. Chahine,MajAbi GenIssam Abu Mun Zaki, Dr. ShibliDr. Chahine,MajAbi GenIssam Abu Mun Zaki, Inaam Osseiran,Inaam Makarem,Shawky Hassan, Abu Nabil & Osseiran,Inaam Makarem,Shawky Hassan, Abu Nabil & L L I I A A M M rb omnl oite & raiain i te Brit the in organisations & societies Communal Arab D Father UK, the in Association Orthodox Antiochian Ambassador in London, Ambassador Dr. Angela Nammour Angela Dr. AmbassadorLondon, in Ambassador aia, s el s r Mnr azh Te Secretary The Hamzeh, Munir Mr. as TheofGeneral DruzeCommunity Council. well as Catholi capital, an Melkite Lebanese of the representatives UK, of the Pastor in Community the Abou-Zeid, Chafiq T of President The Hureikeh, Samir Dr. BDS), the of founder-member MelhemNammour(both Dr. husband her Unio European the at Economy & Industry of Ministry Ar the of Representative Scientific & Technical the gl dne hl a Te ilnim luetr Hot Gloucester Millennium The at held dinner gala a British Druze SocietyDruze British AbouChakra Ayad Mr. by: Reported London, L L I I A A M M Ambassador Ambassador OsseiranInaam Ambassador OsseiranInaam Ambassador Ambassador OsseiranInaam Ambassador OsseiranInaam “Silver Jubilee” “Silver Mr. Ayad Abou Ayad Mr. Abou- Ayad Mr. Mr. Ayad Abou Ayad Mr. Abou Ayad Mr. “Silver Jubilee” “Silver British Druze Society DruzeSociety British n gitrn eeig n oebr 1 November on evening glittering a In : : : : DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R Celebrates its its Celebrates --E& H -Chakra ChakraE& H ChakraE& H ChakraE& H Do what you can, where withyou what youare. you have, Do what Do what you can, where withyou what youare. you have, Do what Do what you can, where withyou what youare. you have, Do what Do what you can, where withyou what youare. you have, Do what D@ D@ @ D D@ E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R

celebrated its its celebrated e s e n a b e L e h t Inaam Mrs. , n a r i HE e s s O of presence bythe was honoured event The Lebanon. in Council Community Druze The in Committee Social Judiciary the of Head the the currently the & Lebanon of in Police Zaki, Head Abu former Maj. Issam by General represented Jumblatt, Walid HE of patronage the under ENGLAND W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O “Silver Jubilee “Silver irHamzeh, H E Ambassador irHamzeh, H E Ambassador irHamzeh, H E Ambassador irHamzeh, H E Ambassador Jamal Chahine Abi Jamal ChahineAbi Jamal ChahineAbi Jamal ChahineAbi st ... . 2008, M M O O C C M M O O C C gentinian

” ” n with n

with The

ish ish he el r. r. d c s

b-hhn (oh one-ebr & ebr o the of members & founder-members (both Abi-Chahine justly, & expressed & justly, year of the founding of the BDS, during one of the the of one Mr. during trying critical periods& historyin the the Dru of BDS, best the of both founding and the 1983 of regards BDS of year significance the warm on touched the also personal He Joumblatt’s wishes. his to Walid and extended Mr. Joumblatt’s Zaki, He Abu representative. Issam General Maj. its the contributions covering years.during the past 25 & activities speech delivered charitable Society’s Chairman The national Makarem, BDS Lebanese Shawky anthems. and the playing British by brief followed a with welcome, evening Jubilee silver the event. the for provided entertainment musical Saada & singing Abu Yahya of biographies three honouredthe members. chief the read Zahr and Naim Rayya Mrs. by supported member presenter Committee D mmes Sek Slya Au az, r Shibli Dr. Hamzy, Abu Sulayman Sheikh members; BDS rgnl C & hih aru Au ai a major a Zaki, Abu Maarouf Sheikh & supporterbenefactor & theof Society y the through MC, original citizens fairly & & fairly citizens state a its & all treats which n t equitable i n e l o v ne e b e c a e internal p of period internal a t enters a and h strife of t free e itself finds Lebanon r i s e d h Lbns mv frad tasedn sae & states transcending & humanity, environment. of welfare forward, the serve to sects move religious Lebanese all the that hope his ABU HAMZY, ABICHAHINE & ABU ZAKI HONOURED FOR FOR HONOURED ZAKI & ABU ABICHAHINE HAMZY, ABU h eeig inse hnuig he distinguished three honouring witnessed evening The h pdu ws hn ie to given then was podium The the opened Asraoui Naila Dr. While Druzesinger prominent Mr. Executive The Asraoui, Naila Dr. a. e Au ai lo tesd n i sec the speech his in stressed also Zaki Abu Gen Maj. EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY THE TO SERVICE EXCEPTIONAL I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V

- --- Theodore Roosevelt TheodoreRoosevelt TheodoreRoosevelt TheodoreRoosevelt Dr. Naila H Asraoui,AmbassadorDr. E Osseiran,Inaam Naila H Asraoui,AmbassadorDr. E Osseiran,Inaam Dr. Naila H Asraoui,AmbassadorDr. E Osseiran,Inaam Naila H Asraoui,AmbassadorDr. E Osseiran,Inaam E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S 6

– 6 6 6 Mrs. Asraoui Mrs. Asraoui Mrs. Mrs. Asraoui Mrs. Asraoui Mrs. ––– S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E Dr. NailaAsraouiDr. NailaAsraoui Dr. Dr. NailaAsraouiDr. NailaAsraouiDr.

ze people. ears. ears.

global most most

, the the , 9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M Montreal

Beautiful Memories of Lebanon

By Manal Zahreddine

Lebanese-Canadian, from Ain Anoub, Mount Lebanon; Born in Ghana. BA in International Affairs & Economic Development from the Lebanese American University, Diploma in Educational Leadership & Management from the AUB, MA in Educational Studies & minor Educational Technology from Tufts University, Boston, MA, & now PhD candidate in Educational Leadership & Organizational Development at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Worked with Rural & community development, women’s league for peace & freedom, special Olympics, & environmental associations. Worked with MEA, Boston Schools, taught in schools & university, & Higher Education in Lebanon on an educational reform program for Lebanon.

Creator. It is a holy call, simply whispering in thus common culture and identity within our soft ears a graceful message: Don’t spoil diversity. They were events of human what you have by desiring what you have connection, and by connection we make NOT. meaning. hen contemplating and reflecting back on my life Living in such a place is living a passion Year after year of joy and discovery till W memory, I can see the happy, and an agony. However, I must confess that I the war exploded and a totally different joyful, blissful moments as I can see the sad, spent the most beautiful memories a child cheerless and the miserable ones. However, I can live till the adolescent age, when the war always learned to look at the bright side of the exploded. During my childhood years, it was coin, even at certain moments it was as hard common for most people in my country to as it can be. have a summer house where they can spend the summer, far from the tumultuous city and I come from a country full of diversity and its pollution. richness in landscape, as well as, in social, cultural, and religious aspects, that is Lebanon. We used to have a house in the pine tree A country of honey and milk, a country of mountain where our neighbours from the city amber and musk; a country of blood and sand; used to stay as well. We went to the forest in a country of endless laughs and tears, a our journey of discovery, biking accompanied country of human warmth and fearless spirits; by sheep and goats, chicken and cows; by a country of eternal life and of birds and butterflies of different characters aspect of life emerged. I can perfectly and colours. describe the true feeling and the true ive us surv meaning of PEACE and WAR. t makes nd For us, every activity was an adventure, et, wha o our la Y ached t breaking parents’ rules and procedures. Yet, what makes us survive and still still att mories: and our me Going into the green pine forest was an attached to our land and place, is our lace, is ones. and p he sad adventure. Our passion was to grill pine memories: the happy and the sad ones. As py and t ts, the hap ous poe nuts and smell the beautiful, invigorating one of our famous poets, Mahmoud Darwish, our fam s one of describe odour. More people at that time of the year describes it:” We live in a chronic melancholy As arwish, moud D ronic used to come from abroad. It was summer called HOPE”. Mah e in a ch ” We liv PE”. time, no school, no commitments, no it: alled HO ncholy c responsibilities. It was the time to play, Truly, memories are the source of mela discover, feel, enjoy, absorb and inspiration, strength, stamina and endurance. experience. They are the milestones for self-identity, feeling of belongingness. Memories are like sudden death; a country of infinite and Thus, they were moments of freedom of the cedar trees of my beloved Lebanon, with timeless rebirth. learning, of experiencing nature, of connecting strong roots and unbreakable open wings. with diverse people inside and outside our They are rooted within me, and as Hampton Yet, resurrection flows into our veins to community. Naturally, I was connecting with insinuated, they are the roots that I always reach our hearts and souls. It is like a fresh, the land and the soil, with the smell, with the return to, and the wings that I always fly with spring breeze coming from a godly source to sky and the air, with friends and people. It to pursue what I want to pursue: education water the dryness that persisted for some time was building human circles, with common for a better life, individually & collectively. and to re-give us faith in life and in the and diverse attitudes, traditions and values, 18 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M L L I I A A M M Award Presented to the HOUSTON CHAPTER at the Houst the at CHAPTER HOUSTON the to Presented Award : : : : The best thing about the future is that is comesabout isthe on thing best that is future The comesabout isthe on thing best that is future The The best thing about the future is that is comesabout isthe on thing best that is future The comesabout isthe on thing best that is future The DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R D@ D@ @ D D@ E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O Dr. Clovis Maksoud, Houston Houston Maksoud, Dr. Clovis ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C

on Convention Convention on ly one day at a time. time. dayat - a one ly time. dayat a one ly ly one day at a time. time. dayat a one ly time. dayat a one ly I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S - --- Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Abraham Lincoln. Abraham 6

– 6 6 6 ––– S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E Essmaeel Essmaeel Fadi Mr.

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M BELGIUM Gratitude

By Faten Makarem

Faten Makarem was born in 1980 in Lebanon. In 1982, she travelled with her family to Belgium to escape the civil war. She came back to her homeland 15 years later and graduated in 2002 from the Lebanese American University with a BA in International Affairs and Political Science.. In 2003, she obtained a Teaching Diploma in Social Sciences from the same University. Meanwhile, she worked for four years as a volunteer in an orphanage. She taught Cultural Studies in College and French as a second language in several institutions. She also worked in an environmental NGO. In 2006, she went back to Belgium and finished her Master Degree in International Politics, two years later from CERIS (Centre Européen Pour la Recherche Internationale et Stratégique), Brussels, where she also worked in Diplomatic and Consular services. Today, at the age of 29, Faten Makarem is preparing a thesis for her PhD and works as a Meditation Instructor.

ratitude is one of the most every single thing, the more we love important virtues. A person God. True gratitude does not exclude G who is grateful for anything, even the worse. I am grateful everything and for anything is a person for all that happened in my life, even that has it all. Gratefulness is a second the suffering, for it made me the pleasure; it is an echo of joy to the joy person I am today. I trust God and I felt. It is the pleasure of receiving, the have faith, this is why I must be happiness of being happy. grateful for everything.

