Page 61 - HaMizrachi # 23 Sukkot Simchat Torah 2020 USA
P. 61
Leaders in Abu Dhabi, in Jerusalem
over and Washington who were
t im e courageous enough to pursue the
all parties Abraham Accords are worthy of
can learn lessons universal commendation, and
from one other. profound gratitude. The word
‘historic’ is loosely tossed around –
The business potential of Israel- this accomplishment will stand the
UAE relations has staggering test of time and prove to be one of
ramifications which will become the most impactful regional events
indistinguishable apparent very quickly. Today, of the era. One hopes it will pave the
to those on the slopes commercial tickets for direct way for fruitful relations between
of Utah. Catching the current flights just weeks from now became Israel and many other countries.
outdoor temperature on my watch – available. However, even as I
106 Fahrenheit (41 c) – I spent a few followed the enthusiasm in the press The evening before I departed, I was
minutes watching bundled-up skiers and social media in recent weeks, part of a large group that gathered
make their way down the hill. nothing could have prepared me at a restaurant attached to a luxury
for the depth and genuineness that hotel. Even though I did not get the
Of course, as impressive as my repeated across the conversations full culinary experience (because I
trip was, UAE lacks some critical I had. Or the gutra-clad property keep kosher), it would not surprise
features that are taken for granted in owner who enthused about the me to find the establishment on a list
Israel and America. Only a minority kosher kitchen they’d installed to of the world’s best restaurants, even
of residents are Emirati nationals. accommodate future guests. (In fact, based solely on the level of service.
When one of my interlocutors we landed back in Israel to the news
pointed out a policy change that that UAE is insisting its hotels make Shortly after came the most
opened up an opportunity, I probed kosher food available.) memorable moment of the visit
as to how policy got changed. He when Ahmad with whom I was in
seemed almost puzzled by the Another meeting, scheduled for an conversation, checked his phone
question, then smiled and just hour, extended to more than twice and I checked mine. We had both
indicated that it’s all up to the that length, with deep discussions received news alerts from outlets in
leaders. When an Israeli journalist on history, religion, philosophy and our respective countries. My alert
asked his guide last week how the politics. At one point, my new friend read “Israel, UAE to sign deal at
people felt about peace with Israel, squinted at me and sought assurance White House on September 15 —
she responded: “We follow our that if Joe Biden became President, US officials.” We raised our mojitos
leaders. Whatever they decide we he would not race to reenter the (mine alcoholic, his not) to toast the
support, blindly.” JCPOA, the so-called Iran nuclear moment. And history did indeed
deal which, quite clearly, looks no
Accustomed as so many of us less dangerous to Emiratis than it seem to be in the air.
are to enduring the cynicism and does to most Israelis. As we approach the final quarter
hypocrisy with which much of of 2020, the year itself has already
the world treats Israel, I am more Yes, dealing with the mutual urgent become a punchline of infamy. But
reluctant to pass judgment on these threat of Iran undoubtedly helped life is nothing if not paradoxical.
bases than I might have been years bring us together, and is an issue And this week gave me hope that
ago. Bright-eyed idealism has a on which we are compelled to
place, but to condition all relations cooperate. But less than 48-hours 2020 may also be recalled as the year
the promise of peace in the Middle
on a Jeffersonian ideal would be on the ground made clear to me that
impractical and counterproductive. relations between our countries are East at long last became a reality.
My instinct, instead, was to build going to be about more than shared Inshallah.
relationships with individuals based security interests and even more Michael Granoff emigrated to Israel in
on mutual respect, and hope that than mutual economic exchange. 2013 with his wife and four children.
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