YakirÂ
YAKIR
SHABBAT YITRO
Yakir's annual signature event celebrating the unique bond between Jewish and Druze citizens of Israel. Observed in cities around Israel on the Shabbat that Jews read in the Torah about the reunification of Moses with his father-in-law, Jethro, who is revered by the Druze as their founding prophet.
2026 -Â National Expansion
Yakir expanded its Jewish–Druze Shabbat Yitro initiative beyond Jerusalem, with public remembrance and solidarity events held in Jerusalem, Modi’in, and Givat Shmuel.
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In Jerusalem, Jewish communities welcomed Druze guests—including bereaved families of fallen Druze soldiers and police officers, families affected by the Majdal Shams tragedy, and students from the Jewish–Druze Kerem El pre-military academy. Guests joined a Friday-night memorial ceremony at Midreshet Lindenbaum, were hosted for Shabbat meals by local families, and participated in a special program at the Jerusalem Great Synagogue, attended by Mayor Moshe Lion.
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Additional ceremonies were held at Zachor LeAvraham Synagogue in Givat Shmuel, attended by Mayor Yossi Brodny, and at Shaarei Yonah Menachem Synagogue in Modi’in, attended by Mayor Haim Bibas. What began as Jerusalem’s embrace is growing into a nationwide expression of Jewish–Druze unity, remembrance, Zionism, and Kiddush Hashem.
A decade-long tradition: The evolution of this annual festival of unity.
Fathers of children tragically killed in Majdal Shams stand before the Aron Kodesh at the Great Synagogue on Shabbat Yitro, in a moving moment of honor, memory and shared respect.
Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Tarif presents a menorah to Yakir as a shining symbol of our deep partnership and shared commitment to Israel’s future.
Shabbat Yitro lunch in Jerusalem’s Old City, bringing Druze and Jewish families together around one shared table.
Oneg Shabbat at the Kermaier Home — an evening of desserts, laughter and conversation.
Shabbat Yitro 2016 - In the middle is Rinal Seif, widow of police officer Zidan Seif ob"m, whose heroism and sacrifice saved many lives during the Har Nof Synogogue terror attack.
Shabbat Yitro at Shai Agnon Synogogue in Jerusalem
Friday night Shabbat Yitro dinner at the International Synagogue in Tel Aviv
Druze pre‑military students from the mechina are called up before the Aron Kodesh for a special prayer and blessing.
Yakir's Annual Shabbat Yitro Jews-Druze Celebration - Old City Jerusalem gathering.
Minister Ayelet Shaked arrives at Great Synagogue to participate in Shabbat Yitro celebration.Â
*All photos taken by Druze participants
How it all began:
Yakir's Shabbat Yitro tradition was launched in memory of fallen Druze hero Zidan Seif ob"m, who gave his life defending Jewish worshippers in the Har Nof Synagogue massacre (2014). What began as a single Shabbat afternoon gathering has grown into Israel's most distinctive weekend of Jewish–Druze unity.
