French Jews find hope for peace in Abraham Accords

The UAE’s government has committed itself to improved relations between religions in recent years.

French imam, Hassen Chalghoumi promotes interfaith relations, defying threats from extremists.

He told the JC: “The UAE haa been working to make their society tolerant. Their policy is based on three elements: they’ve changed their school programmes, banned extremist sermons criticizing Christians and Jews and signed the Abraham Accords with Israel. To beat back hatred in France, political leaders must take action too.”

The Accords were signed by Israel, the UAE and US in 2020. Bahrain, Oman, Morocco and Sudan have since agreed to normalisation with Israel.

Some critics suggest the UAE’s newfound religious tolerance may be a way to take the focus off human rights concerns. A French historian of religion, Odon Vallet, told the JC: “There is ambiguity in the Emirati approach but then again, there is no doubt the country has made great progress as far as religious tolerance goes.”