Frankly Speaking: How do US Jews feel about a Saudi-Israel deal?

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Updated 02 October 2023
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Frankly Speaking: How do US Jews feel about a Saudi-Israel deal?

Frankly Speaking: How do US Jews feel about a Saudi-Israel deal?
  • Rabbi Marc Schneier says Jewish American community is “ecstatic” about the prospect of normalization of ties
  • Expects to see Israel, KSA, US Congress ‘on the same page’ on US arms sales to Kingdom, help with civilian nuclear progam
  • Explains his rationale for supporting Arab News’ “Why Riyadh?” campaign backing Saudi bid to host Expo 2030

DUBAI: The Jewish American community is “ecstatic” over a potential deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, according to Marc Schneier, a well-known American rabbi and an adviser to several Arab Gulf states.

Appearing in the first episode of a new season of the Arab News current affairs show “Frankly Speaking,” he said such a deal may be a step toward resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“I think we are very close. I believe we are on the cusp of seeing this rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia,” he added.

Schneier praised the efforts of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who he said “represented himself in a very human, very personal way” in a recent much-talked-about interview with Fox News.




US broadcaster Fox News aired a two-day special last month on Saudi Arabia’s transformation, featuring an exclusive interview with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Fox News chief political correspondent Bret Baier was in Saudi Arabia for the program and the interview. (Supplied)

Speaking to Bret Baier of the US TV network, the crown prince revealed among other things that “every day we get closer” toward normalization of Saudi-Israel relations.

“Very few people had the opportunity to really hear from him, particularly in English. And that connected with the audience,” Schneier said.

He noted that the crown prince’s comments on the future of Saudi- Israel relations not only struck a chord with American Jews, but also with 16 million evangelical Christians in the US, many of whom had a strong positive opinion of Israel.

“I heard from some of my evangelical friends who are in the leadership of this group, how refreshing it is to hear from the great leader of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia his genuine desire and a dream to see a peace not only with Israel, but for a peaceful coexistence for the entire region,” he added.




US broadcaster Fox News aired a two-day special last month on Saudi Arabia’s transformation, featuring an exclusive interview with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Fox News chief political correspondent Bret Baier was in Saudi Arabia for the program and the interview. (Supplied)

However, Schneier felt that the purported demands from the Saudi side — removal of US restrictions on the sale of weapons, assistance with the creation of a civilian nuclear program in the Kingdom, and the creation of a written security pact — could present difficult but not insurmountable hurdles.

“Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the US — be it the administration or Congress — would be on the same page,” he told Katie Jensen, the host of “Frankly Speaking.”

During the Fox News interview, the crown prince emphasized that a solution to the Middle East conflict would be a necessary component of any Saudi-Israel deal.

“For us, the Palestinian issue is very important. We need to solve that part,” he said when asked what it would take to get a normalization agreement.

Schneier said: “That’s the only hurdle that’s left on the table — not a very easy hurdle to overcome.”




Marc Schneier, a New York rabbi and an adviser to several Arab Gulf states, spoke to Frankly Speaking host Katie Jensen on a wide range of Middle East issues, notably progress toward Saudi-Israeli normalization but also the prospect of Israel-Palestinian peace and the hurdles in the path to achieving it. (AN photo)

He considered Jews not only in the US but around the world, including in Israel, as “being a bit naive and not appreciative of the importance of resolving this Israel-Palestinian conflict once and for all.”

Schneier acknowledged that some within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s increasingly right-wing government may reject any type of peace deal in favor of further expanding Jewish settlements in Palestine. But he pointed out that right-wing leaders had a record of making peace.

He cited former American President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China, ex-US President Ronald Reagan’s summits with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, and the late Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin’s peace treaty with Egypt as examples of diplomatic success achieved by more conservative political leaders.

“Often when it comes to these negotiations, when it comes to concessions, you need the people who are more to the right to lend credibility and legitimacy and authenticity to what would be a genuine and real peace. So, I’m not concerned about that.

“If the (Israeli) coalition agrees to the peace, I know that Prime Minister Netanyahu will be able to deliver on that peace.

“My question is, will the Palestinian leadership have that same credibility in terms of being able to deliver on that peace? Does the current Palestinian leadership have the support of the Palestinian people?” Schneier added.




