Changes

The government of [[Israel]] encourages Druze separatism from Israel's Arab minority through a special educational curriculum emphasizing Druze history and culture, Druze folklore, a calendar of holy days and feasts, and the 'invention of traditions,' including pilgrimages and festivals, associated with the rebuilt or even newly created 'maqamat' (holy places).

The government of [[Israel]] encourages Druze separatism from Israel's Arab minority through a special educational curriculum emphasizing Druze history and culture, Druze folklore, a calendar of holy days and feasts, and the 'invention of traditions,' including pilgrimages and festivals, associated with the rebuilt or even newly created 'maqamat' (holy places).

Due to requests from the Israeli Druze leadership, ever since 1956 all Israeli Druze males are obliged to serve in the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]].<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/2000_2009/2002/12/Focus+on+Israel-+The+Druze+in+Israel.htm The Druze in Israel]</ref>

Due to requests from the Israeli Druze leadership, ever since 1956 all Israeli Druze males are obliged to serve in the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]].<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/2000_2009/2002/12/Focus+on+Israel-+The+Druze+in+Israel.htm The Druze in Israel]</ref> Israeli Druze serve in all branches and corps of Israeli military, some even serving as high ranking officers and members of elite units.<ref>[http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/today/2007/08/1301.htm Dover Zahal]</ref> The Druze are also well integrated in Israeli politics, as evidenced by their relatively strong presence in the Knesset.<ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/news/elections-2009-druze-likely-to-comprise-5-of-next-knesset-despite-small-population-1.266977 Druze likely to comprise 5% of next Knesset, despite small population - Haaretz]</ref>

===United States===

===United States===