(Courtesy of NJJPOC) On January 21, the New Jersey Jewish Public Officials Caucus hosted a briefing on the Abraham Accords for elected officials in the state. Attendees discussed exactly what this historic peace treaty will mean for peace in the Middle East whilst exploring how they can support lasting peace at both the local and state level.
The event was an opportunity to hear from the distinguished speakers as they provided an in-depth overview of the peace treaty and spoke of how the accords will impact peace in both the Middle East and the broader global community. Focusing on the accords as catalyst for positive change, attendees heard from the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the U.S., His Excellency, Yousef Al Otaiba; Congressman Josh Gottheimer; and Acting Consul General of Israel in New York Israel Nitzan.
Within the audience there was a distinct feeling of responsibility as the discussion reflected on how one can advocate and champion peace. Speaking to significant members of the New Jersey legislature, state officials, mayors and council people across the state, Congressman Gottheimer spoke of the United States’ dedication to building on the progress of the Abraham Accords and other treaties to support peace in the Middle East. Senator Loretta Weinberg and Assemblyman Gary Schaer addressed ideas on how state and local officials can support these historic partnerships.
Coming together as a state to address the impact of the Abraham Accords offered the attendees a chance to connect with their wider communities and unite under a common goal of peace. Michael Wildes, mayor of Englewood, reflected on the event: “The world got smaller during this pandemic. I enjoyed this informative session as we learned how much our communities have much in common and partnerships that could help insure the economic vitality of the state of New Jersey.”
Founder of the NJJPOC and Executive Director of the New Jersey Jewish Business Alliance David Rosenberg expressed his pride in the overall event and especially in the productive and thoughtful discussion that came out of it. Rosenberg commented that the meeting”will go a long way supporting an everlasting peace in the Middle East.”
