Joint celebration in honor of high priest (archives)
Photo: Hagai Aharon
Jewish-Druze celebration planned
Unique religious event to be held next week in Galilee town for first time in decades
A unique religious event will be held in northern Israel next week: A joint Jewish-Druze celebration.
Such an event has likely not taken place for decades or even centuries. It will be held in the Druze town of Sajur in the Galilee region, in honor of the anniversary of the death of Rabbi Ishmael ben Elisha, who was considered a righteous man both among the Druze and the Jews.
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Rabbi Shmuel Sheetrit of Ashdod explained why a joint event of this kind has not been held before: "Due to ignorance, we thought the Druze were hostile to us."
The event is being organized with the help of Deputy Bat Yam Mayor Uri Buskila.
"It is our pleasure to host the Jewish worshippers and celebrate together, each in his own language," said Sajur Council head Jaber Hamood.
Rabbi Ishmael ben Elisha was a high priest in the last days of the Second Temple and one of the Ten Martyrs – a group of rabbis executed by the Romans, which included Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel.
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