The article emphasizes the contrast between the calamities unfolding in Gaza and the hopeful atmosphere at a recent conference in Abu Dhabi, focusing on tolerance and coexistence. With Hamas weakened, the UAE showcases an alternative vision for a modern, pluralistic society. The author highlights the need for cooperation among regional leaders to counter destructive forces and promote peace.
Recent events in Gaza, marked by the tragic news regarding the Bibas family, contrast sharply with a conference in Abu Dhabi that offered a hopeful vision for the region. Hamas is exhibiting signs of decline and isolation, and with its increasing brutality, many in the region are turning away from radical Islam. A new cultural renaissance emerging from the Gulf may provide a constructive future for the area.
The conference titled “The International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance,” organized by the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Tolerance, welcomed diverse participants. Although modestly attended, the event was significant, featuring remarks from UAE officials, including H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, as well as religious leaders and peace advocates from various backgrounds. Attendees shared a sense of camaraderie, fostering a discourse centered on common humanity amidst the backdrop of unfolding tragedies in Gaza.
The Bibas family, who were among those abducted, have become emblems of the anguish stemming from the October 7, 2023, attacks. Their plight is a reflection of Israel’s ongoing challenges in dealing with hostilities, contrasted starkly with the advanced, civilized environment in Abu Dhabi, where attendees condemned the attacks and advocated for moderate, productive societies.
The conference underscored the importance of peace, particularly through the frameworks of the Abraham Accords. It provided an invaluable opportunity for Israeli leaders to experience the UAE’s impressive facilities and modern lifestyle, which emphasized the potential for a collaborative future. Observations that Abu Dhabi resembled Gaza City before the conflict highlighted the stark differences between the two regions and their divergent leaderships.
In Abu Dhabi, prominent figures publicly denounced Hamas and memorialized victims of violence, signaling a collective desire for peace. The Emirati society exemplifies a thriving, pluralistic environment where traditional values coexist with modern ideals. Citizens enjoy equal rights, and the society promotes inclusivity, essential for fostering commerce and tourism.
As the Palestinians remain entrenched in cycles of revenge and ideological strife, misallocated resources further exacerbate their plight. In stark contrast, the UAE is a society of builders, resiliently investing in development while embracing moderate Islamic values. The ultimate defeat of Hamas requires not just military action but a comprehensive partnership among Israel and its regional allies, bolstered by US support. The conference reaffirmed the belief that a positive future in the Middle East, founded on cooperation and mutual understanding, is achievable.
The stark contrasts between Gaza and Abu Dhabi highlight differing societal paths, with the former engulfed in violence and radicalism, while the latter embodies hope through tolerance and collaboration. The UAE’s commitment to building a prosperous society, as exhibited during the recent conference, suggests a path forward for the region. Realizing peace demands substantial collective efforts among Israel, the UAE, and their allies against extremism, paving the way for a harmonious future in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
