Being a druze

Fuad Khuri touches upon the Druze religion and how it plays a part on the lives of its adherents. Khuri describes the strong in-group feeling within the Druze, even in immigrant populations, and their deep attachment to ethnicity and unbending solidarity, always standing firmly by the power elite in times of crisis. The Druze learn their culture and associated rituals as connected with the cycle of life. 'He or she is always under the watchful eye of the community from birth until death and, then, rebirth'. In attempting to achieve divine manifestation, the Druze have developed not only a unique style of worship, but also a unique style of living and speaking, continuously practicing self-discipline, austerity and a strict behavioral code. Solidarity among the Druze is displayed through their strong belief in reincarnation and in the moderating role played by the religious sheikhs in conflict resolution. This feeling of brotherhood through reincarnation cements social relationships between people and creates equality within the community. Land to the Druze is a marker of identity: 'in order to protect your honor, you must have land and, in order to protect your land, you must have religion