Minorities in Israel Field Trip

On April 30^th, our Minorities in Israel class took a field trip to meet people from minority groups that we had been studying. This field trip took all day, from eight in the morning to eight at night, and it gave us the opportunity to ask questions and hear stories firsthand. Being in the geographic area that I’m studying is amazing, and going on field trips like these adds new depth to what I’ve learned in the classroom.

We went to see the Druze in Isfiya first. The Druze population in Israel, although small, has been influential in Israel’s military as well as Israel’s society. Their religion is very secretive, and as we learned on this field trip, they believe in reincarnation. What is very interesting about the Druze is that they are sympathetic to Israel’s national story, and they have been loyal to Israel since the founding of the country. When they serve in the military, they are able to fill important positions because of their ability to speak Arabic. Seeing the village of Isfiya, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, was a great experience that allowed us to see what life is like for the Druze firsthand.

Next on our field trip was the Circassian town of Kfar Kama. Circassians are a people removed from their homeland in the Caucasus. The Circassians in Israel are part of a larger diaspora. Although Israel is home to around only 3,500 Circassians, they have played an influential role in Israel’s military, especially in regard to Israel’s ability to integrate Muslims into the IDF. Like the Druze, the Circassians have also been sympathetic to Israel’s cause since 1948, with some exceptions in the northern Circassian village bordering Lebanon. While on a tour in Kfar Kama, we learned about their dance, language, and customs regarding raising children. Our tour guide also explained the importance of returning to their ancestral homeland. However, he also emphasized the Circassian obligation to serve the country they currently live in.

Our last stop was Nazareth, which is known as the “Arab capital of Israel.” Most of the inhabitants are Christian and Muslim Arabs. While we were there, we visited the Basilica of the Annunciation. After visiting this incredible church, we were able to explore Nazareth in small groups. We tasted the food and desserts, which Nazareth is famous for, and headed back to the bus for the long drive back to our home, Beer-Sheva. This field trip allowed us the opportunity to meet the minority groups we learned about in the classroom. It guaranteed that we will never forget these minority groups and the important roles they play both in Israel’s military and within Israel’s general society. Although this was by far the longest field trip I have ever taken, it was also the best.