After overcoming social barriers and completing a grueling course, Faten Nasraldin has made history by becoming Israel’s first Druze female commanding police officer.
Meet Faten Nasraldin, the first female member of the Druze community in Israel to complete the police’s prestigious commanding officer course.
Nasraldin, 34, from the Druze village of Daliyat Al-Karmel in northern Israel, hails from a family of military and police officers. Her father had served as an officer, and as a child everyone everyone who knew her had understood that she would follow in his footsteps and join the police force.
Nasraldin served in the IDF for several years before entering the police force four years ago.
She stood on Tuesday on Masada, together with 101 other cadets who had completed the officers’ course and received their new rank.
Nasraldin met with some initial resistance, but as time passed everyone learned to accept and respect her choice.
“I decided to join the commander’s course because I wanted to contribute more of myself to the country and the police in the most optimal fashion,” says Nasraldin. ”I came here to prove to everyone, and myself included, that I can succeed.”
New Ranks at Dawn
Nasraldin received her new rank at dawn, after ascending Masada via the steep Snake Path. (Built in 30 BCE by Roman King Herod, the fortress Masada is a symbol of Jewish courage, heroism and martyrdom.)
Chief of Police Yohanan Danino led the procession up the hill. He stated during the ceremony:
“Israel’s police force is becoming stronger as it is being blessed with young commanders who can contend with any challenge, no matter how difficult or complex. The police is becoming stronger even though we are a small organization, but we are strong in our spirit.”
Known for their Courage
The Druze, a religious minority in Israel, are known for their military courage and dedication to the State of Israel. Today, 85 percent of Israel’s male Druze population chooses to join the Israeli military, and many will continue their service far beyond their scheduled release dates.
The Druze religion is rooted in Ismailism, a branch of Shia Islam. Communities are mostly found in Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Jordan.
Israeli Druze have attained top positions in politics and public service. The number of Druze Knesset members , representing diverse political parties, exceeds their proportion among the Israeli population.
Author: Aryeh Savir
Staff Writer, United with Israel