Oct 16, 2020

Connecting to Jewish Communities in Bahrain and the UAE

In the wake of the historic diplomatic agreements between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Federation overseas partner The Jewish Agency for Israel has already begun to support Jewish education and enhance Jewish identity for the Jewish population in each country. A special working group has been established, comprised of officials from The Jewish Agency, Keren Hayesod-United Israel Appeal and The Jewish Federations of North America. Members of the group have contacted the leaders of the Jewish communities from the UAE and Bahrain to examine their communal needs and determine how to best assist Jews in the two Arab countries. Priorities include strengthening Jewish life and their connection to Israel. Jewish Agency emissaries are also being sent to the UAE in hopes to help organize Jewish summer camps, establish a Jewish community center and Hebrew-language programs.