For decades, the Simon Wiesenthal Center has been a trailblazer in intergroup relations and outreach in the Arab world. Recently, SWC Associate Dean and Global Social Action Director, Rabbi Abraham Cooper was in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Israel to develop additional joint Simon Wiesenthal Center programming and projects with the Center’s peace partners in the region and to deepen and expand on the historic Abraham Accords.

In Abu Dhabi, meetings included Dr. Ali Rashid al Nuaimi, chief advisor on countering violent extremism for Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed and UAE Minister of Tolerance, H.H. Sheikh Nahayan.

In Bahrain, Rabbi Cooper toured Manama’s refurbished synagogue with Ambassador Houda Nonoo – Bahrain’s first Jewish diplomat and leader of its Jewish community – together with activists Rivka Kidron and Aviad Amitai. He also met with Bahrain’s Assistant Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Faisal Bin Janie Al Dosari to discuss strengthening Abraham Accords and regional issues.

While in Israel, Rabbi Cooper met with Palestinian Peace activist Ziad Sabateen, co-founder of “Path for Hope and Peace” at his home in the village of Husan outside of Jerusalem. Read more about the meeting in "The Hill" op-ed.