This photo taken on Sept. 30, 2016, shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, shaking hands with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas at the funeral of Israel's former president and prime minister Shimon Peres in Jerusalem. (AFP file photo)

For there to be “a genuine, real, authentic peace,” he said, “the question one has is whether or not the current Palestinian leadership can actually bring many of these promises and guarantees to fruition. These are some very, very difficult questions.”

Schneier suggested that Arab Gulf states could, and should, play a major role in ending the Israel-Palestine conflict.

He said: “I don’t think that the Palestinian leadership could possibly arrive at some kind of resolution with the Israelis without the participation of countries like Saudi Arabia, like the UAE, like Bahrain, Qatar, and others.

“And Israel will need the assistance, particularly of the crown prince and Saudi Arabia, to deliver on this peace.”

In mid-September, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told Israel’s Army Radio that “there is certainly a likelihood” of details of a deal for forging Saudi Israel relations being “finalized” in the first quarter of 2024.

While Saudis were critical to the peace process, Schneier believed that the Kingdom may adopt an approach different from those taken by Arab countries that have normalized relations with Israel.

“Maybe Saudi Arabia will take the UAE approach — an operating approach — ‘we’ll make peace now, then we’ll deal with the Palestinians later.’ I don’t believe that is the approach of the crown prince,” he added.

Saudi Arabia and Israel have never had formal diplomatic relations, though ties between Israel and several Arab countries have warmed in recent years. The signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020 saw the UAE and Bahrain normalize ties with Israel, followed by Morocco and Sudan.




In this photo taken at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 15, 2020, then US President Donald Trump attends a photo session with Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani, left, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, second left, and UAE FM Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, right, after participating in the signing of the Abraham Accords. (AFP file photo)

The Abraham Accords have met with their own share of criticism. In an appearance on “Frankly Speaking” in May last year, former Saudi intelligence chief, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, said there was “no evidence” that normalization had led to Israel being any more lenient on Palestinians.

Violence by Israeli settlers has been on the rise this year, with the UN recording 591 attacks by setters in the first six months of this year as opposed to 358 in the whole of 2020.

Schneier said: “It takes time for things to settle in. But I know people to people in Bahrain, in the UAE, in Morocco, in Israel, that there’s a very, very genuine and heartfelt feeling in terms of reaching out to the other.”

He described the Abraham Accords as “revolutionary” and “a natural progression for Muslims and Jews to be coming back together.”

Schneier has taken on an active role in Middle Eastern diplomacy, having facilitated a rapprochement between the presidents of Turkiye and Israel, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Izaac Herzog, respectively.

“Before March 2022, the state of relations with Israel and Turkiye was one of conflict. Today is it one of great cooperation. So, yes, I’m very, very proud of the role that I played and looking forward to playing similar roles with other countries in terms of bringing the Muslim world closer to the state of Israel,” he added.

Schneier, a native New Yorker, is the president and co-founder of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, which was established in 1989 with the aim of improving Muslim-Jewish relations and Black-Jewish relations.




A poll conducted by the FFEU and PSB Research poll in 2018 showed majorities of Muslims and Jews recognize the similarities between the two faiths. (Courtesy: FFEU.org)

“My preoccupation is to find the path to narrow the gap, the chasm, the divide between 1.6 billion Muslims and 16 million Jews,” he said.

“At the end of the day, Muslims and Jews, we are family, we’re cousins. We may have had a few family disagreements, but there are no two other religions that have more in common and have that historic bond than Islam and Judaism.

“So, for me, it’s a natural progression for Muslims and Jews to be coming back together.”

And Schneier reaffirmed his support for Arab News’ campaign to back the Saudi bid to host World Expo 2030.

“I think people don’t appreciate what the Kingdom has done from an interreligious point of view.

“We know about all the changes, all the reforms, politically, economically, but you should know that Saudi Arabia was the first of the Gulf states to reach out to other states, reach out to the West from an interreligious point of view.”




In this photo taken on Nov. 26, 2012, representatives of various religious groups, international organizations, and the United Nations attend a photo session during an inauguration ceremony of the KAICIID Center (King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue) at the Hofburg in Vienna, Austria. (AFP file photo)

In particular, he lauded the role of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, founded in 2012 by the late King Abdullah.

“It was the King Abdullah Center that was the first interfaith religious center ever championed, ever founded, by a Gulf country,” he said.

Before agreeing to serve as the 2022 football World Cup’s interfaith adviser, Schneier called for direct flights between Tel Aviv and Doha and the provision of kosher food at the world’s largest sporting event to ensure “Israelis were made to feel welcome there.”

