When the Druze Saved the Jews from a Massacre – and Now the Favor Is Returned

In the year 1012, a funeral in Cairo nearly ended in disaster for the Jewish community—until a mysterious Muslim ruler, later revered as the founder of the Druze faith, intervened and set the captives free. A thousand years later, Israel is now defending the Druze in Syria from a similar fate. Coincidence? Or something deeper?

A Forgotten Massacre – and an Unlikely Savior

In the Hebrew month of Shevat, 4772 (January 1012), a group of Jews returning from the funeral of a cantor in Cairo were ambushed by Muslim rioters. Several community leaders were arrested and thrown into prison.

But the following morning brought stunning news: Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, then Caliph of the Fatimid Empire, ordered their release. Among the freed was Rabbi Shmuel ben Hoshana, a prominent Jewish poet who was so moved by the caliph’s mercy that he composed a long poetic chronicle called Megillat Mitzrayim ("The Scroll of Egypt"). In it, he referred to Al-Hakim with reverence: “Our Master, the Judge by the Word of God.”

Why would a Jewish leader shower such praise on a Muslim caliph?

Prophet or Tyrant? The Man Behind the Druze Religion

Al-Hakim was no ordinary Muslim ruler. Born in 985 and rising to power at just 11, he governed the Fatimid Empire until his mysterious disappearance in 1021. But in 1017, he did something extraordinary—he declared himself a divine prophet and laid the foundation for a new faith: the Druze religion, or al-Muwahhidun.

Alongside him was a young preacher named Hamza ibn Ali, later declared by the Druze to be the chief messenger of divine truth. Al-Hakim’s radical declarations alienated many, particularly the rival Abbasid caliphs in Baghdad, who issued a damaging decree: they claimed the Fatimids were not descendants of Muhammad at all, but in fact… of Jewish origin.

Whether true or political slander, this accusation might explain Al-Hakim’s unusual affinity for Jews.

Vanishing Without a Trace

In 1021, Al-Hakim went out for a nightly ride—and never returned. Only his clothes were found, neatly folded. Historians suspect assassination, but Druze tradition holds that he deliberately vanished to test the faith of his followers. They believe he will return at the end of days as a messianic figure.

To this day, the Druze religion remains secretive. Only the wise, or uqqal, are initiated into its teachings; the laypeople, or juhhal, practice without full access to the doctrine. The Druze venerate biblical figures like Jethro (whom they call Nabi Shu’ayb) and share many values with Judaism, while firmly rejecting both Christianity and Islam.

Ancient Allegations, Modern Echoes

Could the Abbasid accusation have held some truth? Modern DNA studies suggest Druze populations may indeed have Jewish genetic links. Their deep respect for Jewish tradition, and the historical closeness between the communities, may not be accidental.

What’s certain is that in 1012, a Druze prophet saved Jewish lives. And now, a thousand years later, the roles are reversed.

From Cairo 1012 to Sweida 2025

Fast forward to present-day Syria. In the mountainous region of Jabal al-Druze, reports emerged of massacres and pogroms against Druze civilians carried out by Sunni militias aligned with the Assad regime.

Upon hearing of the violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took swift action.

In a conversation with Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, Netanyahu recounted:

“During the Holocaust, Jews cried out for help—and no one came. Today, the Druze are crying out, and the State of Israel is answering.”

Israel responded with targeted strikes against forces involved in the massacre, including a bombing of Syria’s Ministry of Defense in Damascus. Netanyahu declared a clear red line:

“No military force will be allowed to move south of Damascus. We will not allow harm to come to the Druze in Jabal al-Druze.”

History Comes Full Circle

Once, the founder of the Druze faith—accused by his enemies of Jewish ancestry—saved Jews from unjust imprisonment. Today, the Jewish state is saving Druze from slaughter.

The connection is more than symbolic. As Rabbi Shmuel ben Hoshana once wrote of Al-Hakim:

“Our Master, the Judge by the Word of God.”

Now, through action rather than poetry, Israel is repaying that debt.

Postscript: Historical Doubts Remain

Islamic historian Shmuel Ben-Shalom, when asked about the Abbasid claims, expressed skepticism.

“In the Muslim world, accusing political enemies of being secretly Jewish is a common tactic,” he noted.

Still, even if Al-Hakim’s Jewish ancestry is only legend, the alliance between Jews and Druze is very real—and growing stronger in times of shared peril.