View source for Sharaka

{{Short description|Intergovernmental cooperative organization}}
{{Infobox organization
| name                = Sharaka
| formation           = December 2020
| full_name           =
| logo                =
| image               = Sharaka Logo.png
| image_size          =
| founders            = Amit Deri
| board_of_directors  =
| key_people          = {{plainlist|
* Dan Feferman
* Fatema El Harbi
* Ofir Ohayon
* Najat Al-Saied
}}
| website             = {{URL|https://sharakango.com}}
}}
'''Sharaka''' ({{langx|ar|شراكة|translit=sharāka|lit=partnership/cooperation}}) is a [[Nonprofit organization|non-profit]] and [[non-governmental organization]] established in 2020 by people from [[Israel]], The [[United Arab Emirates]], and [[Bahrain]] after the signing of [[Abraham Accords|The Abraham Accords]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Sharaka Project brings Israeli-Arab peace to ordinary people -opinion|url=https://www.jpost.com/opinion/the-sharaka-project-brings-israeli-arab-piece-to-ordinary-people-opinion-653546|access-date=2021-03-25|website=The Jerusalem Post |date=28 December 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Rudee|first=Eliana|date=2020-12-30|title=Bahraini and Emirati activists in Israel express feeling 'like family returning home'|url=https://www.jns.org/bahraini-and-emirati-activists-in-israel-express-feeling-like-family-returning-home/|access-date=2021-03-25|website=JNS.org|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Divon|first=Michal Michelle|title=The unthinkable has become natural|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/supplements/the-unthinkable-has-become-natural|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Khaleej Times|language=en}}</ref> The stated mission of the organization is to develop bonds between young Israeli and Gulf leaders, in order to strengthen peace, trust, and cooperation between the respective societies. The organization presently has three operational divisions located in Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About Us|url=https://sharakango.com/about-us/|access-date=2021-03-25|website=Sharaka|language=en-US}}</ref>
==Background==
Sharaka was established in 2020 by people from Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, with funding from Israeli and American donors. The idea of establishing the organization took shape after the signing of The Abraham Accords between the countries.<ref>{{Cite web|title=URGENT AGENDA: DECEMBER 31, 2020|url=http://www.urgentagenda.com/POSTINGS%20V/DEC%2020/12.31.20.html|access-date=2021-03-25|website=www.urgentagenda.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rivlin hosts Bahraini delegation, calls King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israeli-academic-business-delegations-head-to-uae-alongside-tourists-652081|access-date=2021-03-25|website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com|date=15 December 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref> The organization's primary goal is to "lead social initiatives that bring Israel's voice to strengthen familiarity with the State of Israel in the Arab world and create cooperation between young people in Israel and Arab states."
== Activities ==
Sharaka has brought delegations of leaders, influencers, and activists representing academia, art, politics, education, and the hospitality industry from various countries to Israel. These diverse delegations both learn about each other's history, society and geopolitical realities, and share their own culture and perspectives.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-15|title=UAE, Bahrain take part in Hanukkah ceremony at Jerusalem's Western Wall|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201215-uae-bahrain-take-part-in-hanukkah-ceremony-at-jerusalems-western-wall/|access-date=2021-03-25|website=Middle East Monitor|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=LIVE EVENT: UAE & Israel: The Business of Peace|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/spotlight/live-event-uae-israel-the-business-of-peace/|access-date=2021-03-25|website=The Times of Israel|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Medved: How Israel and Gulf economies can do the 'business of peace'|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/medved-how-israel-and-gulf-economies-can-do-the-business-of-peace-654499|access-date=2021-03-25|website=The Jerusalem Post |date=7 January 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref> first through online activities during the pandemic, and now increasingly through meetings and delegations.
