“Mount Bashan”: Druze Leader in Syria Adopts Hebrew Name for Jabal Al-Arab

“Mount Bashan”: Druze leader in Syria adopts Hebrew name for Jabal al-Arab

Analysts say this move aims to gain favor with the Israeli government to support his separatist demands. In his appeal to the “UN Secretary-General, the UN Security Council, the Arab League, and various international bodies,” al-Hijri described a “humanitarian catastrophe” in what he called Jabal al-Bashan, claiming the area has been under a “comprehensive siege” for months, threatening the lives of civilians and cutting off food, medicine, fuel…

What Is “Mount Bashan,” the Term al-Hijri Used Instead of Suwayda? - Enab Baladi

The spiritual leader of the Druze community in Suwayda (southern Syria), Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, used the term “Mount Bashan” instead of Suwayda, or its common designation, “Jabal al-Arab” (Mountain of the Arabs), in a message outlining his demands, published on Saturday, October 11. In his letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General, members of the Security Council, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Arab League, and Amnesty Intern…