DAMASCUS, Syria, April 2 (UPI) -- Several thousand members of the Syrian Druse community rallied Saturday in support of President Bashir Assad.
Most of the participants were residents of the northern Golan Heights, the Israeli news service Ynetnews reported. The demonstration in the village of Baqata was intended to back Assad while large groups of Syrians are calling for reform.
"We came out to support the leader of our homeland, whose leadership is being undermined," said Majdal Shams resident Yussef Safdi. "Instead of solving domestic problems, they riot and harm Syria. We came here today to hold a quiet solidarity rally."
The Druse practice a monotheistic religion that developed in the 11th century. Most Druse live in Israel, Lebanon or Syria.
