Abraham Accords
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is still cementing his rule and cannot openly defy King Salman on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But normalizing ties with Israel may be used as leverage by both the prince and the new U.S. administration.
The Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education finds attitudes in the kingdom towards Israel are becoming “more balanced and tolerant.”
“We are all the sons of Abraham; we must sit to make peace, to exist together and make a better future together for the next generation,” said Morocco’s Ambassador to the United Nations Omar Hilale.
A senior adviser to the leader of a large Muslim-majority country with no diplomatic ties to Israel heads a delegation that meets with Israeli counterparts in Tel Aviv.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin welcomes a delegation of leaders and activists from Israel, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
“Morocco is a door-opener to the Arab world and Africa, and what we did quietly before we can do publicly with them now,” says Danny Danon, who recently completed a five-year stint as Israel’s ambassador to the U.N.
O’Brien awards Israeli counterpart Meir Ben-Shabbat the U.S. Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the highest honorary award given to non-U.S. citizens.
“I am moved that my daughter will be experiencing a true Hanukkah here,” says a Talmud Torah parent. “For her to be able to grow up in the desert with such Jewish pride is a modern-day miracle.”
The gathering also marked the launch of an international center in Jerusalem that will chronicle the history and culture of Jews in the region.
The goal is to “encourage organizations, notably stemming from Israel’s civil society sector, to tell the ‘Israeli story’ to diverse global audiences utilizing social media.”
“A vision has been set by the leaders of these countries,” said United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba.
With ties between the Mideast countries now official, two women are helping improve amenities, resources and accessibility for residents and visitors.
