The first Druze organization in America was created in 1908. In the beginning of the 20th century the number of Druze immigrants increased in the United States. It was essential for the Druze to sustain their identity, faith,culture and history in America. Therefore, early Druze settlers felt the need to protect and preserve their identity which led to the creation of the first Druze organization in 1908.
The organization grew in few states where Druze communities were established. The main mission of the organization was and still is to bring Druze families in our new & adopted land closer to each other in order to sustain the Druze identity, faith, culture and history. In 1947 the American born Druze were encouraged to participate and take part in the leadership of the Druze community in the US. In result they took it a step further and established a tradition of annual convention. Their determination and hard work an informal yet organization was born and adopted the name "American Druze Society".
In 1962, American Druze Society drafted a Constitution and By-laws which provided the fundamental foundations of the organization structure of the American Druze community in the United States.
In 1971, the idea of establishing a formal incorporated organization with a tax exempt status was brought forward, and in 1978, the tax exemption was obtained.
Over the years the organization grew and so did the number of our community members, especially in Souther California. In 1987 the California Chapter raised $150,000 towards the purchase of an ADS Cultural Center in Souther California, which was led by the efforts of Mr. Salim Israwi, Behjat Jurdi, Uncle Jack Hamady, Ladies Auxiliary and ADY of Southern California. President Kamal Shouhayib and the ADS Board supported these efforts. In result a "Housing Committee" was created to search for a suitable location. The year 1990 recorded the realization of the long awaited ADS dream. The National Board of Directors unanimously approved the purchase of property located at 2239 Merton Ave, Eagle Rock, California as the first "Druze Cultural Center" in the United State during their meeting on May 27,1990.
The dream and goal of earlier ADS pioneers since early sixties became a reality, through the dedication and the financial support of the Southern California community and the American Druze community throughout the united States.
In 1990 late National President, Ajaj Andary stated" The Cultural Center in Southern California is a "home" for all American Druze People. It is a symbol of our unity, pride and determination. There is now a place for our children to learn Arabic Language, their history and faith. Our adults have a place to meet, our elderly have a Majlis to pray on Thursday nights and our community has a place to hold their functions and meet regularly."
Since the Purchase of American Druze Culture Center in Eagle Rock, CA to date, has been a symbol of pride, great accomplishment for generations to come. Since 1994 Southern California Presidents, Board of Directors, Ladies Auxiliary and ADY have planned and sponsored many Social, cultural and religious functions at the Center.
To mention a few are:
. Eid El Adha Celebration
. Sahra Karawiya
.Cultural Day
. Family Day
. Mother's Day
. Valentine's Day
. Arabic Language Teaching
.Various cultural and social events
. Honoring Dignitaries- Lebanese Ministers to Lebanese Council General of Lebanon.
.New Year's Celebration
The center is also a place to celebrate weddings, Birthdays, graduations, young Adults social nights.
We are proud to say, that there has been a huge progress since the inception of the idea of purchasing an American Druze Cultural Center in Southern California. The community have witnessed growth in number of members as well as activities. The Southern California Cultural Center is fully paid for through the determination, hard work of our volunteers and our community members. Each year improvements, advancements were possible and witnessed.
Today the Southern California Chapter is the biggest and most active among all chapters in the United States. The Southern California Chapter will continue to progress and strive through the unity, hard work and commitment of our community members, with a common goal " to preserve our identity, faith and culture."
