Arab Muslim Educator Champions Abraham Accords at Amsterdam Symposium

At a powerful symposium marking the 50th anniversary of the Center for Information and Documentation on Israel (CIDI) in Amsterdam, Emirati educator Loay Alshareef delivered a compelling speech that challenged conventional narratives about Middle Eastern politics while offering a message of hope for Arab-Israeli reconciliation.

Speaking against the backdrop of protests outside the venue, Alshareef shared his remarkable personal transformation from someone indoctrinated with hatred against Jews to becoming a vocal advocate for peace through the Abraham Accords. His speech provides crucial insights into the complex dynamics shaping contemporary Middle Eastern relationships and the challenges facing Western democracies in addressing radical extremism.

A Personal Journey of Transformation

Alshareef’s story begins with his upbringing in Saudi Arabia as a devout Muslim who memorized the entire Quran by age 17. His religious education included systematic indoctrination against Jews and Christians, teaching him to view them as enemies of Islam. However, his perspective underwent a dramatic shift during his studies in France at age 27, where he lived with a Jewish host family for the first time.

This encounter challenged everything he had been taught. Through direct exposure to Jewish culture, history, and individuals, Alshareef began to recognize the profound commonalities between Islam and Judaism. His transformation took 16 years to fully develop, culminating in his decision to speak publicly after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

The educator emphasized that his change came through knowledge and facts, not emotions. He studied Hebrew, Jewish history, and the Bible, gradually dismantling the misconceptions that had shaped his worldview. This educational approach, he argues, provides the key to combating extremism throughout the Middle East.

The Abraham Accords: A New Model for Peace

Central to Alshareef’s message is his strong support for the Abraham Accords, the 2020 diplomatic agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco. He distinguishes these agreements from previous peace deals by highlighting their focus on people-to-people connections rather than merely government-to-government security arrangements.

The educator shared personal examples of how the Abraham Accords have transformed relationships at the grassroots level. He described Saudi relatives calling to arrange Shabbat dinners with Israeli families in Dubai, and the growing business partnerships between Israelis and Emiratis in technology and other sectors. These human connections, he argues, create the foundation for lasting peace that transcends political changes.

Alshareef also revealed that the Abraham Accords have directly benefited Palestinians, with the UAE providing 42 percent of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza. This coordination with Israel, made possible by the normalization agreements, demonstrates how peace deals can have immediate humanitarian impact even during conflicts.

Distinguishing Between Palestinians and Hamas

Throughout his speech, Alshareef emphasized the critical importance of distinguishing between Palestinian people and Hamas terrorists. He expressed strong support for Palestinian rights to live in dignity while condemning Hamas as a destructive force that has brought disaster to Gaza’s residents.

The educator pointed out that Hamas came to power through elections 17 years ago but has prevented any subsequent democratic processes. He argued that many Gazans are innocent victims of Hamas rule, including some who have protested against the organization at the cost of their lives. When protesters outside chanted “Free Palestine,” Alshareef responded by agreeing but adding “Free Palestine from Hamas.”

This nuanced position reflects a broader theme in his message about the need to make careful distinctions between different groups and ideologies rather than painting entire populations with broad brushes.

Warning About Radical Extremism in the West

Alshareef delivered stark warnings about the infiltration of radical Islamist ideology into Western democratic societies. He specifically criticized how liberal freedoms are being misused by extremist groups, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood, which he describes as having been expelled from Gulf states but finding new havens in Europe and North America.

The educator explained that moderate Arab states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia learned through bitter experience to reject the Muslim Brotherhood after initially welcoming them. These groups, he warned, use liberal freedoms as “ladders to climb” before discarding those same freedoms once they gain power.

He contrasted the behavior of these groups in different environments, noting that the same individuals who create disruptions in Western cities behave properly when visiting the UAE, where strict regulations maintain order. The UAE, he noted, is the only Arab Muslim country that teaches Holocaust education in schools and considers antisemitism a crime rather than an opinion.

The Power of Education Against Ignorance

A recurring theme throughout Alshareef’s presentation was the transformative power of education in combating hatred and extremism. He shared historical examples that challenge common misconceptions, such as pointing out that many Muslims are named after Jewish biblical figures without realizing the connection.

The educator explained how anti-Jewish sentiment in the Arab world often stems from ignorance rather than genuine religious conviction. He cited the example of Houthis in Yemen persecuting Jewish residents who had no connection to Israel, demonstrating that antisemitism exists independently of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

His solution involves comprehensive educational reform that teaches accurate history and promotes understanding of shared heritage between Arabs and Jews. He emphasized that Jews are indigenous to the Middle East, using historical evidence like the Arch of Titus in Rome, which depicts Romans carrying Jewish artifacts from the destroyed Temple in Jerusalem.

A Vision for Middle Eastern Prosperity

Alshareef painted a compelling picture of two competing visions for the Middle East’s future. On one side stands what he calls the “new Middle East,” represented by moderate Arab states focused on technological advancement, artificial intelligence, and economic development. The UAE has reached Mars and is investing heavily in future technologies, while Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is transforming his country through modernization initiatives.

This vision contrasts sharply with what he terms the “axis of resistance,” led by Iran and including groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. These forces, he argues, offer only conflict and poverty to their people, using them as expendable resources in ideological battles rather than working to improve their lives.

The educator’s optimism about the future rests on his belief that “death worshippers cannot defeat people who celebrate life.” He pointed to Israel’s resilience in the face of attacks and the determination of moderate Arabs to build bridges rather than walls.

Implications for Western Policy

Alshareef’s speech carries significant implications for how Western democracies should approach both Middle Eastern affairs and domestic integration policies. He urged European and North American politicians to listen to moderate Arab voices rather than making assumptions about what different communities want or need.

His recommendations include more thorough background checks for immigrants, ongoing monitoring to ensure assimilation rather than attempts at domination, and stronger regulations against those who misuse liberal freedoms to promote extremist ideologies. He stressed that these measures are not anti-Muslim but rather protect both Muslim moderates and broader society from radical elements.

The educator also called for continued support of the Abraham Accords and similar peace initiatives, arguing that Western backing for normalization efforts helps empower moderate voices throughout the Middle East.

The Growing Moderate Movement

While acknowledging that moderate voices remain a minority in many Middle Eastern contexts, Alshareef expressed confidence that this movement is growing. He mentioned other peace activists from the UAE and beyond who are joining the effort to promote understanding and coexistence.

The key to success, he argued, lies in demonstrating that moderate approaches produce better results than extremist ones. Countries that have embraced moderation, like the UAE and modern Saudi Arabia, show higher standards of living and greater prosperity than those dominated by radical ideologies.

Conclusion: A Call for Courage and Cooperation

Alshareef concluded his presentation with a call for continued courage from peace advocates and ongoing cooperation from Western partners. He emphasized that building a peaceful Middle East requires sustained effort from multiple parties, including Arabs, Israelis, and international supporters.

His message resonated particularly strongly given the protests outside the venue, demonstrating that speaking truth about complex Middle Eastern realities requires genuine courage. Yet he remains committed to this path, viewing it as essential for creating the prosperous, peaceful future he envisions for all peoples of the region.

The symposium speech represents more than one individual’s personal journey; it offers a roadmap for how education, dialogue, and sustained commitment to truth can overcome even the deepest divisions. As moderate voices like Alshareef’s continue to emerge throughout the Middle East, they provide hope that the Abraham Accords represent not just diplomatic agreements but the foundation for a fundamentally transformed region.

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