=== Delegations to Israel ===
In mid-December 2020, Sharaka organized a delegation of 11 opinion leaders and social activists from the Gulf to visit Israel. The group arrived on December 11 and traveled throughout the country, from [[Jerusalem]] to the [[Golan Heights]], meeting [[Jews|Jewish]], [[Druze]], and [[Bedouin]] Israelis along the way, including President [[Reuven Rivlin]] and Minister of Foreign Affairs [[Gabi Ashkenazi]]. The delegates participated in a [[Hanukkah]] menorah-lighting ceremony at the [[Western Wall]]. They also visited the [[Yad Vashem]] Holocaust Remembrance Center, the [[Knesset]], and the [[Israel Museum]].<ref>{{Cite web|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=UAE, Bahrain delegations take part in Western Wall Hanukkah lighting ceremony|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/uae-bahrain-delegations-take-part-in-western-wall-hanukkah-lighting-ceremony/|access-date=2021-03-25|website=The Times of Israel|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Soesan|first=Joop|date=2020-12-27|title=Groep jonge influencers uit de Emiraten en Bahrein maakt reis door Israël {{!}} Joods.nl Nieuws|url=https://www.joods.nl/2020/12/groep-jonge-influencers-uit-de-emiraten-en-bahrein-maakten-reis-door-israel/|access-date=2021-03-25|website=Joods.nl: Nieuws uit Joods Nederland en Israel|language=nl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Gross|first=Judah Ari|title=After making friends with Gulf, Israel brings in influencers to reach its people|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-making-friends-with-gulf-israel-brings-in-influencers-to-reach-its-people/|access-date=2021-03-25|website=The Times of Israel|language=en-US}}</ref> The delegates faced backlash online from anti-Israel and anti-normalization voices in their home countries as they took to social media to share their experiences and to reaffirm messages of peace and coexistence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rudee |first=Eliana |date=January 2021 |title=Bahraini, Emirati activists in Israel feel 'like family returning home' |url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/01/01/bahraini-emirati-activists-in-israel-feel-like-family-returning-home/ |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=www.israelhayom.com}}</ref>
In October 2021, a 9-member delegation from Bahrain officially linked to Sharaka made a trip to Israel, headed by author and peace activist Fatema Al Harbi, who serves as vice chairman of Sharaka's Bahrain chapter. The delegates included Bahraini businessmen and officials with Bahrain's Education Ministry. The trip consisted of tours of [[Yad Vashem]], the [[Old City (Jerusalem)|Old City]] of [[Jerusalem]], and various historical and religious sites, as well as meetings with Israeli government officials and activists.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Attempting 'to promote peace, build bridges between Israelis, Bahrainis' |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/were-trying-to-promote-peace-build-bridges-between-israelis-bahrainis-682725 |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=The Jerusalem Post  |date=21 October 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=From Bahrain to Yad Vashem: Gulf State Delegation Visits Holocaust Memorial Center |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2021-10-05/ty-article/.premium/bahraini-delegation-visits-yad-vashem-holocaust-memorial-center/0000017f-db19-df9c-a17f-ff19d3890000 |access-date=2022-05-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hasten |first=Josh |date=2021-10-08 |title=In eight-day trip, Bahraini influencers see the reality, and warmth, that is Israel |url=https://www.jns.org/in-eight-day-trip-bahraini-influencers-see-the-reality-and-warmth-that-is-israel/ |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=JNS.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bahraini activists find common ground with Israelis on country-wide tour |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/bahraini-activists-find-common-ground-with-israelis-on-country-wide-tour-681836 |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=The Jerusalem Post  |date=13 October 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Lazar |title=From Western Wall to Old City alleys, curious Israelis embrace Bahraini visitors |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/from-western-wall-to-old-city-alleys-curious-israelis-embrace-bahraini-visitors/ |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=The Times of Israel |language=en-US}}</ref>