Thanking is Gratitude gives back, when we are On the contrary, we should be receiving, giving grateful, we receive more, this is the happy for the lives we have or had. grace is sharing. Law of Gratitude is the joy of the memory, It is the sharing this love of the past, not the pain of the of what we have. past that is gone but rather the joyous Gratitude gives itself, it reminiscence of what have been. gives Love and it gives Gratefulness is knowledge. It is the Blessing. Gratitude is Attraction, and idea of accepting what is and what generosity. When we are those are the rules have been as it is, in its reality and in thankful for the sun to of the Universe. its eternity. shine, for the life we Without gratitude, have, for our existence, a person Gratitude is Joy, Gratitude is we are grateful for God i s Love. It is a joy shared with the world. and the Universe. nothing. Thank you for existing. This virtue is This feeling is Life does essential for any accomplishment. It is bliss. It is the not make the happiness of loving. unconditional love any sense if one is incapable of being that we have for satisfied; what is the use of never The nine virtues following everything, without being happy for what we have, living Gratitude will be Generosity, limits. with regret for the things we have Compassion, Courage, Tolerance, done or we have never achieved. Purity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, The more we love Honesty and Love.

20 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M p r o t e c t t h e i r r i e h t t c e t o r p ae uo fv mnses Te color The ministers. five upon based in strongly believes T T L L I I A A M M eiin their safety. & religion r e h t o to in blend religions live g n o The m a that Druze Islam. of be branch a of carriers to considered is Druze humans. by defined be cannot God of qualities that claim &God one in believe Druze Israel. of regions in also are Druze ManySham.al Bladas known was from which Palestine & Jordan Lebanon, come to We Syria, as such East Middle the of regions resistance powers. brave of occupying history a had ey ifrn we cmae t Druze to compared when different very considered be would I States, United the of matter. world the in power our for stands white color the lastly & will of power mental the for stands blue the red truth, of represents expression the the yellow soul, mind, our represents our represents green is which star Druze the by symbolized is & reincarnation Our religion religion Our Born & raised in a Druze family in in family Druze a in raised & Born people in my eyes, The Druze have Druze The eyes, my in people he Druze, are some of the bravest bravest the of some are Druze, he A people that values its privileges above its princ its valuesprivileges peopleabove that its A A people that values its privileges above its princ its valuesprivileges peopleabove that its A A people that values its privileges above its princ its valuesprivileges peopleabove that its A A people that values its privileges above its princ its valuesprivileges peopleabove that its A : : : : DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R Swaida, SYRIA SYRIASYRIA Swaida, Swaida, Swaida, SYRIASYRIA Swaida, Swaida, D@ D@ @ D D@ E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O epe te iy eeyhn see to seemed modern.so become everything city, the people, asd hr. h cide tee were there children The there. raised youth the then different felt still I modern, vrtig emd e t m. The me. to Swaida, in new arrived seemed I everything When Syria. of south region mountainous the in located is It Druze. the for activities religious of al Jabal whichcentreDruze, the al is Jabal or Arab considered parents Also my Swaida. & back visit go to when us for time was it 2006, was decided of Druze summer Being the until of proud so around. not was I something up grew I youth American other the all like be to wanted always I states the in up growing was I As East. Middle the in raised youth y eoe ct. umr 7 n Swaida in 07 Summer city. beloved my in back was I came 2007 summer When back. go to wanted I knew I passed, year the As religion. my about thought I way the change me made summer that Druze pray. go to Druze places as Druze known Mazar’s for as such sites historical many visited She is the daughter of Ousamah Albarouki & Sahar Ec Sahar & Albarouki Ousamah of daughter the is She lhuh Sad see more seemed Swaida Although, iiig wia meig o many so meeting & Swaida Visiting ... . Discovering my Roots Roots my Roots my Discovering Discovering Discovering my Roots Roots my Roots my Discovering Discovering M M O O C C M M O O C C raised in a Druze family in, Pennsylvania, United S United Pennsylvania, in, Druze ina family raised

rd i wanting in pride to up bought & I Swaida, in was I When n culture. o i g i l e r my about learn to me gave & that Seeing g n h i French. n s r i a l e l g n E & language Arabic the knowing as well as religion, Druze the much about so know iples soon loses both. soonloses both. iples iples soon loses both. - soonloses both. iples iples soon loses both. soonloses both. iples iples soon loses both. soonloses both. iples I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V ru o i big rz. en Due & Druze Being Druze. being is of proud planned & were getting ready to purchase to ready getting were & planned As after. summer the Swaida to back be are all asBIGandfamily! all one one are we agree II and countries of borders across & even me related as themselves identify Druze in The world! the feeling for that strong change wouldn’t a is Arab most am I that life my in as thing feel the that so me made with people amazing interacting many & Religion the the Druze over about Learning all amazing. & the was states world the from to us like Fort Going in just Druze many so meeting & convention Florida. convention Druze Lauderdale, the to off everything needed for the convention. the everythingfor needed already had we came 2008 as soon As ever. convention Druze first our be would Iit states, the in here have they conventions & Druze major sister the to trip my a plan to by, decided flying was year the The wouldn’t I knew Druze. I time This States. the in amazing back was I & the end an to come had summer & Swaida leave to me for was it hard how realizing lived that there people likeme.Syriaof outside Druze many so the met had was I time it This 2006. of as summer excitement much as was s on s ue 29 June as soon As started I by passed summer the As E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S - --- Salkhad, Swaida, Syria Syria Syria Swaida, Swaida, Salkhad, Salkhad, Salkhad, Swaida, Syria SyriaSwaida, Swaida, Salkhad, Salkhad, Community College of Philadelphia of College Community Dwight Eisenhower Dwight Dwight Eisenhower Dwight Eisenhower Dwight Dwight Eisenhower Dwight htay from Swaida, Syria. Born & & BornSyria. from Swaida, htay tates, is currently studying at the at the studying currently is tates, 6

– 6 6 6 ––– By Diyana AlbaroukiByDiyana S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E th ae e were we came

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

21 . .

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M Seattle Chapter Revitalized & ReOrganized

By Dr. Nadia Aboulhosn

Nadia was born and raised in Brazil. In 1995, graduated with a BS degree in Pharmacy with a major in Biochemistry. After completing 3 years of medical School, met her husband Walid Aboulhosn and in 1999, moved to the United States. In the US had a daughter, Juliana Aboulhosn (5 years now) and is pursuing a career in health care. In June of 2009, she graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry.

is my pleasure to participate (Youth Casual Calendar). The idea on the mission of this works like this: Every month anyone in It magazine, to connect with the ADS Seattle comes up with an idea Druze around the world, by writing for an activity, they inform me & I’ll about my experiences & my make sure to activate our community community that I’m also honored to participation as an ADS board member volunteers, spread the word & get the chair is the tutoring program. Our caring in Seattle Chapter, which we have had fun going! volunteers: Walid Aboulhosn, Afaf the chance to recently reorganize. Aboulhosn, Joe Ghazal, Abbas Halabi, Hala Abu-Zaki, Yousra Nakkour, Julie During all these years that I’ve Halabi, Douraid Slim, Rabih Alawar & I been involved with health care, I’ve have agreed to offer our time & volunteered & served in a regular knowledge to any kid or youth that basis in many areas in need, such needs our help with school homework, as, public free hospitals in Brazil, general questions or projects. dentistry for homeless & others. To be nominated & elected an ADS ADS Seattle has more to share, board member in Seattle Chapter our chapter had organized a Welcome worked perfect for me, because it Gathering Event (after 10 years of not only gave me the opportunity to being an inactive chapter), a fancy provide community service, but to Mother’s Day Party, a summer Picnic & provide service to my own Druze We’ve started YCC with great Eid El Adha Party. community. strikes in a bowling day. A month later, I strongly believe that there are 5 we organized a trip to the University of basic principles that any professional Washington Health & Science Fair ... there are 5 basic principles that where the kids/youth any professional should constantly could simulate surgeries seek: Health, Family, Education, procedures, life-saving Work & Community Service. techniques & interact in many different areas in the medical field. Later, However, I’m not the only another event got person that is everybody to jump - glad to parents & kids had a volunteer for blast at Pump it Up! This the community, event was followed by an but our active athletic soccer day with & very creative magnificent goals. Druze Ladies should constantly seek: Health, Family, in Seattle have Our latest event was a Halloween Education, Work & Community Service. helped me put party, where parents & kids showed If I could communicate with our youth, I together a creativity on dressing up amazing would definitely recommend them to program that costumes & showing us artistic skills participate in our community & share I’m honored to while carving pumpkins! some of their precious time & chair. It is knowledge, because we together can called YCC Another program unique in our make a difference!

22 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M based on my experience, experience, my on based being and Mercedes SLK the®. new bought above, the between show to appearances their use beings L L I I A A M M ihu wtr te is do that arrange to drop it used he firsthim, to availed the water, without days 2 of ordeal an after and desert, a in lost was who Lebanese the about joke the mind my it to came 20 domain, this last In years. the for been have dealing I whom with superficial Belgians and French than more much are people Lebanese most just border neighbor my the because obsessed discuss to is this article of purpose The group. social elementary a an to belong to It’s want to behavior human status. social this so much, especially in the the in especially much, environment? Lebanese so this on focus we do Why bag. Chanel® latest the I’m sunglasses, Dior® new the t, men have, n possessions material and looks viro that en importance the about astonished ese an Leb neighbours new Mercedes? Mercedes? new neighbours I regret to say that that say to regret I a in out hang I time Every human that fact known a It’s Why do I care about my care I about do Why : : : : There are two ways of exerting ones strength; oneonesstrength; exerting waysare two of oneThere onesstrength; exerting waysare two of There There are two ways of exerting ones strength; oneonesstrength; exerting waysare two of There There are two ways of exerting ones strength; oneonesstrength; exerting waysare two of There DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R D@ D@ @ D D@ E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R FRANCE FRANCEFRANCE FRANCEFRANCE W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O epe ug them judge since people them blame buying those, if it’s a question of of question a it’s if those, buying it’s a vicious circle. vicious it’sa on taste, but to purchase them to to them purchase afford cannot who to those downgrade but taste, people with all at problem no have above. the of explanation literal the on concentrate life others and death, soul, and existence, of esoteric explanation the on concentrate we that is others and Tawhid of followers the between differences main the on of One concentrates which materialvision. simple beyond what’s faith, our of teaching the with contradictory is sees eye the what on artificially uplift uplift status. and their off artificially show to order borrow in capacity their beyond money Lebanese some that general notion the with well ties joke This nationalities. other some versus the still Lebanese of it stereotype joke, the a reflects it’s his Though quenching of thirst. instead hair, his

Was born in Lebanon in 1984, studied dentistry inB dentistry in1984, studied Lebanon born in Was their appearances, appearances, their To me, focusing focusing me, To ... . My Pursuit of Happiness! Happiness! Happiness! of of Pursuit Pursuit My My My Pursuit of Happiness! Happiness! of of Pursuit Pursuit My My M M O O C C M M O O C C

don’t I parents in the South of France. Works in a ina private of France. South Works inthe parents

physical senses. senses. physical hnl, I and Chanel®, Dior® to back Coming the on not and spirit, and mind the on focus we words, other In is pushing down, the other is pulling up.down,pullingis the pushing is other up. down,pullingis the pushing is other is pushing down, the other is pulling up.down,pullingis the pushing is other is pushing down, the other is pulling up.down,pullingis the pushing is other TEACHING CONTRADICTORY WHAT T O

, THE FOCUSING

I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V OF

EYE

OUR judgmental. judgmental. will attainable are that goals positive context of being constructive and not not and constructive being of context mind. my in question a form even not does has true neighbor my car what ultimately and me, to strengthen real is This esteem, friendships. and self confidence increase ultimately on Focusing that them. to meaningful are goals find can everyone few, and a enjoy I are faith, my that about learning continue path me, career a to on important focusing friendships, real really developing is determine to what be would me, to time of use better A goals. empty are and the day every change they as trends latest follow to striving be constantly who and esteem, self lack who those are off show to belongings material pursuing. seemworth goal a like not does can, who those afford upgrading them cannot who those and them,

SEES

WITH

This article is written in the the in written is article This use who people opinion, my In FAITH ON E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S

russels, and currently lives with herwith lives currently and russels,

THE

– 6 6 6

––– By Dr. Rola Obeid Obeid Rola ByDr. being judgmental judgmental being vry tesu to and time stressful overly be consuming can It here? I Am lives. their in emptiness fill and better, those feel to things use to need S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

practice inGrasse. practice

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M Young Adult MyMyMy 1st Druze Introduction

CCConvention By Diana Abdel Malak

Diana was born on Feb 17, 1991 in Wilmington, Delaware. Her father is Fady Raafat Abdel-Malak from Btater & her mother is Lina Toufic Sad from Ain Enoub. Diana attends the University of Delaware as a Freshman student majoring in Biology. Currently she participates in various activities such as cheerleading, & volunteer services.

