In Yanih-Yat, a small, peaceful mountain town in Israel, grief permeates the air following the grim loss of their hero, soldier Salman Chabaka (33).
The community, home to 7,000 of Israel's 150,000 Druze members, is deeply saddened by the loss of their son, brother, and comrade. Druze, originating from the 11th century, is a blend of Islam and philosophical teachings that has fostered a shared covenant of peace and unity between Druze and Jews in Israel.
On October 7th, during Hamas's assault on Israel, Chabaka, an IDF officer, displayed unwavering bravery. He selflessly sacrificed his life, saving countless residents in Kibbutz Be'eri, and subsequently drove his tank into the heart of the Gaza battle to assist a group of elite soldiers.
Chabaka's tragic loss has left behind a devoted wife and a two-year-old son, his cherished parents, and siblings. High-ranking military officials and politicians pay their last respects to the fallen hero in his beloved mountain village.
The community is resilient, drawn together by shared sadness, faith, and pride for Chabaka's heroic actions. His father, Imad (60), shares his unwavering belief in his son's bravery. "Salman drove into Kibbutz Be'eri with his tank. He killed many, many terrorists. His tank gave the people there hope. Those who heard his chains calmed down because they knew: the army is there. He is a hero," he says.
The pain of loss is palpable and touches each soul. Marwaba, Chabaka's mother, finds solace in her faith and shares feelings of pride and perseverance. "My son saved many people and I am proud of him. Together we will win with God's help. But he also has a two-year-old son and he asks for him all the time. And what should I tell him?" she ponders.
Former President Reuven Rivlin (84) also paid his respects to Salman Chabaka. The community's strength in the face of adversity has prompted rabbis to speak at the memorial service, urging unity between Jews and Druze as an example to humanity. The cemetery outside Yanih-Yat houses 16 Druze heroes, their graves adorned with stones according to Jewish tradition.
In Salman Chabaka's hometown, faith serves as both a foundation and a beacon of hope. "We believe that our souls will return to earth in other bodies. A small consolation," says the community.
Though overshadowed by international condemnation, Hamas's actions in the region have drastically impacted communities like Yanih-Yat. Their hero, Salman Chabaka, ultimately paid the ultimate price for the cause he believed in.
