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Learning Council - Shabbat, May 15, 2010

Posted by: Grace Gershkoff on: 02/08/2010 Display from: 02/08/2010 Event date: 05/15/2010 Remove on: 05/16/2010
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DEPUTY CONSUL GENERAL - RASLAN ABU RUKUN SPEAKS - SHABBAT - MAY 15, 2010 - 9AM - 10AM

In June 2009, Raslan Abu Rukun, an Israeli Druze, assumed the post of Deputy Consul General at the Consulate of israel to the Mid-Atlantic region.

The Deputy Consul General was born in a town outside of Haifa, called Osfia, where about 80 percent of the population is also of the Druze religion. The Druze religious community is primarily located in Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. Its traditions are said to have originated from Islam; however, their philosophies differ significantly. Many of their practices and principles remain mysterious and known to only the most religious. There are approximately 150,000 Druze in Israel. Many hold citizenship and serve in the army. 

Abu Rukun said that “Israel is now a more multi-cultural state.” Previously, he noted, it was rare for women to hold top spots. Now, men and women of all religions serve Israel in embassies and consulates throughout the world. “I am very proud to represent Israel and am looking forward to working with our Federations in forging alliances with the non-Jewish and Jewish communities.”  Abu Rukun graduated from Haifa University with a degree in Middle Eastern Studies and Political Science.  After joining the foreign ministry in 2006, he worked at the embassy in Katmandu, Nepal.