In a powerful demonstration of the enduring strength of the Abraham Accords, the largest-ever Israeli interfaith delegation traveled to the United Arab Emirates in early June for high-level meetings, an international tolerance conference, and visits to landmark sites symbolizing coexistence. More than 30 Israeli religious and civil society leaders representing nearly all of Israel’s major interfaith organizations participated in the mission — the first of its kind since the outbreak of war with Iran earlier this year.

The visit underscored the people-to-people dimension of normalization, sending a clear signal that dialogue, education, and shared values remain central to regional stability and prosperity even in challenging times.

A Milestone in Interfaith Diplomacy

Organized by the Jerusalem Interfaith Center with support from Israel’s Ministry of Regional Cooperation, the delegation included rabbis, imams, educators, and peace-builders. It marked the broadest representation yet from Israel’s interfaith sector in the UAE.

“The delegation’s significance lies in its ability to bring together nearly all of Israel’s major organizations active in the field. It laid the groundwork for more coordinated, professional and effective engagement with the UAE and other regional partners.” Rabbi Dr. Aharon Ariel Lavi, CEO, Jerusalem Interfaith Center

“This unique delegation provided yet another demonstration that religion can — and must — be part of the solution. We learned that beyond our shared security interests lies a deeper connection rooted in common identity, heritage and history.” Rabbi Yakov Nagen, President, Jerusalem Interfaith Center

The group participated as an official partner in the Third International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference in Abu Dhabi. They presented a joint Jewish-Muslim declaration and engaged in discussions alongside Qadi Dr. Iyad Zahalka, president of Israel’s Sharia Courts.

Key Activities and Symbolic Visits

Delegates held meetings with senior Emirati officials, religious leaders, educators, and civil society figures. They also visited the Crossroads of Civilizations Museum in Dubai, home to the first permanent Holocaust memorial and exhibition in the Arab world — a powerful symbol of the UAE’s commitment to confronting hatred and preserving memory.

“The Abraham Accords are here to stay, and they are the key to stability and prosperity in the Middle East. The productive meetings with senior Emirati government and education officials demonstrate a genuine civic desire to deepen regional partnership and move relations to the next stage.” Gilad Shadmon, Director-General, Israel Ministry of Regional Cooperation

The Jerusalem Interfaith Center’s press release framed the mission clearly: the delegation sought to affirm that the Abraham Accords are here to stay and remain the most promising path toward regional stability, prosperity and cooperation.

UAE Leadership in Tolerance and Partnership

Emirati leaders warmly welcomed the delegation and reinforced the vision of the Accords as a bridge between peoples, not merely governments.

“The Abraham Accords are not primarily a security or political agreement. They are meant to create connections among people, communities and nations… We need champions of peace to build bridges and speak publicly and clearly about the importance of these relationships.” Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman, UAE Federal National Council Committee on Defense, Interior & Foreign Affairs

He added that the UAE-Israel connection is strategic, rooted not only in shared interests but also in a shared vision for a better future for the region, and that the partnership must continue to strengthen for the sake of future generations.

“We realize that the key to changing the Middle East is education… We see this partnership as a significant bridge for reconciliation and for having a long-lasting impact on the region in the spirit of tolerance and mutual understanding.” Dr. Firas Habal, President, Emirates Scholars Center

Broader Significance Amid Regional Challenges

The timing of the visit — during heightened tensions following the Iran conflict — carried particular weight. By traveling to Abu Dhabi and Dubai for open dialogue and joint programming, the delegation demonstrated that normalization is resilient and multifaceted, operating on governmental, economic, technological, and societal levels.

This interfaith mission complements recent diplomatic developments, including progress in U.S.-Iran talks and messages of distinction between states and extremist groups. It reinforces that the Abraham Accords model — launched in 2020 with the UAE as the pioneering partner — continues to expand in depth and scope, offering a counter-narrative to extremism and a practical framework for coexistence.

The visit also highlights the UAE’s global leadership in promoting tolerance, most visibly through institutions like the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi and its consistent hosting of international dialogue forums.

Reactions and Forward Momentum

Participants returned with renewed optimism about the potential for deeper coordination. Organizers noted plans for follow-up initiatives, including a future delegation focused on educators to further expand people-to-people ties.

The mission drew positive attention across interfaith and peace-building circles, with social media posts from participants expressing gratitude for the warm Emirati hospitality and the meaningful exchanges. Many described the experience as both professionally significant and personally moving — a tangible sign that shared values can overcome political storms.

A Model for the Future

This largest-ever interfaith delegation visit represents more than a single trip. It embodies the maturing of the Abraham Accords from breakthrough agreements into living, breathing partnerships that touch religion, education, culture, and civil society.

As Rabbi Nagen noted, the connections forged go beyond security to shared heritage and history. In a region still navigating conflict and uncertainty, such initiatives provide concrete proof that dialogue works, tolerance can be institutionalized, and peace can be built from the ground up.

The UAE and Israel have shown — through this visit and the broader Accords — that when nations choose partnership over polarization, the possibilities for their peoples are truly endless. This mission sends a hopeful message far beyond the Gulf: the path of coexistence, education, and mutual respect remains open, and is being walked with courage and conviction.