In the small Israeli village of Ghajar, life feels peaceful for the Alawites, but a tragedy remains in its citizens hearts and minds. Just across the border in Syria, jihadist attacks have intensified, yet the Alawite Israeli residents are powerless to intervene.
“Imagine jihadists attacking your family just an hour away, and you can’t do anything to help,” one local explained. “You’re safe, but you’re stuck.”
Ghajar is the only place in Israel where the Alawite community lives, far away from the mountainous regions of Syria where most Alawites reside. These remote areas have historically served as a refuge from extremist groups that seek to eliminate anyone who is different. But earlier this year, that sense of security was shattered again, years after the 2010 tragedy, as Alawite communities in Syria became the latest victims of a massive jihadist assault.
For those in Ghajar, the violence is not just a distant headline, it is intensely personal. Cousins, grandparents, childhood homes, and entire neighborhoods lie across the border, crying out for help they cannot provide.
“Syria is our origin, it’s our roots, our blood,” one resident said. “Personally, it breaks my heart.”