On 8 May 2022, a 15-member delegation of Pakistanis and [[Pakistani Americans]] visited Israel in a trip organized by Sharaka in partnership with the American Muslim and Multifaith Women's Empowerment Council. Delegates included Fishel Benkhald, considered to be the "last Jew in Pakistan", and prominent Pakistani journalist Ahmed Quraishi, who was later fired by the state-run [[Pakistan Television Corporation|Pakistan Television]] for being part of the delegation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-30 |title=Pakistani journalist Ahmed Quraishi fired from PTV over Israel visit |url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/30-May-2022/pakistani-journalist-ahmed-quraishi-fired-from-ptv-for-visiting-israel |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=Daily Pakistan Global |language=en}}</ref> The group visited Yad Vashem, met with Israeli President [[Isaac Herzog]] and other Israeli officials at [[Beit HaNassi]] (the president's residence in Jerusalem) and visited Druze and Bedouin homes in northern Israel. The visit was vehemently criticized by Pakistani officials, who denied that the delegation was on an official visit.<ref>{{Cite news |title=A Pakistani Group Visited Israel. Then Pakistan Erupted |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-05-25/ty-article-opinion/pakistani-group-israel-normalization-pm-imran-khan-pakistan-erupted/00000180-f6c3-d18b-a787-f7eb2e310000 |access-date=2022-05-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Pakistani-American defends Israel visit amid criticism |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/pakistani-american-defends-israel-visit-amid-criticism/2022/05/30/920b9a7a-e02e-11ec-ae64-6b23e5155b62_story.html |access-date=2022-05-31 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-31 |title=Pakistan had nothing to do with expats visit to Israel |url=https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/pakistan-had-nothing-do-expats-visit-israel |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=Al Araby |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-29 |title=Israeli president confirms meeting delegation of Pakistani expats |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2358953/israeli-president-confirms-meeting-delegation-of-pakistani-expats |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Isaac |first=David |date=2022-05-17 |title=Muslim-American delegation visits Israel, UAE in support of Abraham Accords |url=https://www.jns.org/muslim-american-delegation-visits-israel-uae-in-support-of-abraham-accords/ |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=JNS.org |language=en-US}}</ref>
In March 2023, delegates from Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, and Turkey visited Israel to learn about the Holocaust as a way of promoting tolerance. The group visited Yad Vashem: The World Holocaust Memorial Center in Jerusalem, among other places.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smilk |first=Carin M. |date=2023-03-17 |title=Arabs in Sharaka delegation to Israel describe eye-opening education about the Holocaust |url=https://www.jns.org/arabs-in-sharaka-delegation-to-israel-describe-eye-opening-education-about-the-holocaust/ |access-date=2023-03-19 |website=JNS.org |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Holocaust commemorations ===
On January 27, 2021, Sharaka organized an online event to commemorate [[International Holocaust Remembrance Day]], with Israeli, Gulf and Arab participants. The event featured a testimony by Jewish Auschwitz survivor Vera Kriegel and a speech by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rudee |first=Eliana |date=2021-01-27 |title=In a first, Arab-initiated event commemorates the Holocaust in wake of Abraham Accords |url=https://www.jns.org/in-a-first-arab-initiated-event-commemorates-the-holocaust-in-wake-of-abraham-accords/ |access-date=2021-03-25 |website=JNS.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-26 |title=Arab Gulf initiative to promote Holocaust awareness, combat anti-Semitism {{!}} Opinion |url=https://www.newsweek.com/arab-gulf-initiative-promote-holocaust-awareness-combat-anti-semitism-opinion-1564246 |access-date=2021-03-25 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Oryszczuk |first=Stephen |title='Never again' in Hebrew and Arabic as Gulf states mark Holocaust Memorial Day |url=https://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/never-again-in-hebrew-and-arabic-as-gulf-states-mark-holocaust-memorial-day/ |access-date=2021-03-25 |website=jewishnews.timesofisrael.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-08 |title=The Abraham Accords deserve a Nobel Prize {{!}} Opinion |url=https://www.newsweek.com/abraham-accords-deserve-nobel-prize-opinion-1567176 |access-date=2021-03-25 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref>
