Israel's Enormous Accomplishment Part 2

 


Dear JCCP/CBT family,
 
Just over two months ago, I wrote to the congregation about the surprise and unexpected announcement that Israel and the United Arab Emirates had reached an historic agreement to establish full diplomatic relations. At the time, I explained to the congregation how many observers remarked that this was Israel’s biggest diplomatic achievement in 25 years.

What has taken place in these past two months? Has the establishment of diplomatic relations lived up to the hype? The answer is an unqualified yes!

In the past two months, the establishment of diplomatic relations with the UAE was quickly followed by establishment of similar relations with the nation of Bahrain. And there have been reports from both Jerusalem as well as Washington that other nations may soon announce establishment of relations with Israel. In fact, just this afternoon (Thursday), a leading Israeli newspaper confirmed that Israeli and Sudanese officials were conducting negotiations in Khartoum, and predicting that normalization is near. 

In the last several weeks, the first official delegation of his Israeli diplomats and businessmen visited the UAE, establishing bilateral treaties in the fields of science, medicine, trade and academia. 

A music video featuring the Israeli singer Elkaneh Marziano, winner of last year's Israeli version of American Idol, and Waleed Aljasmin, one of the UAE's most popular singers was released early this month and has received over 1 million hits on YouTube. If you are interested, click this link.

Yesterday, diplomats from the United Arab Emirates made their first official trip to Israel and signed another series of agreements deepening their ties, including allowing citizens from each nation to travel from one country to the other without a visa. This is especially interesting when you consider that Israelis need a visa to travel to the United States, Israel’s closest ally.  Another agreement paved the way for direct flights between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi, promoting commercial ties between these countries.

And just this morning, I participated in a special meeting for Rabbi’s and Jewish leaders with the UAE's ambassador to the United Nations.

These are amazing developments that will more firmly establish Israel’s presence in the Middle East, and pave the way for additional cooperation and relationship building with Israel’s historic enemies.

If that’s not cause for celebration, what is?

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Arthur Weiner

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