He added: “I call it my bagel diplomacy. We brought the first bagels ever to Doha, to Qatar.”

 


Camping in the Kingdom: exploring the untamed beauty surrounding the Saudi capital Riyadh

The rainy season in Riyadh announces with it winter and the start of the camping season. (Visit Saudi/Supplied)
The rainy season in Riyadh announces with it winter and the start of the camping season. (Visit Saudi/Supplied)
Updated 43 min 22 sec ago
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Camping in the Kingdom: exploring the untamed beauty surrounding the Saudi capital Riyadh

The rainy season in Riyadh announces with it winter and the start of the camping season. (Visit Saudi/Supplied)
  • Adventurers and nature lovers should not miss these spots during winter

RIYADH: Camping in Saudi Arabia provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of the vast wilderness. The desert, with its mesmerizing dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, offers a serene setting for those seeking solace away from the bustle of city life.

Camping offers an unforgettable experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. With the Kingdom’s diverse landscapes and warm hospitality, the country welcomes visitors to connect with nature and forge lasting memories in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.

The rainy season in Riyadh announces with it winter and the start of the camping season. (Visit Saudi/Supplied)

From late October to early February, the rainy season in Riyadh announces with it winter and the start of the camping season.

During this time of the year, people flock to the desert, spending time with family, friends and loved ones, enjoying the beautiful warm weather away from city life and hectic schedules.

For those interested in camping, it is recommended to start with a visit to Reef Shaqra.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Reef Shaqra and Al-Rimaya are local store for camping supplies.

• Rawdat Khuraim is a popular spot about 110 km from Riyadh.

• King Salman Park, great for family picnics, is 40 km to the northeast.

Reef Shaqra is one of the local stores providing camping supplies — from food to spices to grilling tools, all organized perfectly and ready to be used.

Al-Rimaya is another excellent store to visit prior to a camping trip. The store, opened 25 years ago, specializes in camping and outdoor equipment such as tents, portable fire pits and camping fridges.

They also offer a service where they prepare the vehicle with all the necessary equipment for enthusiasts who spend days in the desert.

The rainy season in Riyadh announces with it winter and the start of the camping season. (Visit Saudi/Supplied)

“Recently, we have been seeing women customers more than men, not only buying camping equipment but also requesting car preparations,” said Sultan Abdulaziz, one of the store workers.

“There are many accessories we offer, like attaching tents to the car. The tent will be set perfectly to your car where you won’t need to prepare it by yourself every time you go on a trip.”

Rawdat Khuraim is 110 km from the capital and one of the well-known camping sites in the region.

Recently, we have been seeing women customers more than men, not only buying camping equipment but also requesting car preparations.

Sultan Abdulaziz, Al-Rimaya staff

The beautiful landscape has been transformed into a reserve to preserve its innate beauty. The area is not completely a desert but more of a green landscape due to the rains during the season.

Another popular destination close to the city is King Salman Park, 40 km to the northeast. It is a family picnic area, with facilities provided to create a safe and comfortable camping experience.

For those who have more of an adventurous spirit and love to spend a camping trip in complete isolation, the locations can be endless. Since the country, generally speaking, is known for being mostly desert, visitors can find camping spots almost everywhere.

Al-Rimaya sells supplies and also prepares the vehicle with equipment necessary for a trip to the desert. (AN photo by Haifa Alshammari)

There is nothing better than gathering around the campfire for a delicious meal. Dishes include mandi, kabssa and jamriyah, with kunafah among the recently trending meals.

With fine food and the allure of the stars in a dark sky, the music of oud sets the perfect atmosphere. Among activities young people enjoy are oud playing around the fire. Some musicians even offer services for music sessions during the camping trip.

As the popularity of camping in Saudi Arabia continues to grow, tour operators, officials and local communities are actively promoting responsible and sustainable practices.

 


Tuwaiq Sculpture event to display works from 30 artists

Qian Sihua’s ‘Harmony in Diversity’ (2023) expresses the power of form shaped by harmony and difference. (Riyadhart)
Qian Sihua’s ‘Harmony in Diversity’ (2023) expresses the power of form shaped by harmony and difference. (Riyadhart)
Updated 04 December 2023
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Tuwaiq Sculpture event to display works from 30 artists

Qian Sihua’s ‘Harmony in Diversity’ (2023) expresses the power of form shaped by harmony and difference. (Riyadhart)
  • This includes interactive workshops, school visits and discussion sessions, covering elements of architecture, sculpture, art and design

RIYADH: The Riyadh Art program’s fifth Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024, which will be held from Jan. 14 to Feb. 24, will feature 30 prominent local and international artists who will showcase their work under the theme “Dimensions of Movement.”

