The historic Middle East peace initiative finds a new home with expanded resources and renewed commitment
In an exciting update, Asher A. Fredman, Director for Israel of the Abraham Accords Peace Institute (AAPI), recently shared on Facebook that his organization’s mission will continue under the banner of The Heritage Foundation. Having spent the past 3.5 years strengthening strategic, economic, innovation, and people-to-people ties between the Abraham Accords countries, Fredman celebrates this transition as a historic opportunity to expand the circle of warm peace across the region.
AAPI’s Legacy and Transition
For years, AAPI has played a pivotal role in nurturing and amplifying the groundbreaking Abraham Accords—a series of normalization agreements that have redefined relations between Israel and Arab nations. Despite the setbacks following Hamas’ October 7 terror attack and the ensuing multi-front war, the resilience of these accords has remained evident. As Heritage President Dr. Kevin Roberts stated, “Heritage welcomes the opportunity to carry on the mission of the renowned Abraham Accords Peace Institute—an organization that has had immense positive impacts on regional stability in the Middle East and national security here at home.”
Voices of Leadership and Transition
Fredman expressed his gratitude for the strong leadership and network forged during his tenure at AAPI. Among the notable endorsements, former Senior Advisor Jared Kushner recalled the institute’s critical role in the early days of the Accords, when every step forward was hard-fought against formidable challenges. Aryeh Lightstone, the AAPI CEO, and other senior staff have now joined Heritage as visiting fellows, ensuring that the insights and data gathered over the past few years continue to influence U.S.-Israel and regional policy.
Additionally, Heritage’s commitment to this transition includes integrating the expertise of Israel-based Heritage Fellows like Eugene Kontorovich and David Aaronson. As Fredman puts it, “I look forward to continuing to work with amazing friends and partners across the Middle East, the U.S., and Israel to advance a future of peace, prosperity, and cooperation for the entire region.”
A New Chapter for Middle East Peace
In a significant development for Middle East diplomacy, as the Heritage Foundation has announced it will adopt and continue the mission of the Abraham Accords Peace Institute (AAPI), effective immediately. This strategic move comes at an opportune moment as President Donald Trump returns to the White House, bringing renewed focus to the historic peace agreements first established during his previous administration.
Asher A. Fredman, who has served as Director for Israel of the Abraham Accords Peace Institute for the past three and a half years, shared his excitement about this transition in a recent announcement. Under his leadership, AAPI has been instrumental in strengthening strategic, economic, innovation, and people-to-people ties between the countries participating in the Abraham Accords.
“Following President Trump’s return to the White House, there is now an historic opportunity to expand the circle of warm peace and mutually-beneficial cooperation in the region,” Fredman noted. “As of this week, the work of AAPI will continue as part of the Heritage Foundation, leveraging Heritage’s research excellence, policy expertise, and global reputation to continue advancing regional integration, normalization, and cooperation.”
Leadership Transition and Continuity
The Heritage Foundation’s acquisition of AAPI brings several key personnel changes while maintaining continuity in mission:
- Robert Greenway, director of the Allison Center for National Security at Heritage and former AAPI President, will chair the initiative
- Asher Fredman and David Aaronson will join Heritage as visiting fellows
- Eugene Kontorovich will continue as an Israel-based Heritage Fellow
- Dr. Victoria Coates, Vice President of the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy, will provide senior leadership
Several AAPI leaders have transitioned to roles within the Trump administration, including AAPI CEO Aryeh Lightstone, who joins the team of Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
A Strengthened Vision for the Accords
Heritage Foundation President Dr. Kevin Roberts expressed enthusiasm about the organization’s new role, stating: “Heritage welcomes the opportunity to carry on the mission of the renowned Abraham Accords Peace Institute—an organization that has had immense positive impacts on regional stability in the Middle East and national security here at home. Uniting AAPI’s unique perspective and network with Heritage’s deep policy and security expertise will advance the peace process in the region for a safer and more prosperous America.”
The Abraham Accords, a series of historic normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, have proven remarkably resilient despite regional challenges. Even following Hamas’ October 7 terror attack and the multi-front war that ensued, the diplomatic framework has remained intact and operational.
Founder’s Perspective
Jared Kushner, former Senior Advisor to President Trump and founder of AAPI, expressed satisfaction with the institute’s accomplishments and optimism about its future under Heritage: “I’m grateful for the excellent work the Abraham Accords Peace Institute performed to nurture and strengthen the Accords during a period when they were new and most vulnerable. I am very excited to see what the team will accomplish at its new home.”
Former AAPI CEO Aryeh Lightstone reflected on the organization’s journey: “During the last four years, the Abraham Accords Peace Institute has successfully carried out its mission of solidifying and strengthening the Abraham Accords and setting the stage for its further expansion. The early days of that effort—when these relationships were nascent, and the Biden administration refused to recognize their significance or even call the Accords by their given name—were the most challenging.”
He added, “Our team executed well, and helped weave the Accords into the fabric of the Middle East, where the agreements have endured even amid regional conflict. With the Trump Administration’s focus on strengthening and expanding the Accords, the mission of the AAPI as a stand-alone institute is complete and the primary responsibilities of strengthening and expanding the Accords will move to its proper home – the administration.”
Heritage’s Expanded Middle East Focus
This transition represents part of a broader investment by the Heritage Foundation into Israel and the region’s future. In addition to incorporating AAPI’s mission and personnel, Heritage has recently added its first international-based senior research fellow in Jerusalem, Eugene Kontorovich, and senior policy analyst for the Middle East and Northern Africa, Daniel Flesch.
Dr. Victoria Coates of Heritage remarked: “It is an honor for Heritage to carry on Jared’s trailblazing work to bring security and prosperity to the Middle East through the integration of Israel with America’s regional partners and allies. Rob and I look forward to continued close collaboration with his team as we pursue new opportunities to support peace initiatives in the Middle East and beyond.”
Looking Forward
Asher Fredman will continue his work not only as a Visiting Fellow at Heritage but also as Director of the Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy. He expressed enthusiasm about “continuing to work with amazing friends and partners across the Middle East, U.S. and Israel to advance a future of peace, prosperity and cooperation for the entire region.”
With the combined resources, expertise, and diplomatic connections of both organizations, the Abraham Accords’ vision of regional cooperation and peaceful coexistence has found a robust institutional home committed to building on its early success and expanding its reach throughout the Middle East.
For more information about the Abraham Accords and Heritage Foundation’s Middle East initiatives, visit their official website.
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