UAE-Israel deal: A catalyst for peace with Palestinians

Reuters

Dubai - The Jewish people lived and flourished across the Arab world while Israel is home to a diverse population of Jews, Muslims and Christians.

Published: Wed 27 Jan 2021, 10:56 PM

By
Issac John

The new dawn of peace in the region would be a catalyst in finding a way for Israelis and Palestinians to live together. “That is my hope and my belief. We were not doomed to live together, but rather destined to live with each other,” said Reuven Rivlin, President of Israel.

Recalling his childhood days when Jews, Muslims and Christians would sit together on his home balcony in Jerusalem, Rivlin said: “For years, I dreamt that these days would return, and for years, I wasn’t sure that I would see this miracle with my own eyes. But now, that dream is becoming true, and we are seeing tremendous and wonderful change in the region.”

He said Israel has “no quarrel with the Arab world, and no war with Islam”. The Jewish people lived and flourished across the Arab world while Israel is home to a diverse population of Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze and others who all share full and equal rights as citizens.

Rivlin said Israel made peace with Egypt Jordan several years ago, which ended decades of hostility and brought great stability, underscoring “the potential for the agreements with the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco”.

He said both the UAE and Israel young nations that respect their traditions and are proud of their ancient heritage. “We also share many cultural similarities, prioritising education and tolerance and a shared spirit of overcoming any challenge. It is our shared human spirit that will show us the way forward.”

When asked how soon we can expect his visit to the UAE, Rivlin was not specific, replying “Inshallah!”

issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com