In April 2022, a number of social-media influencers and journalists from Lebanon, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and the Gulf countries took part in the [[March of the Living|International March of the Living]], visiting concentration camps and annual Holocaust memorial events in a trip organized by Sharaka.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sacerdoti |first=Jonathan |date=28 April 2022 |title=Arab delegates join the March of the Living for the first time |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/world/arab-delegates-join-the-march-of-the-living-for-the-first-time-3hoqH3EGb9YF9GET7Ygtpl |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=www.thejc.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=In groundbreaking step, Muslim delegation participated in 2022 March of the Living - EJP |url=https://ejpress.org/in-groundbreaking-step-muslim-delegation-participated-in-2022-march-of-the-living/ |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=ejpress.org|date=May 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Yaakov |title=Muslim influencers visit Auschwitz, seek to bring truth of Holocaust to Arab world |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/muslim-influencers-visit-auschwitz-seek-to-bring-truth-of-holocaust-to-arab-world/ |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=The Times of Israel |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== United States ===
In November 2021, Sharaka delegates from Israel, Morocco, Syria, and the Gulf made a trip to the [[San Francisco Bay Area]] in [[California]] to tout the benefits of strengthened relations between Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates following the signing of Abraham Accords, and to discuss and promote regional peace.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Can Middle East activists get US Democrats to join the Abraham Accords? |url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/can-middle-east-activists-get-us-democrats-to-join-the-abraham-accords-688311 |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=The Jerusalem Post  |date=9 December 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref> The delegation included Syrian-born American journalist [[Hayvi Bouzo]], Moroccan artist and activist [[Chama Mechtaly]], and Sharaka leaders from Israel and the Gulf countries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kamaras |first=Jacob |date=2021-11-12 |title='People-to-people' relationships are centerpiece of Abraham Accords' progress, advocates say |url=https://www.jns.org/people-to-people-relationships-are-centerpiece-of-abraham-accords-progress-advocates-say/ |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=JNS.org |language=en-US}}</ref> The group met with Jewish leaders, local politicians and activists, and students. The visit included panel discussions and presentations at synagogues and Jewish cultural centers, [[San Jose State University]], and the [[Commonwealth Club of California]], where Sharaka leaders urged the American audience to "put aside the political polarization" when approaching the Middle East.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Lazar |title=Young peace activists promote Abraham Accords in California |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/young-peace-activists-promote-abraham-accords-in-california/ |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=The Times of Israel |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stutman |first=Gabe |date=2021-11-09 |title=Arab and Israeli delegates tout Abraham Accords on Bay Area visit |url=https://live-jweekly.alleydev.com/2021/11/09/arab-and-israeli-diplomats-tout-abraham-accords-on-bay-area-visit/ |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=J. |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Yemini |first=Ben-Dror |date=2021-12-03 |title=Meet the delegation of Jewish and Arab 'angels of peace' |language=en |work=Ynetnews |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/rj6xnx11yy |access-date=2022-05-31}}</ref>
In April 2022, the [[University of Connecticut]]’s Abrahamic Programs co-hosted a discussion welcoming Sharaka. The event was a collaboration between UConn's Abrahamic Programs; UConn's Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice; Center for Judaic Studies & Contemporary Jewish Life; UConn Hillel; Middle Eastern Cultural Programs; Muslim Students Association; and the Consulate General for Israel. Sharaka delegation members related their experiences of visiting other nations and establishing real connections on the person-to-person level, as well as their reasons for joining the organization.
