Druze Nexus: A new voice for vulnerable minorities

Amid growing instability in the Levant and the increasing marginalization of minority communities, the launch of Druze Nexus (DN) comes at a critical moment.

Established as a United States-based, non-political, nonprofit organization, DN seeks to respond to urgent humanitarian, economic, and identity-based challenges facing the Druze and other vulnerable minorities.

Rooted in principles of dignity, transparency, and accountability, the organization positions itself not merely as an observer of crises, but as an active connector; linking documentation, advocacy, and development to long-term resilience. At the heart of its mission lies a clear conviction: that protecting lives and preserving identity must go hand in hand with economic empowerment to secure a sustainable future.

From here, an exclusive interview to The Beiruter was conducted with Rami el-Khalil (a member of DN – Economic Empowerment Initiative Lead).

Why now?

Khalil asserted that the organization was launched now “simply because of the atrocities that has been happening in Syria and Sweida with the Druze and the Christians, where there was no amplification or awareness on what has happened.” He believed that “there is no better time than now in such a case, as there is a lot of isolation with regards to the minorities.”

How does the NGO engage US policymakers on issues affecting Druze and other minority communities?

Khalil notes that, given the nature of the organization as an American-based NGO that is registered in the US, we do not lobby, but rather are an advocacy group.”

Additionally, he revealed that the NGO has 3 main pillars regarding their working scope:

- Creating awareness and documentation as well as verifying updates.

- Building resilience through economic empowerment.

- Preserving the history, culture and identity continuity, due to the diaspora spread all over the world.

Indeed, Khalil stated that the organization’s aim is “to link capabilities and cross-border solutions, given the need for cross-border capabilities for the economic empowerment.”

An NGO for Druze and all minorities across the world

Khalil asserted that the NGO is not confined by the Druze community, as it is concerned with all minorities, especially in the Levant (including Jews, Christians, Alawites, Assyrians, and Yazidis), since all minorities are facing the same problem. He added that “now, coincidently in Syria, it is the Druze and Christians, especially with the extremism that has risen and building up.”

Moreover, Khalil noted that “minorities are minorities. But coincidentally, it all started due to the atrocities that have occurred in Sweida where Christians and Druze live together, side by side;” a case which differs from the situations in neighboring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan.

What is the organization’s position on regional security issues impacting minorities?

Khalil pointed out that “we are voicing these concerns internationally, especially with the US government, as well as engaging with them and supplying the necessary facts and figures.”

However, he noted that “we are not a political arm. We just want to make sure we create awareness about what is happening, so that we have the required members (be it in the Congress or high network individuals or influencers).”

Khalil added that

we are not just talking about the atrocities that have occurred, but the economic situation, corridors for supply, human rights, keeping the dignity of those minorities as well.

What are your top priorities and aspired legislations and commitments for the upcoming year?

Khalil revealed that the NGO’s main priority is economic empowerment because of the situation. He claimed that “since we believe that through economic empowerment, we preserve the dignities create some sort of economic cycle that people can actually live in peace.” Therefore, the first thing is for the organization to be a global voice for minorities, inclusion and tolerance.”

From here, the NGO has lined up a couple of initiatives. For instance, Khalil stated that “we now have 6,000 students who cannot leave that area (for security reasons) to finish university. So, we are arranging for a university to supply, open up virtually and give them credits to be able to finish their degrees.” Additionally, “we are promoting economic empowerment whereby we see businesses, startups, SMEs who need support so that they can help and enhance the economy and employment; especially using technology to cross borders.

In terms of how the organization is aiming to achieve this goal, it is “through advocacy as well as humanitarian aid and rights protection. We are linking up globally with philanthropists and relevant experts by creating a think tank so that we will be able to push forward.”