The registration for the fifth edition of the event witnessed an overwhelming response, attracting more 650 applications from 80 countries. A committee of experts in art and sculpture meticulously evaluated the submissions, culminating in the selection of 30 artists representing 20 countries.

Tuwaiq Sculpture stands as a creative platform to inspire artists worldwide to craft distinctive artworks. (SPA)

The artists will create public art sculptures using stones sourced from the Kingdom, thereby enriching the cultural and artistic landscape of the capital.

FASTFACT

The artists will create public art sculptures using stones sourced from the Kingdom, thereby enriching the cultural and artistic landscape of the capital.

Marek Wolynski, lead curator of Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024, said that the fifth edition of the event will offer an immersive experience that amalgamates innovation, ambition and expansion.

He added that the event’s thematic focus on “Dimensions of Movement” mirrors the transformation of the capital through various projects under the Riyadh Art program.

The judging panel for Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024 comprises experts in the fields of art and sculpture.

Tuwaiq Sculpture stands as a creative platform to inspire artists worldwide to craft distinctive artworks.

The collaboration among artists from diverse cultures and backgrounds is integral to the event, with the fifth edition incorporating an expanded community partnership program.

This includes interactive workshops, school visits and discussion sessions, covering elements of architecture, sculpture, art and design.

 


Saudi, Malaysian firms sign strategic partnership at Halal Expo London

Saudi, Malaysian firms sign strategic partnership at Halal Expo London
Updated 04 December 2023
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Saudi, Malaysian firms sign strategic partnership at Halal Expo London

Saudi, Malaysian firms sign strategic partnership at Halal Expo London

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) concluded on Monday its participation in the Halal Expo London 2023, one of the most prominent global halal events.

HPDC, a wholly owned Public Investment Fund (PIF) entity, signed a strategic partnership with Malaysia’s Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), to stimulate the growth of the halal industry in Saudi Arabia and globally.

According to the terms of the agreement, the two companies will exchange information on industry-leading practices and successful models of halal ecosystems.

“Through our partnerships and strategic agreements, we at HPDC strive to connect vendors, distributors, and businesses operating in the halal industry across the world,” HPDC CEO Fahad S. AlNuhait said.

“We are excited to enter into this landmark agreement which allows us to leverage shared resources to make a significant contribution to the expansion of the industry.

“With this agreement, our aim is to establish a dynamic ecosystem in Saudi Arabia that enhances the local economy, invites international investors, and increases halal trade worldwide,” he added.

The two organizations will continue to collaborate with key stakeholders in the global halal industry, and jointly work toward shaping the halal ecosystem, ensuring transparency and efficiency all the way.

“This collaboration transcends mere business alignment; it embodies a shared vision to propel the halal industry to new heights globally,” HDC CEO Hairol Ariffein Sahari said.  

“With HDC’s vast experience in building a comprehensive halal ecosystem, we will provide specialized advisory, investment strategies, innovation collaboration, technology transfer and Industry Thought Leader sharing.

“We believe HDC can provide a proven effective operational model, along with a sustainable halal ecosystem that not only brings substantial benefits to Saudi Arabia but also extends its positive impact to a global scale and beyond,” he added.


Saudi aviation strategy boosts global connectivity, official says

Saudi aviation strategy boosts global connectivity, official says
Updated 04 December 2023
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Saudi aviation strategy boosts global connectivity, official says

Saudi aviation strategy boosts global connectivity, official says

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser highlighted the success of the national aviation strategy in making Saudi Arabia more globally connected during the 15th International Conference on Air Services Negotiations in Riyadh.

Al-Jasser, who also chairs the General Authority of Civil Aviation, said that the strategy encompasses plans to swiftly advance the country’s air transport sector, including expanding the flight network of Saudi airports.

Speaking at a ministerial session titled “The Impact of Air Transport on Economic Development” at the ICAN 2023 of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Al-Jasser noted the development of airport infrastructure across the Kingdom. This includes the construction of new airports, such as the King Salman Airport in Riyadh, and enhancing air service levels at all airports. The focus is also on transforming the King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah into a global air service hub and increasing aircraft numbers.