In August 2021, a Sharaka delegation visited [[Atlanta|Atlanta, Georgia]] to discuss The Abraham Accords. Conferences were held at Congregations Or Hadash in [[Sandy Springs, Georgia|Sandy Springs]], hosted by the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, the Atlanta Rabbinical Association and the Atlanta Israel Coalition, and at Congregation Ohr HaTorah, in conjunction with Congregation Beth Jacob and hosted by Americans United with Israel and the Israel Consulate General.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nissani |first=Stephanie |date=2021-08-10 |title=Sharaka Delegation Discusses The Abraham Accords |url=https://www.atlantajewishtimes.com/sharaka-delegation-discusses-the-abraham-accords/ |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=Atlanta Jewish Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== United Arab Emirates and Bahrain ===
In April 2021, Sharaka organized a special ceremony in Dubai where Emiratis and Israeli Jews gathered for joint [[Ramadan]] and [[Lag BaOmer]] festivities. The event included the ''Lag BaOmer'' custom lighting of a [[bonfire]], and a traditional Ramadan [[iftar]] meal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2021 |title=Arabs and Jews celebrate Lag Ba'Omer, Ramadan together in Dubai |url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/305288 |website=Israel National News}}</ref>
In November 2021, Sharaka hosted joint celebrations in Dubai to mark the UAE's 50th National Day, and to celebrate [[Hanukkah]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Lazar |title=In UAE and Israel, Hanukkah and a National Day are a time to celebrate together |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-uae-and-israel-hanukkah-and-a-national-day-are-a-time-to-celebrate-together/ |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=The Times of Israel |language=en-US}}</ref>
In December 2021, leaders of Sharaka and of the Abraham Accords Peace Institute met at a private event at [[Emirates Palace]] in [[Abu Dhabi]] to sign a cooperation agreement ([[Memorandum of understanding|MoU]]) to promote and further strengthen ties laid by the Abraham Accords, in the presence of AAPI Chairman and former senior presidential advisor [[Jared Kushner]] as well as a number of senior Emirati politicians.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Rasha Abu |title=UAE-Israel ties: Kushner witnesses MoU signing with Sharaka |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-israel-ties-jared-kushner-witnesses-mou-signing-with-sharaka-to-support-abraham-accords |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=Khaleej Times |language=en}}</ref>
In January 2022, Sharaka signed an agreement with The UK Abraham Accords Group, headed by former Defence Minister and MP Dr. [[Liam Fox]] and attended by the Emirati Ambassador to the UK.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saleh |first=Amjad |title=UK Abraham Accords Group, Sharaka sign MoU to promote and expand Abraham Accords |date=November 2022 |url=https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395303010046}}</ref>
On 16 January 2022, Sharaka led tree-planting ceremonies in Dubai in honor of [[Tu BiShvat|Tu Bishvat]]. The next day, similar events were held at the [[Neot Kedumim|Neot Kdumim Park]] in Israel, and in Bahrain. The events were held in collaboration with the Fakhruddin Group and the Storey Group (Dubai) and the [[Jewish National Fund|Jewish National Fund USA]] (Israel).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tu Bishvat planting ceremonies held in UAE, Bahrain |url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-694211 |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=The Jerusalem Post  |date=21 January 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sharaka hosts multiple tree planting events for peace in Abraham Accords countries |url=https://www.jns.org/wire/sharaka-hosts-multiple-tree-planting-events-for-peace-in-abraham-accords-countries/ |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=JNS.org |language=en-US}}</ref>
In May 2022, members of the Sharaka delegation attended a memorial organized by the Dubai's Jewish community to express their condolences and pay their respects to the Emirati community after President [[Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan|Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan]]'s death.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Isaac |first=David |date=2022-05-17 |title=Muslim-American delegation visits Israel, UAE in support of Abraham Accords |url=https://www.jns.org/muslim-american-delegation-visits-israel-uae-in-support-of-abraham-accords/ |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=JNS.org |language=en-US}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[Abraham Accords]]
* [[Israel–United Arab Emirates normalization agreement]]
* [[Bahrain–Israel normalization agreement]]
* [[Seeds of Peace]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Organizations established in 2020]]
[[Category:2020 in Bahrain]]
[[Category:2020 in Israel]]
[[Category:2020 in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:Abraham Accords]]
[[Category:Bahrain–Israel relations]]
[[Category:Israel–United Arab Emirates relations]]
[[Category:Holocaust-related organizations]]
[[Category:Jewish history organizations]]