However, I ended up on a plane and was on my way to my first Druze convention. Little did I know how Samer Eleid much excitement I was in for. He is currently working on his Upon arriving at the elegant hotel PHD degree in Miami and I was informed that the ADS would be looking to meet a young Druze organizing special events for us every female between the age of 20 night. The activities were his past summer I was to 25 living in the USA who can undoubtedly very enjoyable. Every informed that I would be correspond with him and share night was filled with food (which I attending my first ADS T love), and dancing (which I love even pictures and get to know her for Druze convention in sunny Ft. more). the purpose of marriage. He is Lauderdale, Florida. The whole idea 29 years of age working and of a "Convention" did not excite me. I ended up meeting many attending university in Miami. Honestly, the only thing I was looking teenagers my age, who were also at forward to was sitting on a Florida the convention. Quickly I made close His email address: beach for endless hours. friends, and subsequently spent most [email protected] of my time with them. I was happily My parents had talked about these surprised to know that all the Druze conventions before, and I figured teens shared my culture, thinking and anything they thought was hobbies. entertaining was not my scene. Although these friends came from Historical Druze At home I was accustomed to all over the States and Canada, I am going out with friends from school still in touch with them today. Information and I had not been exposed to much of the Druze culture. Most of the kids Attending the convention opened See Julie Makarem’s site at my high school had no idea what my eyes to a new culture I now being a Druze was. Before the appreciate, as well as having a better www.americandruzeheritage.com convention I thought of Druze as understanding of the Druze traditions different people, even though I was and values. Currently I am counting for information on the one of them. I feared that I would down the days until next years American Druze have nothing in common with peers I convention, and I am ready to reunite met at the convention and considered with the unforgettable friends I met at Culture, heritage, and more. not going. the last one.

24 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M L L I I A A M M : : : : DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R D@ D@ @ D D@ Dr. Philip Dr. Salem E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R ShaukiHalime W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O with with ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C

If you can dream it, you can do it. dreamit, do it. can you can you If dreamit, do it. can you can you If If you can dream it, you can do it. dreamit, do it. can you can you If dreamit, do it. can you can you If I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S - --- Walt Disney Walt Walt Disney Walt Disney Walt Walt Disney Walt 6

– 6 6 6 ––– S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M LEBANON DFSW Annual Dinner at Biel --- Royal Pavilion on April 17, 2009

Reported By Mr. Ghazi Jounblat Assistant Secretary General Druze Foundation for Social Welfare Scholarship Fund

The Druze Foundation for Social knowledge is a gateway to freedom. students will acquire wisdom. For us, mind Welfare held its Annual Gala Dinner at Freedom of thought, of choice, & of action. or wisdom, comes first. Mind is what really Biel – Royal Pavilion for the purpose of This is more than prudent. It is fascinating. make us human. The cultivation of raising funds in support of its Scholarship To think that education of the youth is the wisdom should be an activity that never Fund at the American University of key to setting them free is a great idea ceases. Acquired wisdom is the light Beirut . The Gala dinner was jointly worthy of being pursued.” under whose flood you can walk the space organized by both the Druze Foundation & of life meaningfully.” the American University of Beirut represented by its President Dr. Peter Dorman & his wife, along with some members of the AUB Board of Trustees . The Management Committee member Dr. Faruk Abi Khuzam , made the welcome speech. The following is some excerpts of the speeches delivered during the Gala Dinner.

Dr. Faruk Abi Khuzam: Master of Ceremony “It is certainly heartwarming to see this “For us, the greatest meaning of your “So our message tonight is: thank you for large gathering of friends brought together contribution tonight is you’re your giving. Thank you even more for the ideals by a call from AUB & DFSW to help avail commitment not to any education, but to of liberal education. Thank you for joining more students of quality higher the ideals of liberal education, of which us in the desire to make lives of others education.” AUB is a fountain.” meaningful, & rewarding.” “I know that we all “I do not claim that we in the DFSW are Mr. Essam Makarem: DFSW Secretary here share a belief doing a lot. But, in the traditional saying, it General in the value of is better to give a little than not to give. For quality education: It “It is a great pleasure for us to celebrate the little that we give I’d like to propose provides for good tonight the seventh anniversary of the two answers as to why we do it & why we jobs for its Druze Foundation for Social Welfare – hope to increase it graduates. Good Scholarship Fund at the American more & more: we jobs provide status University of Beirut. This Fund was help in the & a financially better launched seven years ago in order to education because life. The graduate encourage & support the new generation of our belief in the Dr. Faruk Abi Khuzam can then raise a of the needy Druze students to continue value of quality family & start with their university education in Lebanon. education at an another cycle! This is prudent. But is that The Fund was established in cooperation institution such all? Is that all what we gain from quality? with the AUB on the basis of matching up AUB. We believe Is that all that we think of in terms of the our contribution with a similar one from that by being value of an education? I think not. Let us, other Funds available to the AUB . We exposed to the best for a moment, sweep away prudence by hope to see this Fund growing in future & that was ever Mr. Essam Makarem passion. Let us consider how education is written or thought, one of the gates to knowledge: & that (Continued on page 27) 26 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M U, tdy a gauto dt draws date graduation as today, & AUB, Quebec. Chacra & – Society Druze British Makarem Shawky Mr tonight: evening the of presidents the welcome to like would “I at students AUB.” nweg & hw u fmle, our families, be.” our the can we good how show just ourselves & friends, take to & us to up knowledge is it now & today, are we where us get & problems financial ey erfl tak o t the to you thank heartfelt very a say to this than chance better no is “There am I that world- to the weapon realize face strongest the I with too, equipped Today into me. drummed been has that of knowledge amount huge the of awe in am I near, to came first Three I since youth. passed the have years of future the shaping Welfare AUB thank personally to chance the get finally I “ needy the all support to able (Continuedfrompage 26) L L I I A A M M Tonight is a very important night to me asaveryisnightto Tonight important me Miss Nancy KiwanMiss Nancy Kiwan Miss Miss Nancy KiwanMiss Nancy KiwanMiss Miss Nancy Kiwan: Kiwan: Nancy Miss rz Societies Druze & the the & : : : : Cnda Due oit of Society Druze Canadian – o ter ra priiain in participation great their for DDD D Liberty without learning is always in peril; learninglearnin without always is Liberty peril; learninglearnin without always is Liberty Liberty without learning is always in peril; learninglearnin without always is Liberty peril; learninglearnin without always is Liberty E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R Druze Foundation for Social for Foundation Druze Education D@ D@ @ D D@

h atne our attended who E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R AUB oprto with cooperation Foundation, “The the world!” change with we that education & welfare, promote education we that with generations, build we that education AUB, has done its done has AUB, vroe the us overcome help to best Mr Nader Abou Nader Mr fr t s with is it for ,

Student LEBANON W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O Druze Druze

Druze in

AUB. Little are those who give without without give who those are Little AUB. that one day, we too will give & let the the let & moments.” knowledge happiest by the accompanied give the will all from too benefit generations we day, one that hope we so & return, at in anything expecting experience unparalleled an live to us the the new generations.” of benefit the for Fund Scholarship the of substantially the the tdns o ufl or miin of in without generosity.” ambitionstheir education our it done not have could we university which Lebanon, our fulfill Fund continuing as to us for chance students who great Scholarship a those provided has all the she or he so doing by because financially, thank to I supported tonight. like students fellow would on my speak to of me for behalf honor great a is “It h needy of support the their for now & their withfamilies, lost living still who & parent orphans, either the of support the & work relief the of in war times civil the difficult relentless the after & effort during their specially & & work charity the in years the continued over perseverance the their tonight thank Committee Management to DFSW like would “I Foundation for Social WelfareSocial for Foundation eao & n h Mdl Es & for & East needy Middle our the helping in & Lebanon in values educational liberal the spreading in role its for AUB the thank also, would, “I university at AUB.” education Mr. Osama Faraj Mr. Osama Faraj Mr. Mr. Osama Faraj Mr. Osama Faraj Mr. Board of Trustees member Trustees of Board H Faraj: Osama Mr...... E. Mr. Marwan Hamade: Hamade: Marwan Mr. E. . FW & DFSW M M O O C C M M O O C C Druze

in the development & growth & development the in

tdns seeking students oeul participate hopefully iso satd by started mission will carry on the the on carry will we that evening this attending everyone assure to like would I education. obtain university to wish others who help to able be will we hopefully & achievements our & ourselves of proud be will we day “One Druze AUB Student AUB tdns by students ing without liberty is always in is liberty in vain. without always ing is liberty in vain. without always ing ing without liberty is always in is liberty in vain. without always ing is liberty in vain. without always ing

for allowing allowing for for

DFSW - - DFSW I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V Dr. PeterDorman Dr. PeterDorman Dr. Dr. PeterDorman Dr. PeterDorman Dr. the the from Proceeds AUB. at established have you that Fund each Scholarship the for enjoy money to chance to raise also here other’s company, are we the to addition proud toproud match.” is University the donation recent your increasingthat your for for grateful support very am “I invaluable an with them for provides AUB attend to women scholarships & men young those provide Druze needy financially & qualified to academically used Fund Scholarship Welfare hs vnn fr hs etv occasion festive this for evening this “ lde t cniu wt ter upr infuture.” support their with continue & to those years pledged over all us thank supported to who present want also, would, “I are they while jobs time in studying.” part a dollar, find each to up opportunities the them offering to match addition to offering t s get laue o e ih o all you with be to pleasure great a is It H. E. Mr. Marwan Hamade: Hamade: Hamade: Marwan Mr. E. Marwan H. Mr. E. H. H. E. Mr. Marwan Hamade: Hamade: Hamade: Marwan Mr. E. Marwan H. Mr. E. H. Dr. Peter Dorman: Peter Dr. rz Fudto fr Social for Foundation Druze tdns Mkn i psil for possible it Making students. E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S Board ofTrustees Board member

Druze 6

nqe t te AUB the to so experience.” - - rich essential unique so the is that to body student our of diversity add They on AUB. these benefits also campus students of scholarship presence well. The as communities their & families their benefits that opportunity an - opportunity – 6 6 6 ––– students at AUB & note note & AUB at students

S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E AUB President AUB

DFSW -DFSW

r being are

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2 .