He said that the ministry’s goal is to boost the transport and logistics sector’s contribution to GDP to 10 percent, viewing civil aviation as a key driver.

The session also featured discussions with Indonesian Minister of Transport Budi Karya Sumadi, the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation of Saint Lucia’s Alva Romanus Baptiste, and Minister of Transport of the Republic of Seychelles Anthony Gerard D’Offay. They shared insights on the role of civil aviation in economic development and global connectivity.

Al-Jasser inaugurated the 15th ICAN conference on Sunday, which was attended by key figures in international aviation. The inauguration was attended by notable figures including GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej and ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano.

Al-Jasser also signed a cooperation agreement in air transport services with Minister of Transport and Aviation of Sierra Leone Fanday Turay on the sidelines of the event, which will continue until Thursday.

The agreement complements the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention, signed in 1944, aiming to regulate safe and efficient air transport between the two countries and enhance airline competition, safety and civil aviation security standards.

The bilateral agreement is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to establish international partnerships, sign new bilateral agreements and achieve ambitious goals in enhancing global air connectivity, with plans to become a global logistics hub and handle 330 million passengers annually by 2030.

The agreement also focuses on supporting the mutual economic interests of national airlines, enhancing their role in the air transport market of both countries, and embracing modern approaches to market entry and air transport.

This is part of a broader strategy in the civil aviation sector to forge international partnerships and sign new bilateral agreements. These initiatives are geared toward expanding the Kingdom’s global air network to 250 destinations.

 


Arab hospitality on board AROYA Cruises

Arab hospitality on board AROYA Cruises
Updated 04 December 2023
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Arab hospitality on board AROYA Cruises

Arab hospitality on board AROYA Cruises
  • First Saudi at-sea restaurant, Irth Cafe, will spotlight local cuisine

RIYADH: Cruise Saudi has partnered with the Culinary Arts Commission to launch the Kingdom’s first at-sea restaurant, Irth Cafe, aboard the AROYA Cruises ship.

Cruise Saudi, a company owned by the Public Investment Fund and specialized in developing the cruise sector in the Kingdom, announced its partnership with the aim of showcasing the authentic cuisine on board that will offer a unique experience using locally sourced and high-quality Saudi products.

CEO of Cruise Saudi Lars Clasen said: “We are proud to cooperate with the Culinary Arts Commission. The launch of the Irth Cafe and boutique on board the AROYA Cruises ship is one of the important steps to ensure that we showcase the Kingdom’s heritage and provide the best services to our guests.”

AROYA Cruises, the first-ever Saudi domestic cruise line, will make history as the first homegrown cruise brand in the Arab region. (SPA)

AROYA Cruises, the first-ever Saudi domestic cruise line, will make history as the first homegrown cruise brand in the Arab region.

The partnership will push the envelope further by highlighting its vision to provide exceptional and innovative tourism experiences to its passengers on board the vessel, which was specially designed to suit Arab tastes.

The Kingdom is distinguished by its authentic hospitality as well as its rich heritage and ancient history, which are all values to be embodied in the Irth Cafe experience.

FASTFACT

The Culinary Arts Commission will provide training to restaurant staff to ensure the provision of luxurious and authentic experiences to the ship’s passengers.

The Culinary Arts Commission will provide training to restaurant staff to ensure the provision of luxurious and authentic experiences to the ship’s passengers.

Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, confirmed that Irth Cafe, named after the Arabic word for “heritage,” will highlight the culture behind local cuisine, noting that the existing cooperation with AROYA Cruises, a subsidiary of Cruise Saudi, is consistent with the commission’s ambitious vision of celebrating the Kingdom’s heritage and rich culture.

The commission was established in 2020 and works to platform the distinctive traditional Saudi culinary arts locally and internationally, consolidate the culture of Saudi gastronomy, transform the Kingdom into a home for distinctive experiences and advance it as a leading food destination.

Launched in 2023, AROYA Cruises is distinguished by a unique design that is in line with Arab market standards, focusing on what citizens, residents and regional tourists are looking for when selecting their next vacation destination.

The vessel promises to provide exceptional stays, from the meticulous attention within the cabins and suites to the meals and drinks that will be served during the voyage, reflecting the spirit of innovation and authentic Arab hospitality that distinguishes the Kingdom.