“The Abraham Accords and the Future of the Middle East”

Special Community Relations Committee Event on March 30:

As if 15 months of war wasn’t enough for Israel and the Jewish world, this February was especially difficult. The tragic story of the Bibas family left so many of us heartbroken.

Indeed, after more than 500 days of Israel’s fight for survival against Hamas and Hezbollah, many are asking the question: Is there any hope for a peaceful future for Israel in the wider Middle East? The answer is: Yes! And that good news is coming from the countries of the Abraham Accords who are already showing the way to peace in the region.

That will be the topic of a special hybrid event sponsored by our Federation’s Community Relations Committee (CRC) on Sunday, March 30th at 11:00 AM at the Jewish Federation. The title of the event: “The Abraham Accords and the Future of the Middle East.”

The signatories of the Abraham Accords include Israel, Bahrain, Morocco, the U.A.E. and Sudan.

Participating panelists will include Dr. Banafsheh Keynoush (in-person) a Scholar in Residence at the University of Notre Dame and representatives of Sharaka, an NGO that promotes peace in the Middle East by promoting people-to-people relationships amongst the countries of the Abraham Accords.

Members of our local community are encouraged to attend in-person at the Federation to make the event more interactive.

Dr. Keynoush will participate in person, provide opening remarks, and moderate the panel discussion with the representatives of Sharaka who will join us on Zoom from the Middle East. Among the panelists will be Dan Feferman, now co-chair of the board of Sharaka.

The panelists include:

Dr. Banafsheh Keynoush (United States) is a Scholar in Residence at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and an Affiliate Faculty at the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion at the University of Notre Dame. Her latest co-authored book is The Abraham Accords: National Security, Regional Order and Popular Representation. She is also the author of the best-selling academic book, Saudi Arabia and Iran: Friends or Foes?

Dan Feferman (Israel) is co-chair of the board of Sharaka and a past Executive Director. He is an Israeli American author, speaker, researcher, and thought leader who focuses on Israel, the Jewish world, and the Middle East. He publishes and speaks regularly in Israel and around the world. After serving as an adviser on national security matters in the Israeli Defense Ministry, Feferman was a fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute and co-founded the Gulf-Israel Policy Forum before joining Sharaka.

Dr Ahmed Khuzaie (Bahrain) is a distinguished figure in international relations and political strategy, celebrated as an accomplished professor, political consultant, and think-tanker. Based in Bahrain, he has earned acclaim for his insightful analysis and innovative approaches to global policy, significantly influencing both academic thought and real-world political practice. As a best-selling author, Dr Khuzaie has enriched public discourse on international affairs, providing clarity and foresight on complex geopolitical issues. His dynamic career not only inspires future leaders but also serves as a cornerstone for contemporary debate and decision-making in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Loay Al Shareef (UAE), hailing from the dynamic regions of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is a renowned social media influencer, peace advocate, and linguistics expert. Leveraging his profound understanding of language and culture, he has built a formidable online presence that inspires dialogue and fosters intercultural understanding. Passionate about promoting peace, Loay uses his platforms to bridge divides and champion unity in an increasingly interconnected world. His expertise and innovative communication strategies make him a sought-after speaker and thought leader, continually reshaping discussions on global harmony and cultural diplomacy.

RSVP at TheJewishFed.org/Accords. If you have any questions regarding the event, please reach out to me with the contact information below.

Bob Feferman
Director of Community Relations
574-233-1164 x1815
RFeferman@TheJewishFed.org