Unique event in Dubai brings together museum and Israeli Heritage Center

• Date: 06 December 2020
• Published date: 06 December 2020
• Author: SETH J. FRANTZMAN
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

"The event tonight was an attempt to build bridges between Arabs and Jews through the prism of the Jews of the Middle East and North Africa. In preserving the culture and heritage of the Jews of MENA we can build a bridge from the past to a brighter future for the good of all peoples in the region," said Ashley Perry, CEO of the Heritage Center for Middle East and North Africa Jewry in Jerusalem.

The event took place at the museum in Dubai where Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori, founder of the museum, hosted the delegation from Israel. Last week Al Mansoori hosted a virtual tour of the museum with Israel's Culture and Sport Minister Chili Tropper. The event Sunday was designed to celebrate new relationships in the region. Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan Nahoum took part in the event. She has been a driving force behind recent ties with the UAE and a co-founder of the Israel UAE-Israel Business Council. She has also spoken about the ability of Jews from Arab and Muslim countries to help be bridgebuilders of the new peace. This event was meant to illustrate the impact of the Abraham Accords and people-to-people discussions.

"The event will be held in partnership with The Heritage Center for Middle East and North Africa Jewry, a new undertaking to build a first-ever international center in Jerusalem that will chronicle the history and culture of Jews from the Middle East and North Africa," a statement said earlier in the day. Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie, senior rabbi of the Jewish Council of the United Arab Emirates, was also scheduled to speak.

"This event represents a turning point in Arab-Jewish relations," Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori said.

"We are building on the Abraham Accords. The leaders of both countries have paved the way politically and diplomatically by signing the peace accord, and now it is our role, as people of both nations to translate the peace agreement into tangible outcomes through people to people connection, interactions, promoting peace and tolerance in the region."

According to a statement earlier in the day Deputy Mayor Hassan-Nahoum said that "The Abraham Accords...