Yes… it has been 2 years since a historical agreement was signed between three countries, an agreement that completely changed the future of the Middle East. It was the Abraham Accords signed by Bahrain, UAE and Israel, accords that in the past 2 years have proved that the Middle East is a better place with strategic partnerships that can bring peace, stability and security to our region and the world. I watched the agreements being signed and it was a moment I knew would be a transitional point that reflected the bravery of the countries involved. While many chose to close their eyes, I happen to be among those who could only see the biggest picture possible. To me it was not just the isolation of Israel from its neighbors that came to an end, but also the fact that it’s neighbors now trust Israel and want to embrace this great country in the Middle East, a state that has well established itself on all levels and in all fields. But last year when I wrote about the Abraham accords, I had not yet visited Israel yet in April 2022 I had the honour of being the first Khaleeji media figure and journalist to spend 11 days between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Those eleven days gave me the great opportunity to meet people. In 11 days, I got to hear from my Israeli friends and had the opportunity to see for myself that Israelis are among the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. I came back home loving them and proud of our friendship. From this trip, I learned that if each one of us has the courage to do what is right, this could be the best way to end all the crises created in this chaotic world, crises that have been dragging on for decades and have never brought stability to neither the Palestinians nor the Israelis.
The Abraham Accords was also a message to the enemies of our states, countries and proxies they fund to target our security and stability. It was a direct message to the Iranian revolutionary guard, the Houthis, Hizbollah, Hamas, jihadists, and all terrorist entities that will do anything at any cost to achieve their objectives and goals. My visit to Israel also opened my eyes to a fact that can never change. People are born on this earth to live between an average of 60-80 years and can easily choose to live instead of die and when they choose to live, it is a natural instinct to want others to live too. In the streets of old Jerusalem I was very much touched by how this spiritual place has embraced all religions at all times and it was sad to see how people still chose to fight instead of live in peace together. Without the intervention of extremist and terrorist entities that have been growing stronger and stronger in the region since the Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979, I personally believe that all problems in the region could have been solved and the two state solution would have been achieved decades ago.
I cannot end this column without writing about my wonderful experience in Tel Aviv. It wasn’t the beautiful sights nor the wonderful cuisine that was impressive. In simple words it was the people, their warmth, hospitality and more than anything else.. it was that welcoming smile that left a huge impact on me every time I said that I am Bahraini. I cannot forget the family meals in the homes of people who welcomed me with a big heart. I cannot forget the big smile on the exhausted taxi driver’s face, after a long day of hard work how his frown changed into a smile when I told him I was from Bahrain. I cannot forget the iftars hosted in Jewish families homes out of respect for my religion and how these gatherings remind us all that we should never be defined by our religion, sect, race, colour of skin, or colour of eyes. I left Israel with beautiful memories, an iftar hosted by Minister of Regional Cooperation Esawi Freij was one of the memorable moments as I got the opportunity to spend time with his lovely family. Shabbat dinner with Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum in Jerusalem with her family, a beautiful day out exploring Tel Aviv with Deputy Mayor Tzipi Brand. I cannot thank them enough for this beautiful experience.
These are the officials who did not just focus on government relations but contribute wholeheartedly towards achieving warm peace. Another event that also needs to be closely looked into is the first Israeli Independence Day celebration in Manama and how Bahrainis from all walks of life attended this event, thanks to a diplomat and a friend who has succeeded in making great friends and making everyone see what Israel is all about through the way he has loved and respected the people of Bahrain. My highest appreciation for succeeding in achieving this warm peace goes to Israel’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Ambassador Eitan Naeh and his wife Cheryl for the great work they do here and for succeeding in creating history and a great future for our beloved nations. Eitan…your mission has successfully taken off and I’m sure that this is just the start of greater achievements.