V 3.3, I S S U E Minorities6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE Min A I L : DDD R Uthe Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M Middle East ** T** T HEHEHE DDDRUZE ****** By the Distinguished Dr. Abdullah E. Najjar, Ph.D. Resides in Atlanta, GA with his lovely wife Gerri. Has been a lifelong activist & supporter of many Druze initiatives. Also see Al Fajr The Dawn Issue 5 Special Report for more information on Dr. Najjar.

s a Druze, I had my formative years in The Druze believe that God created first the itself, devoid of wisdom & faith, to uphold the the village & in the Tribe in the “Universal Mind” (alAqlal spiritual & moral tenants that are inherent in A mountains of Lebanon. As I matured Kull), & showed him in Tawhid. Thus we find that affluence, I acquired better understanding of the Druze faith human form on earth in consumerism, even individual freedom, without we call Tawhid in & outside the tribal setting. different epochs. Then God corresponding ethical obligation are more of a This attribute evolved & crystallized within me created the “Universal Soul”, curse than a blessing. through study, contemplation, research & the “Universal Word”. The experience. Tawhid, as I came to understand it, “Precedent” & the “Follower”. According to the theosophy of Tawhid faith is a school of thought which combines: without knowledge leads man to stagnation, & rationality with spirituality, reason with love, These five Luminaries who preached the new knowledge without faith leads him to emptiness understanding with humility, awareness with faith, are known as: as well as arrogance. piety, & knowledge with compassion. 1. alAql, represents knowledge, Al-Hikmeh speaks of 70 epochs down to the The Druze are a minority Islamic sect that logic, & reason. age of the impeccable Adam at the close of the 70 th epoch, each epoch being 70 weeks, each branched out of the Ismaili movement some 2. alafs, represents the soul, piety thousand years ago, & whose number is almost a week being 70 years & each year being 1000 million world wide, the majority of whom reside & faith. years. Accordingly it is 343 million years in Lebanon, Syria, Israel/Palestine & Jordan. 3. alKalimah, represents the word dating back to the period beginning with God’s or expression respective physical manifestations. Their faith is TAWHID, which refers to the oneness of God as well as to the unity of the 4. alSabiq represents action. The seven Druze commandments, which are universe. It is also the quest for knowledge in 5. alTaali, represents consequence. practiced by the initiates are:

partnership with faith during recurring life 1. To tell the truth cycles. The Druze believe that God is This mystical faith linked to the veneration of Reason was too far ahead of the time, 2. To be a bretheren’s keeper indefinable, incomprehensible & ineffable. The 3. To discard all beliefs contradicting the Tawhid doctrine is based mainly on the inner particularly when it decreed: A. Abolition of slavery. B. Monogamy & equal rights of men & concept of the oneness of God. (Tawhid) meaning of the Qur’an, as well as on Christian & 4. To repudiate immoral persons & transgressors Jewish Scriptures, on the Wisdom of the Greek women. C. Separation of mosque from State. D. Harmony between Reason & Faith. E. 5. To believe that Tawhid prevailed in all philosophers, the Gnostic groups, & ancient periods of human existence. mystics of the orient. Reincarnation. i.e. upon death the soul passes on to inhabit a new human body. 6. To accept God’s will. The Druze’s path in Tawhid, which challenged 7. To reverently abide by his guiding principles. some accepted dogmas of the day, forced its With such revolutionary concepts, the adherents to turn inward & be secretive to avoid practitioner prepares oneself to perceive the And in closing As a Druze: further persecutions & massacres. Truth without a need for rituals. They believe I believe in one God, unborn, uncreated, & Unfortunately this became an accepted tradition that Reason (al-Aql) frees man from the chains beyond my comprehension. though not necessary in of custom & ritual so I believe in all the prophets, who were the 21 st century. that one can practice infused with the spirit, all of whom, were According to the theosophy of universal brotherhood conceived & born in the usual way. There are six handwritten Tawhid faith without knowledge – which they believe I believe that we all suffer under tyrants, books copied by scribes leads man to stagnation, & was preached by all hypocrites or circumstances before we die & & known as the Books of knowledge without faith leads him universal religions are buried. Wisdom. They teach the but not practiced. I believe that the resurrecting Spirit ethical values & the to emptiness as well as arrogance. reappears again to continue its journey. moral codes in daily life, In this age of nuclear I also believe in this holy spirit & in the which develop qualities in the individual that energy, computer Universal Mind, faith that transcends tradition. are best described by William Ewing of London technology, extra terrestrial explorations, I also believe in the forgiveness of sins & the development of ‘intelligent robots’ & the as “ qualities that one cannot but admire. resurrecting power of the soul over death. unfolding of deeper secrets of life on this There is a strain of nobility in the character I understand deep within my soul that eternal life of these people who in the hour of victory planet, one cannot help but note that this information highway is the road we are apt to is life in harmony with the true order of things – chivalrously protect defenseless women & a spiritual eco-system that is life in God, for we children from injury & insult.” use in our pursuit of knowledge. However this newly acquired knowledge has been unable by are of God & unto God we return . 28 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M mostsignificant luminary, Al Akl, Universalthe Mi essen the embraced and Australia South in community withi education of value the highlighted event This tertiary Australia’s South from A representatives South and of Governor Lieutenant the included evening g Official studies. postgraduate and undergraduate academic the apprentices and school celebrate ra secondary achievements of These completion and from members. its acknowledge of achievements formally c for Druze Australian South the for opportunity an was Secondary Graduates Graduates Graduates Secondary Secondary n ody 21 Monday On L L I I A A M M ot Asrla n soito wt te Australian the with association 13 their held Inc., Community in Australia South Secondary Graduates Graduates Secondary Secondary : : : : DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R st pi 20 te on Due rfsinl of Professionals Druze Young the 2008 April Tertiary Graduates Graduates Tertiary D@ D@ @ D D@ AUSTRALIA She is the source of love, sympathy, and forgivenes love,and sympathy, source of the is She She is the source of love, sympathy, and forgivenes love,and sympathy, source of the is She

She is the source of love, sympathy, and forgivenes love,and sympathy, source of the is She She is the source of love, sympathy, and forgivenes love,and sympathy, source of the is She Mother - Mother Mother Mother Mother Mother E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R th Annual Graduation Night. This Night. Graduation Annual W W W W - --- Celebrating Education in in Education Celebrating Denice holds a BA (Communication Studies) & two pos two & Studies) a BA (Communication holds Denice maintenance of core cultural values and identity am and identity values cultural of core maintenance the mother mother the is everything E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O late 1800’s. Denice has raised 2 children on her o her on children 2 raised has Denice late 1800’s. the mother mother the is- everything mother the is everything E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O the mother mother the is everything Denice Daou was born in Adelaide, South Australia. Australia. South Adelaide, in born was Daou Denice South Aust. - Aust. Aust. South South South Aust. Aust. Aust. South South Master of International Studies. As part of herof partst As Studies. International of Master South Australia South nd. nd. ... . te Druze the n institutions. a strong spiritual connection with being Druze, and being Druze, with connection spiritual a strong uests of the of uests M M O O C C M M O O C C ommunity ce of the of ce

ustralia, is to hips

Druze

nged

- --- Australia toAustralia attend recentthe Youth World Day 08 i Ms Hourani reported in an email sent to myself that tomyself sentemail inan reported Hourani Ms n 16 On presen Auxillary overwith 130 guests,and lots fun of activities. Ladies fundrais successful Druze very a as Luncheon Day Australian Mother’s the May In dlie n priual te eeto o te Druz the of reception the communitythe highlight was of mytrip particularly and Adelaide the Druzethe community inSouth Australia. an pride the demonstrates activities of sample This smnr t h Due al n ot Asrla n F on Australia South in Hall Hourani Ms Druze Lebanon. with e-Commerce and Investment the at seminar a Leb Universityin Dame Notre the at Centre Research she is our consolation in sorrow. consolation in she sorrow. our is she is our consolation in sorrow. consolation in she sorrow. our is consolation in she sorrow. our is she is our consolation in sorrow. consolation in she sorrow. our is th uy s ut Huai rm h Lbns Emigration Lebanese the from Hourani Guita Ms July wn, while also working full time and studying part part and studying full time working while also wn, ong the Druze community in South Australia. She ha She Australia. South in community Druze ong the udies, she undertook a thesis which investigated th investigated which thesis a undertook she udies, t-graduate degrees, including a recently completed completed a recently including degrees, t-graduate - --- I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V Her grandfather migrated to South Australia in the in Australia South to migrated grandfather Her I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V Mother’s Day Luncheon Day Mother’s s. - s. s. s. s. Activities - --- Activities Activities Activities Khalil Gibran Khalil Khalil Gibran Khalil Gibran Khalil Khalil Gibran E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S is very proud of her Druze heritage. herof Druze proud very is 6

– 6 6 6 ––– .”

S ByDaouDenice

SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

n n Sydney. “ d strength of strength d My visit to visit My anon gaveanon ing event ing

was in was oreign e a ted time.

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

e e s s 29

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M USA & CANADA DRUZE COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA

Mashiakhat AlAql Honorary Representatives in the U.S.A. and Canada

To our Community in North America: The Druze Council in North America was established to help preserve our traditions and perpetuate the cohesiveness of the Druze community and the legacy of Tawhid, while serving families and individuals in their time of need. If we can be of service to you (marriage, wills, death, etc.) please contact a council member in your area.

Country/State/City Sheikh Telephone

USA California, Los Angeles Sheikh Muada Aridi 909-863-0940 California, Mission Viejo Sheikh Hassan Mohtar 949-859-1139 Connecticut, Bethel Sheikh Walid Farhat 203-733-5335 D.C., Washington Sheikh Fouad Sleem 202-727-6848 Florida, Titusville Sheikh Atef Hatoum 321-269-1011 Massachusetts, Boston Sheikh Ahaad Rajieh 508-320-7754 Michigan, Fenton Sheikh Dawood Jawhari 810-287-5540 New Jersey, Totowa Sheikh Sami Merhi 973-464-8393 North Carolina, Charlotte Sheikh Riad Abifakher 704-807-6545 Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Sheikh Maziad El Barouki 215-462-2215 Texas, Houston Sheikh Moustafa Moukarim 281-531-7250 Virginia, Richmond Sheikh Salman Hijaz 804-273-9599 Washington, Seattle Sheikh Zouheir Ballout 206-909-7320

CANADA Alberta, Edmonton Sheikh Ramez Monzer 780-478-5548 Alberta, Edmonton Sheikh Ziad Chmait 780-473-3765 Ontario, Toronto Sheikh Youssif Yehia 905-915-5050 Ontario, Toronto Sheikh Adeeb Shami 416-820-2247 Quebec Sheikh Hassan Isidean 514-336-1916

For Up to Date Listings - please check our website www.DruzeWorldwide.com click on EVENTS & INFORMATION

30 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M L L I I A A M M : : : : DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R D@ D@ @ D D@ Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let and few,with but intimate all, to courteous Be Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let and few,with but intimate all, to courteous Be Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let and few,with but intimate all, to courteous Be Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let and few,with but intimate all, to courteous Be E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R before you give them your confidence. - givethem confidence. your you before givethem confidence. your you before before you givethem confidence. your you before givethem confidence. your you before W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C

Mr. & &Mrs. Ameen Raghida Halabi & Family Our Mayor,Our Mr. & Mrs. Chehayeb HOUSTON -HOUSTON EVENINGGALA -- - GeorgeWashington GeorgeWashington GeorgeWashington GeorgeWashington those few be well be triedfew those those few be well tried well be triedfew those those few be well be triedfew those those few be well be triedfew those I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S 6

– 6 6 6

––– S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

Dr. George Hariz 9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M CANADA TORONTO, ONTARIO By Mr. Gaith Hamdan

Canadian Druze Society Officer at Large - Board of Directors Celebrating Fund Dear Community Members and CDS friends, The Canadian Druze Society of Ontario had its Annual General Meeting on Sunday February 8 th , Raising Drive 2009, where a general election for a new Board of Directors took place. The new Board is composed of I am proud to announce that the drive to 9 members –as you know- and the responsibilities sell 100 Calendars for Beit Al Yateem in Abey, are being distributed among the members as Lebanon, has been a great success. I cannot follows: thank enough those who volunteered to sell those calendars, I can’t thank enough those BOARD MEMBERS who contributed to this cause by buying a Jalal Merhi President calendar or two or simply by donating. Ahmad Tannouri Vice President, Cultural Committee You proved again that your hearts are Akram Aboucharaf Treasurer large as the skies and your love to those who are not as lucky as we are is unwavering and Mohammad Abou Hamdan Secretary, Religious Committee strong as always. Salah Yehia Director, Social Activities Oussama Jaber Director, House Issues I must acknowledge the support of some Ebtissam Massoud Director, Women Issues of CDS friends who did not hesitate to open Sanaa Debaissy Director, Events & Fundraising their hearts and donate to our kids at Beit Al Yateem. To those and to all our members, I Dunia Rawda Director, Youth & Sports thank you deeply on behalf of each girl and boy who will benefit from your help. Our Plan of Work for the year 2009 will be sent out to you shortly. It is full of activities, programs All calendars were distributed quickly. and events. All such events can never succeed without the active participation of each one of you. The CDS hosted a breakfast on May 24, Help us support our Society and Centre. Bring our 2009. This breakfast was donated fully by our Children & Youth to all functions and help us getting respected CDS members Mr. Adnan Rawda them involved. and his family and Mr. Hadi Rawda and his The new Board would like to take the family. The money collected during this event opportunity to thank the previous Board of Directors was donated to Beit al Yateem as well. for a job well done last year. We look forward for their support during this coming year too. The total amount to be sent to Beit Al Yateem in couple days is $3,700 dollars. Thank We count on you to make this year another you all. great year in building & growing our community.

