The Avraham agreements, which express the normalization of relations between Israel and some Arab countries, were signed only a year ago solemnly on the White House lawns, mediated by the United States - and suddenly it seems that there is no landmark in Jewish life that has not been visible in some Gulf states. .
In fact, why not?
Whether it was weddings in Dubai or a breach of mitzvah in Bahrain, a wavy bristle mark of the holidays and festivals, and even a reference in several places in the Gulf to the tragic Holocaust episode in the history of our people - all of these are accepted today in the Gulf as a matter of routine.
The window that suddenly opens allows a glimpse into Judaism in the Arabian Peninsula, an ancient community that has its roots back to the days of the First Temple.
Thus was born the opportunity to engage with the small and regenerating communities, which depict another, and less familiar to many of us, fabric of the Jewish people.
Synagogue in Manama, Bahrain // Photo: AFP,
A new interest in Judaism
Starting today, we will publish, on the "Israel Today" website and in the widget, a series of articles that will deal with the characteristics of the Jewish community, as well as with regard to Jews and Judaism that are taking shape in the Gulf states, in a series of aspects and meanings derived from them.
This, along with examining our connection to them, expanding ties with them and strengthening them by the weight of Jewish diplomacy.
In this context, the weight of Israelis visiting the Gulf states, on an ever-increasing scale, is of great importance in understanding the importance of the close connection between Israel and the community in the Gulf - and as a concrete example of the hopeful connection between Israel and the Diaspora.
We will also discuss in the series of articles, in the process of rethinking the statements made in relation to Judaism and Jews;
On the foundations on the basis of which the work of the Jewish community is streamlined and expanded under Sharia law, while adhering to the symbols of Judaism;
In the wedding trend that plagued Dubai last year;
And in the refreshing perspective of the network's stars and the generation of young intellectuals in the Gulf, in their attitude toward Jews and Israel.
We will also refer to the indigenous Jewish community - the only one in the Gulf - in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which was integrated into the Arabian Gulf archipelago in the late 19th century;
As well as the fact that the AGJC, the association of Jewish communities in the Gulf established in February this year, is located in Manama, the capital of Bahrain.
In the context of the Jewish community in Morocco (the agreement with the state was not included in the "Abrahamic Agreements", but is essentially the same), we will describe, among other things, the renewed interest that Muslim Muslims are showing in the mechanization of the Hebrew language.