The Golan Druze general strike

Culture of origin: Druze · Historical

Holiday sources: Druze

On 14 December 1981 Israel enacted the Golan Heights Law, formally annexing the area. The Druze of the Golan opposed it, and the government said those who refused Israeli identity cards would be barred from services such as driving licences and the post. In mid-February 1982 four Druze leaders were arrested in a midnight raid ordered by Defence Minister Ariel Sharon and charged with incitement, and the Druze declared an indefinite general strike from 14 February. It lasted five months, until Druze leaders met in Majdal Shams on 21 July 1982 and agreed to end it. Demonstrations commemorating the strike have been held in Majdal Shams every 14 February since.