32 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M MICHIGANMICHIGAN Michigan Chapter Chapter Michigan our of future community. successful to forward looking and are we dedication, and work support continued your With hard their election the for lasttwoyears. the over dedication thank board the and to devotion, departing and like help their for also committee would We Harfouch Khalil Aridi Salah serve society. united & successful a ensure & us to Boudiab Omar time the taking for advance in member Shaar El Wissam each thank & board new the congratulate to like Hariz Rabih would we Michigan communityin the of behalf On Aldeeb Johana Aldeeb Walid Kadi Sahar Hamdan Abu Moutasem Members: Board Hamdan Abu Omar Secretary Dubaisi Hassan Treasurer President Vice President as directors of board new follows: a has chapter Our Directors of Board New Chapter Michigan L L I I A A M M MICHIGANMICHIGAN

: : : :

DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R Failure is simply the opportunity to beginsimplyis again to opportunitythe mo Failure Failure is simply the opportunity to beginsimplyis again to opportunitythe mo Failure Failure is simply the opportunity to beginsimplyis again to opportunitythe mo Failure Failure is simply the opportunity to beginsimplyis again to opportunitythe mo Failure D@ D@ @ D D@ E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O

... . M M O O C C M M O O C C

valid. Based on the vote count the Election Election the Chapternew Board: California South count the of vote names the announces the and hereby Committee on members, Based and authentic from valid. were ballots the back all that 8, Ballots certified May 61 by received 2009 Committee Election The the by-laws. within guidelinesof the the protect to that electionthe process integrityof and transparency taken community been has the measure assure every to like would elections, 2009 and the conducting in trust their for Board current the thank to like would Committee Election Chapter California Southern 2009 The Members, DearCommunity Board Members New Chapter California South Southern California Chapter Chapter Southern California new working better a future. us togetherfor the support on dependent is children our of to future The board. community Tawheed of our one every and each on call to like would We South California CaliforniaCalifornia South South South CaliforniaCalifornia South South Vice President: Jumana Assaf Jumana President:Vice President Rima Joumblat Rima President Board Member: Farook Zeineddine Farook Wahbe Badih Member: Board Takieddine Najwa Member: Board HassanNuwayhid Ghanem Faisal Member: Board Abou alhosn Raghida RamenChmait Dr. Member: Board Member: Board Treasurer: Secretary: re intelligently. intelligently. re re intelligently. - intelligently. re re intelligently. intelligently. re re intelligently. intelligently. re I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V USA E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S - --- Henry Ford Henry Henry Ford Henry Ford Henry Henry Ford Henry 6

– 6 6 6 ––– S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M Congratulations to our Graduates And Scholarship Award Recipients

Diana Abdel Malak

Graduated from high school in Wilmington, Delware, USA in June 2009. She currently attends university, pursuing a major in Biology.

Students who benefited from the DRUZE FOUNDATION FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

at the American University of Beirut for the academic year 2008 – 2009.

Continuing Students: Major/Class City $ Awarded %

1. Nassim Samir Abdel Samad ME IV Ammatour 7,440.00 40 % 2. Hisham Imad Abi Ammar CCE IV Abbey 6,510.00 35 % 3. Nidal Shawki Abil Mona MLT II Shanay 4,525.20 36 % 4. Jad Samir Abou Mjahed CE III Betater 2,790.00 15 % 5. Rani Rabia Garzidin ME III Ras Al Matn 4,278.00 23 % 6. Samer Farouk Jurdi BA Sr. Choueifat 5,180.00 40 % 7. Nancy Refaat Kiwan Biol. Sr. Alsoureira 3,980.90 35 % 8. Nadia Ziad Safa BA Sr. Ain Qani 2,978.50 23 % 9. Hussam Mahmoud Zebian ME IV Al Mazraat 4,650.00 25 % 10. Areej Ibrahim Khaddaj CCE III Kfarmatta 9,300.00 50 % 11. Ola Samih Bou Ghannam CE II Aramoun 6,510.00 35 % 12. Sara Said Jaber ME II Aley 8,928.00 48 % 13. Majd Ali Khodr BA So. Baakline 7,770.00 60 % 14. Hanan Mahmoud Abdel Khalek BA Jr. Majdelbaana 2,978.50 23 %

New Students

1. Sally Ziad Abdel Samad EH I Ammatour 3,771.00 30% 2. Wael Ghassan Slika EC1V I Al Fardis 3,720.00 20% 3. Ashraf Suleiman Abu Ghaida EC1V II Hasbaya 6,138.00 33% 4. Osama Imad Faraj BA So. Ebadieh 3,755.50 29% 5. Sylvana Hisham Hassanieh MLT I Ain Wazein 5,028.00 40% 6. Rola Shouky Massoud MLT II Ramlieh 3,896.70 31% 7. Oussama Walid Noweihed BA So. Ras El Matn 4,014.50 31% 8. Bilal Rafic Makarem PTST Jr. Ras El Matn 2,147.20 20% 9. Wissam Yehya Slim Agr. I Dmeet 3,534.52 29% 10. Hala Najib Abou Assi Chem. Jr. Aley 3,525.94 31% 11. Jalal Maan Al Abanni CMPS So. Bmuhrey 2,729.76 24% Total: US $120,080.22

34 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M event event members are listed below: below: listed are members TRITRI- elected! Congratulationstoeveryone a organized has a as such activities held has chapter rec election the Since boards. It chapter largest the of Th elected. revitalized. was board new a been where meeting has general Chapter Tri-State The L L I I A A M M TRITRI

Board Member Hikmat Hasan Hikmat Khaddage Safaa Member Board Sobh Carol Member Board Saleh Salem Member Board Sobh Wael Member Board Mayyasi Omar Member Board Fayyad Rana Member Board Ghayda Abou Faisal Member Board Hatoum Hatoum Member Board Shami Nedal Member Board Rafeh Abi Majed Member Board Baki Hamsa Member Board Fayyad Salim Member Board Fayyad Zahlan Mirna Member Board Ageeb Ziad Rafeh Abou Liliana Member Board AssiAbi Soha President Past Treasurer Fayyad Nidal Malaeb Wajdi Secretary President Vice President and it’s it’s and : : : : DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R ---STATE Sports and Recreation Committee Committee Recreation and Sports Paintball Tournament. Tournament. Paintball STATESTATE STATE An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.thebest knowledge pays investment in An An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.thebest knowledge pays investment in An An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.thebest knowledge pays investment in An An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.thebest knowledge pays investment in An D@ D@ @ D D@ E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O Mother’s Day Day Mother’s The Board The

the the ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C is may be one one be may is ently held a a held ently

I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V -

- --- Benjamin Franklin Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin USA E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S 6

– 6 6 6 ––– S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M

M Y P AT H AS A 1 S T G EERATIO A MERICA COTIUED

(Continued from page 9) of an Arabic or similar cultural to say, “Oh wow, I didn’t know that! upbringing. I attended a semester You’re so smart!” Daily, she elevated Mostly though, I cried because my abroad at American University of Beirut, our confidence & encouraged my sisters mom, was my best friend & confidant, & me to never let any obstacles stand in was about to make the greatest the way of knowledge. sacrifice of all. My best friend was consenting to selflessly let her I would be lying if I said that it was easy daughter go. for my mom to be 7 hours away from her daily confidant & best friend. I have Independence not elaborated on the hardships, pain, & desolate hours we each endured along College life. Dorms. Fraternities. the way. As we struggled past each University professors. Up-all-night- obstacle we realized that all the study-sessions in libraries. Partying in suffering would be forgotten the moment the city. The lifelong struggle for that our dream became a reality. My independence came almost overnight. relationship with my mother grew Anxiously, I moved away to start my stronger than it had ever been while I first semester & experience my was away at college. We found truth in “independence.” It was all I had my mother's strong belief that “ If you expected it to be. Liberating, fun, love something, let it fly. If it loves unpredictable & eventful. The one Hana with her sisters, from left to right, you back, it will return to you thing I had not expected however, Hamsa, Hana, Heidi & Haneen stronger than ever”. was the sudden nostalgia I found myself feeling for my family & our quirky added a concentration in International Years later, my mom returned to way of life Area Studies –Middle East to my graduate college herself. Our family degree. I came to find that I valued & shed tears of genuinely loved my culture only after I pride for her was away from it. I'm grateful that I had sake as we the opportunity to realize its value on my watched the own free will. I'm not sure I would have most admirable grown a strong appreciation for our woman walk culture that I have today without this across stage opportunity. with her diploma in hand. My I have to admit that a huge struggle for mother’s me was to learn the various Arabic sacrifices, endless love, & unique dialects. You'd be surprised at how wisdom are what make her my hero, & At first, my social activities mirrored confused I was in the beginning; let my best friend. I dedicate all my those in high school, Cal Orientation alone understanding that my Egyptian achievements & all that I will ever be to Counselor, my sorority’s External Social friend was saying “I miss her. Chair, member of Cal’s Snowboarding you” (wa7hashteeny) & not actually Team, etc. However, the time I was calling me a beast (wa7hshy)! I encourage any son, daughter, mother separated from home aroused an or father reading this article to pave their awakening inside me; for the first time in Flying Home own road & endure the hardships along my life, I began to feel pride, the way. I've realized appreciation & interest in being Arab. I In retrospect, I know that I would not that it's true what they missed the familial affection, crazy have become the woman I am today, if say: in life, nothing Arabic songs, family trips, habits, & I not been a part of a family who good comes easy or even my dad's morning specialty dish: cherished the value of knowledge. happens overnight. “foul”. The friends I had surrounded Although my mother had stopped Because you fight so myself with could not share in my college when she had children to hard for something, longing. dedicate her life to us, she was not there's a priceless resentful in the least bit. Quiet the appreciation you will I swung my life into a drastic 180- contrary; I noticed her knowledge always feel when you finally achieve it. degree change. I became more active in growing through her experience of being With love, understanding, patience, & the Arab-American student community. a dedicated mother. She was living her acceptance dreams prevail. If I can I realized that, no matter how many life through us. As the most selfless, pave a new path to establish my dream, friends I had, I could not escape how strong, & loving woman I know, my so can you. Best of luck & strength to much empathy I could share with friends mother was never ashamed or reluctant you.

