A heavy mourning fell upon the Druze community in Israel today (Sunday, February 9.2.2025, 11) with the news of the death of Amal Nasr al-Din, who was an Israel Prize laureate and founder of the Druze "Yad Labanim" house. For 1977 years, Nasr al-Din served as a member of Knesset on behalf of the "Likud" faction from 1988-XNUMX and over the years became one of the central leaders of the Druze community in the State of Israel.
Bereavement and sadness fell on Amal Nasr al-Din's home in Dalit al-Karmel. In 1969, he and his wife lost their son Lotfi, and in 2008, his grandson Lotfi, named after his late son, was killed. In 1996, Ben Saleh disappeared in Jenin and his whereabouts are unknown to this day. The family is certain that he was kidnapped and murdered by the Hamas terrorist organization. For many years, he served as chairman of the Druze community's "Yad Labanim." The "Yad Labanim" house in the Druze village of Dalit al-Karmel on Mount Carmel is located in "Oliphant House," which was built in 1882 for Lord Lawrence Oliphant and where his secretary, Naftali Hertz Imber, who composed the State of Israel's anthem, "Hatikva," also lived.
In 2005, he was chosen to light a torch on the eve of Israel's Independence Day.
President Yitzhak Herzog paid tribute to him and said: "The late Amal Nasr al-Din, the Israel Prize laureate who passed away today seven days and deeds ago, dedicated his life to public work that left a significant mark on the Druze community, society and the entire country. Bereavement knocked on Amal's door twice, a bereaved father and a bereaved grandfather, and from the depths of pain he chose to continue acting as a groundbreaking leader in the Druze community: in the political and public arena, in his activities for the community's youth and in his work to commemorate the fallen Druze community and their families. His great pride was in the Druze community's Yad Labanim home in Daliyat al-Karmel and in the Kerem El Mechina, which he founded and led for many years. It was not for nothing that he was awarded the Israel Prize for his special contribution to society and the country - a sign of honor for Amal Nasr al-Din and the entire Druze community. The State of Israel grieves the passing of a great man. "We send our condolences to his dear family and all his lovers. May his memory be blessed."
The spiritual leader of the Druze community, Sheikh Muafek Tarif, also paid tribute to Nasr al-Din, saying: "The State of Israel and the Druze community have lost a great man, one of the founding generation of the state. This is a great loss that leaves a huge void. The life story of former Knesset member Amal Nasr al-Din is a source of inspiration for all citizens and residents of the country. The man who knew no rest, did not despair even though his son and grandson were killed in Israel's wars, a man of vision and hope. I personally am losing a friend and fellow traveler. May his memory be blessed."
A blessed and beloved congregation, heroes share in the family's grief!
To the Nasar al-Din family and the members of the Yad Labanim Home in Dalit El Carmel. We received the bitter news of the passing of Amal, the late, with great pain and sorrow. I was privileged to know Amal up close. Unfortunately, there are no words in my mouth that can comfort us for such a heavy loss. Amal was a dear person, a bereaved father, a bereaved grandfather, and a tireless activist for the country and society. The members of the "Hagana" in Israel and in Haifa, and I with them, will remember Amal, the late, forever. In these difficult moments, we are all with you. We embrace you in our hearts. We send sincere condolences to the family and the Druze community throughout the country. May his memory be blessed and may you know no more sorrow. With great respect and appreciation on behalf of all of us. Yehudit Yehezkeli-Galili, member of the "Hagana" and Palmach.