36 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M L L I I A A M M Helal Helal Ray Nuhad & & Mrs. Mr. : : : : DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R D@ D@ @ D D@ Mrs. Hariz Mrs. E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R The worst prison would be a closed heart. would - prison closed worstheart. a be The would prison closed worstheart. a be The The worst prison would be a closed heart. would prison closed worstheart. a be The would prison closed worstheart. a be The W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O Dr. AnisObeid, Dr. Dr. Melhim Salman & Mr. Moustafa Mo Dr. Phillip Dr. Salem, Salem, Mrs. Dr. Clovis Maksoud ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C

- --- Pope John Paul PopeII John Pope John Paul PopeII John Paul PopeII John Pope John Paul PopeII John I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V ukarim E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S ShaukiHalime, Amine Tarik 6

– 6 6 6 ––– SouheilGhaoui S SSS

Dr. Clovis Dr. Maksoud R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E ShaukiHalime & 9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M

H O LY L A D : M R . S A I D A F FA D R U Z E I DETITY COTIUED

(Continued from page 8) Opponents of the policy objected then, with the qualifications to pursue a dignified and have continued to object ever since. The life with enough knowledge and competence state has responded with imprisonment of to cope with a challenging future. religious, or national reasons, and so it resisters and harassment and disruption of exempted all the non-Jewish sects and the those who campaign against the policy. The AlJuthoor’s Role: rigorous religious Jews. opponents have done their best to stop this The Druze opponents to the described Israeli policy, especially the This exemption lasted until 1956 when compulsory military service, the Israeli authorities decided, according to have dedicated a lot of effort its aforementioned policy of divide-and- and time to organize against this rule, to repeal the exemption of the Druze policy. In 1972, they and the Circassians. established "The Druze Initiative Committee." For Since 1956, military service has been historical & ideological reasons, compulsory for the Druze and Circassians, most of them later established unlike the other indigenous populations 'The Free Druze Covenant" in living in Israel, in complete disregard for 2000. This group established the their nationalist and religious feelings. It is AlJuthoor Association. absurd that the religious feelings of the Jews have been taken into account, but the Although these organizations religious feelings of the Druze have been deal with issues that seem to be ignored! policy, especially the compulsory service particular or special to the Druze; in fact they requirements, but they have not yet succeeded are not. Theses issues are not and can not be While the decision for compulsory despite enormous efforts. However, they have only a Druze issue, but are, rather, an Arab service is routinely described as a request by succeeded in keeping the issue on the agenda Palestinian issue. the Druze leaders to serve, documents of the Druze community and of the State as a related to the decision remain classified and major human rights issue. They have faced AlJuthoor (“Roots” in English) is a shrouded in a cloud of secrecy. The different kinds of repression executed by the non-governmental organization formed to documents that have been released authorities and those in league with them. protect and strengthen the cultural identity of demonstrate that this story is not true, They have paid a high price; over the years the Druze community in Israel. It seeks to although there is no denial that some of the thousands of youngsters have gone to jail, preserve the Arab roots of the Druze through leaders did cooperate with the state's some of them for many years because they different cultural activities aimed at institutions in order to enhance their own refused their mobilization orders and resisted reintroducing Druze children their real personal interests. this inhuman policy. I, myself, and my four indigenous culture, not those from the sons are an example! prescribed syllabus. The activities are also The majority of the Druze rejected this designed to preserve their basic human rights policy understanding that the mobilization of In 1962, “Druze” became a distinct to be free from military mobilization, and to the Druze youth was the last step in the identity on national identity cards, as opposed keep their national remembrance. Israeli authorities plan to separate the Druze to “Arab.” Between 1948 and 1962, two- from their people & nation as part of a thirds of Druze agricultural land was AlJuthoor has 42 members, including a political agenda, not because of a military confiscated by Israel despite the above- seven-member Board. They each volunteer to need. The position of the majority of Druze described policy. preserve the cultural roots and protect the is supported by official classified documents human rights of the Druze minority by recently released by Israeli Authorities Israel’s educational policies have always challenging negative governmental policies. showing that of the 470 young Druze men of consisted of separate Jewish and non-Jewish AlJuthoor intends to stimulate a more active military age at the time of the decision only curricula. They are separate and unequal in and democratic debate within the Druze 27% actually joined the Israeli military. terms of funding and resource allocation. In community living in Israel about their identity 1976, the government created a new “Druze” and their role. This debate concerns the Days has shown that the above curriculum in order to foster an “Israeli-Druze Druze’s role vis-à-vis the state as well as mentioned agenda was actually only the consciousness” focusing on cooperation communal decision-making within the Druze first important step. In order to deepen the between Jews and Druze and the value of community. In the past, the lack of such a wound of the "sharp knife's blade" the next compulsory military service. In the process, debate has adversely affected the ability of step came a short time later in the attempt to this education is separating the Druze from the Druze to reach a consensus on issues such transform the Druze from being a part of the their Arab cultural and national roots and as schooling and compulsory military service. Arab nation, into a separate national group their Islamic religious identity. by cutting their cultural roots and effacing The overall aim of AlJuthoor is to their national and cultural remembrance. This is being done against the wishes of reclaim and elevate the Druze cultural the majority of the Druze population. The heritage from its current position as a mere This policy was implemented by the separate curriculum stands at the expense of footnote in the dominant Israeli narrative authorities in coordination with a few of the the program level and quality, which leads to to its proper place as a proud part of the community's leaders & educators who were a regression in achievement & history of the indigenous Palestinian Arab serving their own personal interests. No one accomplishment. It is clear that the Israeli minority, while actively and constructively asked the average Druze whether he accepted educational policies imposed on the Druze participating in the society in which it finds this policy or not; he was forced to comply. community do not aim to graduate teenagers itself .

38 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M L L I I A A M M inches long.inches Moukarim.Basil blessedwithnew a boy, baby theynamed him Basil Moustafa Dr. andMoukarim wifehis Inaswere USA Texas, Houston, 2009 16, March Naji and hisand Naji bigbrother Basil Moukarim.Malek : : : : Congratulations!Congratulations! Congratulations!Congratulations! DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R

D@ D@ @ D D@ Naji6.11lbsweighed 10 and E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R Houston, Texas Houston, If a man does his best, what else is there? else - there? is best,mandoes what his a If else there? is best,mandoes what his a If If a man does his best, what else is there? else there? is best,mandoes what his a If else there? is best,mandoes what his a If W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C Naji

Sleiman and ShahnazSleimanand on30,Dakdouk Oct 2008. parents proud the to born was (right) Dakdouk Rami Zalfaand DakdoukNader Juneon 19,2008. parents proud the to born was (left) Dakdouk Julie Texas are thrilled with arrival. his thrilled are Texas Houston, of sister big withhis along RayyanAmine & Tarik parents, His time. Houston 6:10pm announced announced Cleveland, Ohio EYADADAM AMINE EYADADAM AMINE - --- George S. PattonGeorge S. George S. PattonGeorge S. Patton George S. George S. PattonGeorge S. I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V “I am finally here”, finallyhere”, “Iam

your newbaby your boy! Congratulationson On September 3, 20093, September On E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S Shauki & & Sarah Shauki 6

– 6 6 6 Halime

––– S SSS

at R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M

Your Thoughts are Your Most Argentina Continued Precious Asset! (Continued from page 12) He became the first merchant of his town, & quickly called other friends in his By: Mr. Peter Boukzam town Eltima in Lebanon & then organized a distribution system for goods & enabling business. All the Lebanese that Like a magnet, you are attracting thoughts, came, came without capital, but with a people, events, lifestyles - everything that you are wish to work, he lent them all the living. And so, as you see things as they are, you merchandise they needed without paying attract more of the same; but as you see things as anything but they repaid when items sold, you would like them to be, you attract them as you & established a chain of businesses to would like them to be. This is why the better it gets, the which he sold to them. better it gets; or the worse it gets. When he became rich, he returned to Whatever you are giving your attention to causes you to emit a Lebanon on a luxury passenger ship (he came on a cargo ship) & got married in vibrational frequency, and the vibrations that you offer equal your asking, Lebanon to my grandmother. They had 11 which equal your point of attractions. sons. My grandmother was born in Mississippi, USA & his mother was Always Love, Always Forgive, ever Fear. Wendy d'Pitz & she had two American cousins one of the U.S. Army high- ranking General contained in the books of war & the other was a doctor. Thank you! In recent history, we can tell you that Thank you! it is true that the Druze loves the place where we live & we defend it with our lives. In the recent conflict that Argentina Druze Worldwide had with Chile we gave our vehicles to along with the Army, & joined the Argentinean army when it fought against the British during Shauki & Sarah Halime the Falklands war. would like to sincerely Thank the vivacious and energetic Our Druze relative was in the Argentine Army, Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Zeineldin (he recently passed Ms. Salwa Walieddine away - see In Memoriam in this issue) who For all her support and contributions to fought in the Falklands war. He went to Al Fajr The Dawn Druze International Magazine prison because he helped General Noriega in Panama against the U.S. invasion. This is some of our history of the Druze in Argentina, the Druze here, are no longer Lebanese, they are Argentinean Many Thanks to forever, the only thing we can claim to Lebanon, is that they gave us our religion, Chakib Raid Jaber which our parents could not teach us. For his work in helping us start the Especially now, I think any Druze Druze Worldwide website. immigrant from Lebanon needs to help the Lebanese. I believe that Lebanon is in And Also ManyThanks to the worst situation of all countries where the Druze migrated (such as USA, ahed Jawhari Argentina, Canada, Brazil, etc.). More attention should be paid to people who are For all his support, expertise and always out of Lebanon precisely because they are being willing to assist. those that can help achieve the peace we need so much in Lebanon. 40 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M L L I I A A M M : : : : DDD D A good head and a good heart are always a formidabl goodand a gooda are always head heart A A good head and a good heart are always a formidabl goodand a gooda are always head heart A A good head and a good heart are always a formidabl goodand a gooda are always head heart A A good head and a good heart are always a formidabl goodand a gooda are always head heart A E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R D@ D@ @ D D@ E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C

e combination. - combination. e e combination. combination. e e combination. combination. e e combination. combination. e I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S - --- Nelson Mandela Nelson Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela Nelson Nelson Mandela Nelson 6

– 6 6 6 ––– S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M

اخ و ... ط ود ررت دا راءة ار ن ن وا و. ون ك و ل ن ل اط ادرز ...... ودرا طءاك أخ و ا أن أدم ك ھذه ادة از ا ن اب , ت ن ال اذن وون ل ا ن م دون ل . ش ره ك ھدة .... ذا أ ر أن ادد ادم ار . ورا & Mr. & Mrs. Mohamed Nisreen Abou Hamdan with their handsome son Hassan. ا اد و – و ذھب ز ظ ان وا ار ت اس ك رى ا ا د ورت أرف ن ك إو ھد ت One evening an old Cherokee told و ون ن ك رل وودھ ر و his grandson about a battle that goes أ ن ھون د ك ر ك ن ,on inside people. He said, “My son the battle is between two wolves أك دورك ك طك ار .inside us all ك زن وف ك واف دھ وه وز ,One is Evil. It is anger, envy jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, و د و رك ارو ده ا ,arrogance, self-pity, guilt resentment, inferiority, lies, false طن " أو اراھم " ك وأو دروز اد زع ”.pride, superiority, & ego

“The other is Good. It is joy, peace, و ل و ,love, hope, serenity, humility kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, & faith.” The grandson thought about it for a د أو دان ر اوف م ورو دا minute & then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?” Mohamed Abou Hamdan, Toronto, Canada The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

42 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE W WWW W W WWW W EEE E L L I I A A M M theses writing for the latter. latter. the for writing theses supervi & students, Lebanese graduate & the undergraduate f years, taught at she where appointed Education of Faculty was University, she Later university. th at years seven for Psychology taught she Beirut, Orientalist). French (A Alord. Pere of guidance u Studies, Oriental of Institute University, Joseph S the at degree PhD the a toward education higher & her p 1959; She 1953. Education, in distinction, with & degree, Maste Bachelor’s Development a Child with in Beirut graduate of degree University th Education, American & the of Beirut from Faculty of University, University American Lebanese the at Education their Cultural Center in Dayr MarElias, Antelias – – Antelias MarElias, Dayr in Center their Cultural Adal Hamdan Takieddine Takieddine Hamdan Adal L L I I A A M M Dr. Takieddine (on left) awarded Plaque sym Plaque awarded left) (on Takieddine Dr. bolizing the Cultural Movement of Antelias Antelias of Movement Cultural the bolizing After graduation from the American University of of University American the from graduation After r Aa crid u rsac suis etiig to pertaining studies research out carried Adal Dr. & Psychology of Professor Takieddine, Adal Dr. On On : : : : DDD D Dr. AdalDr.Hamdan AdalHamdan Dr. AdalDr.Hamdan AdalHamdan E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R Lebanon, held a reception honoring honoring reception a held Lebanon, “ the Day of occasion the D@ D@ @ D D@ ” The Cultural Movement – Antelias Antelias – Movement Cultural The ” Success is not the key tokeytheHappiness isnot happiness. is Success Success is not the key tokeytheHappiness isnot happiness. is Success Success is not the key tokeytheHappiness isnot happiness. is Success Success is not the key tokeytheHappiness isnot happiness. is Success

E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R istinguished istinguished ruze istinguished ruze istinguished istinguished ruze istinguished ruze istinguished istinguished ruze istinguished ruze istinguished istinguished ruze istinguished ruze on Sunday, March 8 March Sunday, on W W If you love what you arewhat willlovesuccess be you doing,you you If If you love what you arewhat willlovesuccess be you doing,you you If W W If you love what you arewhat willlovesuccess be you doing,you you If If you love what you arewhat willlovesuccess be you doing,you you If E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O

World Women’s Women’s World ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C th Lebanon. Lebanon. , 2009 at at 2009 , nder the the nder e same same e ursued ursued

or 28 28 or dedicated herself to education and service. and education to herself dedicated has who humanitarian lifelong a is Takieddine Dr. sed sed aint Dr. Dr. TakieddineTakieddine TakieddineTakieddine r’s r’s d d e

lectures on subjects pertaining to child growth & & growth child to in pertaining delivered participated & subjects relation parent-child problems; family development, She psychology, on & development. lectures education in & conferences growth child Takieddine, Dr. Issam Khalify, Mr. Hanna Abou Habib Hanna Mr. Khalify, Issam Dr. Takieddine, From Right: Dr. Makarim, Dr. Antoine Seif, Dr. Ada Dr. Seif, Antoine Dr. Dr. Makarim, Right: From W WWW W W WWW W Dr. Neyla Takieddine Kaedby Kaedby Takieddine Dr. Neyla I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V the key to success. success. to key the the key to success. success. to key the the key to success. success. to key the the key to success. success. to key the ful. ful. ful. ful. ful. E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S

– 6 6 6 (Continued on page 44 page on page on (Continued (Continued (Continued on page page on page on (Continued (Continued –––

SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

ships; - - ships;

9 0 0 2

444444) 9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2 l l

43 ,

) )))

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M

WWWWWW istinguishedistinguishedWWW WWW ruzeruze

(Continued from page 434343)43 )))

children reading interests; content analysis of Arabic elementary school readers relating to subject content, language level, & values contained in stories.

Her lectures on these subjects were published in books & journals on the related subjects – also in the daily newspapers. She lectured on women & the war in Lebanon; women in the media, & women & family problems in Lebanon.

Dr. Takieddine writing in Golden Book May 2009

She spoke mainly, & upon the request of many, about the book she published about him after his assassination Dr. Takieddine Audience including H.E. Adil Hamieh, that was published in 1985 . The book was available at the May his wife, Mr. Siham Takieddine, Mr. Melhim Jaber Convention for those interested.

Dr. Takieddine gave a press conference at the United Dr. Adal spoke on national occasions such as Nations in New York on behalf of a group of women from “Independence Day “ – upon the request of the Women’s Lebanon during a sit –in held in front of the United Nations Associations & the Committee on Women’s Rights. On in N.Y protesting against the Israeli invasion to Lebanon in Martyrs day in Baakline, especially about her husband 1982. Sheikh Halim Takieddine. She also gave a press conference in Washington at the She was a “Keynote request of the Arab-American Antidiscrimination Committee Speaker” at the also on the Israeli invasion in Lebanon, she spoke to the American Druze Lawyers Syndicate in New Haven, Connecticut, at their Society Convention in request on the same subject . She was honored by the the United States, in Women’s Auxiliary Committee of Haigzian University in New Jersey, in 1986 , th Beirut on May 8 , 2001. where she spoke about her husband, Dr. Takieddine has published 3 books: Sheikh Halim Takieddine , President 1. A book about her husband entitled “Sheikh Dr. Takieddine Audience of the Druze Appellate Halim Takieddine President of Druze Court & Druze Jurisprudence in Lebanon,” in 1985 – The May 2009 Jurisprudence in Lebanon after his assassination in 1983 (Dec. 1 st ). (Continued on page 454545)45 )))

44 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE WWW W W WWW W EEE E L L I I A A M M (Continued from page 44 page from page from (Continued (Continued L L I I A A M M (Continued from page page from page from (Continued (Continued Dr. Takieddine with Dr Makarim, Dr. Khalify, Dr Sei Dr Khalify, Dr. Dr Makarim, with Dr. Takieddine 3. “Druze Women in the Druze Society through through Society Druze the in Women “Druze 3. 4. Druze Council of Educational Institution in in Institution Educational of Council National Druze Shouf 4. the of Trustees of Board 3. Council Women’s Lebanese 2. Lebanon in Planning Family of Committee 1. 2. Translated Dr. Muhammad El Basha’s book in in book Basha’s El Muhammad Dr. Translated 2. Dr. Takieddine is member of: member is Takieddine Dr. Shouf National College “ in Baakline, Lebanon Lebanon Baakline, in “ College National Shouf : : : : Arabic “Man’s Transformations in the Universe Universe the in Transformations “Man’s Arabic History” -- 2004 2004 -- History” English. “into Lebanon Lebanon Lebanon Baakline, in “ College Basha. Basha. El Khalil Muhammad Dr. by written introduction DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R I don’t want to get to the end of my life and and the life to my find get of end want to Idon’t I don’t want to get to the end of my life and and the life to my find get of end want to Idon’t I don’t want to get to the end of my life and and the life to my find get of end want to Idon’t I don’t want to get to the end of my life and and the life to my find get of end want to Idon’t D@ D@ @ D D@

444444) istinguished istinguished ruze istinguished ruze E E Z Z U U R R istinguished istinguished ruze istinguished ruze E E Z Z U U R R istinguished istinguished ruze istinguished ruze istinguished istinguished ruze istinguished ruze I want to have lived the width of it as well. - well.as of it thewidth to lived well.ashave of I want it thewidth to lived have Iwant I want to have lived the width of it as well.as of it thewidth to lived well.ashave of I want it thewidth to lived have Iwant )) )

W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C

f f share on a distinguished Druze personality, please please personality, Druze to story your send distinguished a on like share would you story success similar a have you If & Alba. & Alba. o University American U.S.A, in students university Dr. Takieddine surrounded by 4 of her grandchildren her 4 of by surrounded Dr. Takieddine . ebr f the of Member 7. the of Member 6. Outstanding for Scholarships on Committee 5. She is an inspiration to all who know her. her. know who all to inspiration an is She are whom of four grandchildren, eight has She children: three has Takieddine Dr. League in Lebanon in League Library Social of Work League Druze The – “Martyr, Takieddine the Halim Sheikh of name the in Fund Scholarship the Including Lebanon”. in Students University W WWW W Makram – Civil Engineer Engineer – Civil Makram Engineer Agricultural & Arch. – Landscape Hala Engineer – Civil Ousama W WWW W that I lived just the length of I lived it. the just that that I lived just the length of it. length of I lived it. the just that that I lived just the length of I lived it. the just that that I lived just the length of I lived it. the just that - --- Ackerman Diane Diane Ackerman Diane Ackerman Diane Diane Ackerman Diane

I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V [email protected] Friends of Baakline National National Baakline of Friends Druze Social Development Development Social Druze E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S

– 6 6 6

–––

S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

f Beirut, Beirut, f

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

45 to to

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M ARGENTINA My Druze History (Spanish)

By Edil Quintar Has lived in Argentina all his life, is married and is active in Druze events as much as possible.

su primer bodega, y entonces fue cuando el a pagar cuando la vendan y así estableció una Gobernador de San Juan decidió ponerle precio cadena de negocios que el surtía. tope al vino, lo cual arruinaba el negocio por lo cual decido tirar el vino a las acequias de riego y por ese Cuando se volvió rico, regreso al Libano en odo comenzó con un sueño de motivo el Gobernador decidió ponerlo en prisión. El un lujoso barco de pasajeros (ya que cuando principios del 1.900 cuando ya estaba casado con una mujer Argentina y tenia vino lo hizo en un barco de carga) y se caso en T Mohamed Al Kontar (padre de mi una hija. Entonces esta mujer, en un acto de amor el libano con mi abuela de apellido Enni que madre) decidió que en el libano no había decidió ir en su ayuda y pidió había nacido en Mississippi Estados oportunidades para el y su familia y entonces visitarlo en prisión y allí Unidos y su madre era de apellido emigraron desde El Libano con su padre y cambio sus ropas con mi Wendy d´Pitz (algo asi) y tenia dos hermanos a la Argentina porque se escuchaba abuelo y salio de allí vestido primos Norteamericanos uno de que aquí se podía “hacer la América” o en otras de mujer y vino a la ciudad ellos General de ejercito de EEUU palabras que aquí había riquezas suficientes y donde hoy vivimos Jujuy. Por de alto rango que figuraba en los en abundancia como para poder ganar dinero y supuesto que no fue libros de guerra de nombre Fendy o progresar. procesado ni juzgado puesto Andy y otro medico cuyas que no había cometido ningún fotografías estaban en la casa de mi Llegaron como todo inmigrante a la capital crimen sino que era mas bien abuelo y como por parte de mi de Argentina, Buenos Aires y como en esa una persecución política. padre son 10 hermanos, no se que época Buenos Aires estaba lleno de inmigrantes se hicieron esas fotografías. tratando de conseguir trabajo, entonces se En Jujuy fundo su Bodega, la que llego a dirigió al norte del país donde escucho que las producir y vender mas de 1.000.000 de litros por A partir de allí la historia es reciente y oportunidades eran mejores y se estableció en mes de vino y logro poseer una de las mas podemos decirles que es cierto que los Drusos la ciudad de San Juan (Caucete) donde busco importantes industrias de la provincia. Pero el queremos el lugar donde vivimos y lo de hacer todo tipo de negocios que el viera aunque decidio separarse de la mujer Argentina defendemos con nuestras vidas. En el reciente como redituable. Uno de los mas audaces fue el que le habia dado una hija y se habia casado conflicto que la Argentina tuvo con Chile por una de llevar ganado vacuno a Chile c rusando la con una mujer Drusa (Madcur) de la cual nacio cuestión de limites nosotros dimos al Ejercito Cordillera de Los Andes, pero aunque gano mi madre, nunca se olvido de ella y la ayudo Argentino nuestros vehículos y cuando dinero con eso el negocio era muy arriesgado, a económicamente durante toda su vida. Tambien luchamos contra los ingleses por las islas tal punto que en uno de sus viajes su encontró antes de morir, hizo traer a un sobrino del Malvinas (folkland según ellos) donamos dinero con una tormenta de nieve llamado viento Libano (hijo de su hija que quedo en el Libano e incluso yo done mi motocicleta para que blanco a 5.000 metros de altura y se le murier con su mama) y le dio parte de su Herencia. puedan desplazarse allá nuestros soldados. on todo el ganado que llevaba y como de ese tipo de tormentas generalmente no se La historia del padre de mi padre no es También tenemos nuestro pariente Druso en el sobrevive, y habiendo pasado semanas, se lo menos importante, ya que vino del Libano Ejercito Argentino Mohamed Sneildin (muy dio por muerto y le manaban condolencias a mi también a principios del 1.900 y tampoco de fue importante Coronel en las fuerzas especiales) que madre por tan infortunado suceso. bien en Buenos Aires, y decidio ir a la ciudad de lucho en las Islas Malvinas detrás de las filas Catamarca (Tinogasta) donde trabajo de son a inglesas y salio invicto y después que perdiéramos Pero el no se rindió y encontró una cueva sol, también con el objetivo de triunfar ya que en la lucha por el apoyo a los ingleses de los Estados en la montaña donde sobrevivió comiendo el Libano era foguista de una caldera en una Unidos el fue preso (por cuestiones políticas) porque carne cruda y tapándose con loa cueros de los fabrica de cueros y eso es lo que no quería ser incluso ayudo al General Noriega en Panamá contra animales que llevaba. A partir de allí, y una vez en su vida, lo encontraba denigrante y sentia la invasión estadounidense (hoy ya esta libre). que la familia logro ganar algún dinero, que el tenia que triunfar en la vida. volvieron al Libano y los padres para que no Bueno, esta es nuestra historia de los Drusos vuelva a la Argentina, lo casaron allá aun muy En el lugar que eligió para vivir había en Argentina, aquí los Drusos ya no son mas joven y tuvo una hija. muchos animales salvajes así que se dedico a Libaneses, son Argentinos para siempre, lo unico comprar y vender pieles llevándolas del que le podemos reclamar al Libano, es que nos den Pero el ya había conocido Argentina decidió pequeño pueblo donde vivía a la gran ciudad de nuestra religión, que es lo unico que nuestros volver solo, dejando la familia allá. Nunca me entere Buenos Aires y así estableció vínculos con los padres no pudieron traer. cuales fueron los motivos, si fueron económicos o comerciantes de la Capital de Argentina que le sentimentales, porque mi abuelo materno Mohamed sirvieron para vender productos allá y traer Particularmente creo que ahora ningún Al Kontar (aquí lo llamaron Manuel Quintar, nombre productos a su pueblo. inmigrante Druso necesita del libano mas de lo castellanizado) era hijo de Zakie Arslam (uno de los que los libaneses necesitan de ellos. Creo que últimos títulos nobiliarios del Libano) y dejo un Se convirtió en el primer comerciante de su el Libano esta en la peor situación que todos los hermano allá que después resulto ser el Embajador pueblo y rápidamente mando a llamar a otros países donde emigraron los Drusos (ejemplo del Libano en la Argentina (Riad Al Kontar). amigos de su pueblo del ElTime en el Libano y EEUU, Argentina, Canada, Brasil, etc.) por lo entonces organizo un sistema de distribución de que El Libano debe prestarle mas atención a la Vino solo, con el obligado futuro de triunfar en mercaderías y habilitación de negocios, donde gente que tiene Fuera del Libano porque ellos base al trabajo fecundo. En San Juan se producía todos los libaneses que venían sin capital pero precisamente son los que pueden ayudar a vino, así que decidió aprender enología y empezó a con ganas de trabajar, el le daba toda la conseguir la paz que tanto necesitan. fabricar y embotellar vino y con mucho trabajo fundo mercadería que necesitaban sin cobrarle nada y 46 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M L L I I A A M M Former President President Former Masri, Al Sr.Haissam It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do if accomplishyou not youcan what doamazing is It if accomplishyou not youcan what amazing is It It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do if accomplishyou not youcan what doamazing is It if accomplishyou not youcan what amazing is It : : : : DDD D E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R D@ D@ @ D D@ E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C BRAZIL

care who gets the credit. - who credit. thegetscare who credit. thegetscare care who gets the credit. who credit. thegetscare who credit. thegetscare I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S Sr. Zaid Zaid Sr. Zaid Sr. Sr. Zaid Zaid Sr. Zaid Sr. -- - 6

– 6 6 6 Harry S. Truman S. Harry Harry S. Truman S. Harry Truman S. Harry Harry S. Truman S. Harry ––– El S SSS

Tawel, President President President Tawel, Tawel, Tawel, President PresidentTawel, Tawel, R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M InIn MemoriamMemoriam ARGENTINA In The Name of God the Merciful the Compassionate --- To God we belong and to Him we return Mohammed Ali Zeineldin died September 2, 2009. He was considered a Hero of the Falklands War Mohammed Ali

Mohammed Ali Zeineldin, born November 12, 1933, passed away on September 2, 2009, he was 75. The death occurred suddenly of a heart attack while he was working in his office in the Heath and Mind Foundation that focused on the health of low-income families. A former Argentine military commander was considered a hero of the Falklands War. He was Druze. Retired Colonel, Zeineldin, being Lieutenant Colonel, commanded the 25th Infantry Regiment, which had the most victims struck by the British during the Falklands war in 1982. He also served in Panama during 1985 & 1986 training troops for President Manuel Noriega. After the US removed Noriega from Panama, Zeineldin was transferred back to Argentina. During 1988 he commanded the military uprising during the government of Raul Alfonsin. On December 3, 1990 Zeineldin lead an uprising against the government of Carlos Menem that earned him life imprisonment. He had great public support during his imprisonment. During a 2002 citizen protest for his release, supporter were requested to install flags in his favor, with the slogan "Free Zeineldin”.

There were numerous acts of peaceful protest demanding the immediate release of Zeineldin. His supporters reached more than eight thousand people, among which may be ordinary citizens, veterans and his soldiers, rightwing nationalist groups as well as the Revolutionary Communist Party, Maoist organization publicly supported his ideas. He received the presidential pardon of President Eduardo Duhalde on 20 May 2003. He then lead a discrete public life.

48 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE EEE E L L I I A A M M L L I I A A M M : : : : DDD D The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportofperson’sin is direct a life quality The The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportofperson’sin is direct a life quality The The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportofperson’sin is direct a life quality The The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportofperson’sin is direct a life quality The E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R D@ D@ @ D D@ E E Z Z U U R R E E Z Z U U R R regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. - chosen endeavor. their of field of regardless chosen endeavor. their of field of regardless regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. chosen endeavor. their of field of regardless chosen endeavor. their of field of regardless W W W W E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O E E D D I I W W D D L L R R O O ... . M M O O C C M M O O C C

ion to their commitment to excellence, commitment excellence, their to to ion ion to their commitment excellence, their to to ion ion to their commitment excellence, their to to ion ion to their commitment excellence, their to to ion

-- - Lombardi Vince I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V Vince Lombardi Vince Lombardi Vince I I , , 3 3 . . 3 3 V V Vince Lombardi Vince E E U U S S S S E E U U S S S S 6

– 6 6 6

––– S SSS

R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E R R E E B B M M E E T T P P E E

9 0 0 2

9 9 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 0 2

V 3.3, I S S U E 6 ––– SSS EPTEMBER 2 2009 0 0 9 EEE M A I L : DDD R U Z E @ D@DD R U Z E W ORLDWIDE ... C O M

If you would like to receive notification when the next issue Publisher & Editor-In-Chief of this Magazine is available online, please send us an email to the address listed here or on the website, include your full Shauki Halime name, email address, & country in which you reside. This magazine is primarily available on line though the website www.Druzeworldwide.com or in print by special order only. E-mail: See website for ordering information & full disclaimer. [email protected] Please rest assured we will not share your email address with anyone. This is a private email listing Website: which is not shared publicly or sold to anyone. www.DruzeWorldWide.com Please be sure to add DruzeWorldWide.com to your safe list in order to receive our emails directly. Thank you.

إذا ت رب ان إم د ور ادد ال ن ھذه ا ارت، ارء إرل ردك إرو ( ا ل ) إ اوان اذور ھ أو و ال ارو ارت، ن اك ال وواك ارو ( اي ل) ، واد اذي واد . . ھذه ا ور و ارو ن دون اي ل ان م ھ ور ط طب ص , را و ارت طب اوت . ..ط ا اروز www .Druzeworldwide .com وم ن رك اد وت . وا ا ل ا ، و آ ر اد ن إ DruzeWorldWide.com إ ا ا ك رل ارد ارو رة. ﷲ و. Also see Magazine DISCLAIMER Notification ا Email : Druze @DruzeWorldwide .com ﷲ ط ا اروز ل ا را.

What we are about … We are at The Dawn (AlFajr) of our time to make a difference and create an identifiable This complimentary Druze to preserve those culture that will be impossible for anyone to Magazine is a non-political elements which extinguish. We want to hear from everyone communication vehicle for the have defined our on their ideas and thoughts. Druze community worldwide. It past, & bring it’s is our pleasure to be part of relevance & We have the widest Druze network globally connecting our diverse significance to our available & the magazine is posted on the Druze societies with one another. future generations. www.DruzeWorldwide.com website for it to be accessible around the globe for all to With our common roots we This magazine is read & enjoy. It is also supported through have flourished & now reside in an attempt to stem social media websites such as Druze every country around the world. the tide and assist Worldwide Group on Facebook and others. In an effort to keep our with the evolution of uniqueness & traditions in a fast our culture, as the Everyone is welcome to submit an article paced and changing world; we world will surely or opinion for publication consideration. All need to maintain a method to dilute us if we are ages are included & encouraged. We reserve transcend the requests for unable to define the right to review, edit, accept or decline conformity. ourselves in a articles as well as revise for clarity, content & manner that will space. We have the ability to share uphold our unique our unique culture & customs in a destiny into the 21 st Until the very exciting next issue, very accessible cyber world while century. wishing the best to everyone!! maintaining the efforts required Al Fajr The Dawn Druze International Magazine is prepared as a service to the Druze community Worldwide & may contain advice, opinions, & statements of various information providers. Al Fajr The Dawn makes no warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information disclosed. The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Editor. Articles are always welcomed & can be emailed directly as noted above. Please see our website www.Druzeworldwide.com for further information and full disclaimer. Reproduction of any part of this publication requires permission from the Editor. Copyright © 2009 — All rights reserved

ااد اارده اوره ا 50 www.DruzeWorldwide.com HOME OF AL FAJR THE DAW DRUZE ITERATIOAL MAGAZIE

, u o y f o t n o r f n i s e i l t a h w d n a u o y d n i h e b s e i l t a h W , u o y f o t n o r f n i s e i l t a h w d n a u o y d n i h e b s e i l t a h W , u o y f o t n o r f n i s e i l t a h w d n a u o y d n i h e b s e i l t a h W , u o y f o t n o r f n i s e i l t a h w d n a u o y d n i h e b s e i l t a h W . . u u o o y y f f o o e e d d i i s s n n i i s s e e i i l l t t a a h h w w o o t t n n o o s s i i r r a a p p m m o o c c n n i i s s e e l l a a p p . . u u o o y y f f o o e e d d i i s s n n i i s s e e i i l l t t a a h h w w o o t t n n o o s s i i r r a a p p m m o o c c n n i i s s e e l l a a p p

www.DruzeWorldwide.com

Home of: Al Fajr The Dawn Druze International Magazine