UAE Strengthens Commitment to Religious Tolerance Amid Challenges
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Despite the recent tragic murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to shine as a beacon of hope for interfaith coexistence. Leaders and citizens alike reaffirm their commitment to building a society rooted in tolerance, unity, and mutual respect, confident that this vision will only grow stronger in the face of adversity.
The UAE’s ambassador to the United States, Yousef al-Otaiba, has condemned the killing of Kogan on Emirati soil, describing it as “more than a crime in the UAE—it was a crime against the UAE. It was an attack on our homeland, on our values, and on our vision.”
Leaders across the UAE have swiftly condemned Rabbi Kogan’s murder, underscoring their zero-tolerance policy for extremism. In a joint statement, Emirati officials and global Jewish leaders declared, “Terror has failed; peace will prevail. The UAE remains a lighthouse of hope in the region.”
According to experts the primary target of this murder was not Israel but the UAE itself. By assassinating a prominent figure in the UAE’s Jewish community, the perpetrators aimed to draw international media attention and tarnish the Gulf nation’s reputation on the global stage. This act appears to have been designed, at least in part, to embarrass the UAE and undermine its carefully crafted image as a hub of tolerance and coexistence.
Ross Kriel, a leader in the UAE’s Jewish community, remains optimistic about the country’s trajectory. “This is a future where Jews and Muslims don’t see their differences as barriers but as opportunities for connection,” he said. For Kriel and many others, the UAE represents a unique and hopeful vision for coexistence in the Middle East.
The Jewish community in the UAE, though relatively new, has grown significantly, now estimated at nearly 3,000 members. Synagogues, kosher restaurants, and cultural centers have flourished with the full support of the Emirati government, making the country a welcoming home for Jews in the region. Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, senior religious adviser at the Abrahamic Family House, highlighted the community’s resilience. “The establishment of Jewish life here is a historic journey. While we grieve the loss of Rabbi Kogan, we are recommitting ourselves to this mission with hope and determination,” he said.
This optimism is echoed by Tom Gallagher, director of Amen, Amen, Amen, a documentary celebrating Jewish life in the UAE. “The Jewish community here is now strong, proud, and deeply embedded in Emirati society,” he said. “The recent tragedy is sobering, but it serves as a reminder of how rare such violence is in this nation.”
While challenges persist, including regional tensions and global conflicts, the UAE’s commitment to religious tolerance and anti-extremism remains steadfast. “This is the DNA of the Emirates,” said a longtime observer of the country’s progress. “Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has made it clear that respect, stability, and safety are core to the UAE’s vision for the future.”
As Rabbi Motti Seligson of Chabad-Lubavitch reflected, “Rabbi Kogan dedicated his life to helping others and building Jewish life in the UAE. We honor his memory by continuing to build on his legacy.”
For the UAE’s Jewish community, the future remains bright. The shared commitment to The Project by people of all faiths ensures that the dream of a harmonious and inclusive society will not falter but thrive, transforming this desert nation into a global symbol of hope and unity.
The Abrahamic Family House, a groundbreaking initiative in Abu Dhabi, aims to foster understanding and harmony between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. This architectural marvel, designed by Sir David Adjaye, houses a mosque, a church, and a synagogue, each showcasing their unique identity while hinting at shared values.
Known as “The Project,” the UAE’s blueprint for fostering harmony among diverse communities has seen remarkable progress over the last two decades. This initiative, guided by the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s president, has transformed the nation into a global model for religious freedom and cultural inclusivity. The Abrahamic Family House, a stunning interfaith complex in Abu Dhabi, exemplifies this mission, bringing together a mosque, church, and synagogue under one roof—a physical representation of shared values and mutual understanding.
Born from the Document on Human Fraternity signed in 2019, the Abrahamic Family House provides a platform for worshippers of all three faiths to practice their beliefs on the same site. A shared roof garden allows for interfaith interaction and dialogue, a novel concept with global significance.
Initially, some misconceptions arose about the house promoting a single “Abrahamic religion.” However, Imam Mahmoud Nagah of the house’s mosque emphasizes its focus on independent worship alongside interfaith dialogue and understanding. Each house of worship receives equal size and representation.
While separate spaces exist, the Abrahamic Family House stands as a symbol of religious tolerance. As Nagah states, “We shouldn’t use religions as something that divides people… [they] should pull communities together.”
The UAE, with its diverse population and commitment to religious freedom, offers fertile ground for this initiative. The recent Abraham Accords have further opened doors for religious co-existence, with the first purpose-built synagogue in the Gulf region now residing within the Abrahamic Family House.
Chief Rabbi Yehuda Sarna of the synagogue highlights the growing Jewish population in the UAE, attracted by a sense of safety and acceptance. He believes the Abrahamic Family House sets a precedent and expresses optimism for similar projects worldwide.
The project also finds support from Catholic leaders. Bishop Paulo Martinelli, appointed by Pope Francis, emphasizes the value of shared experiences and peaceful co-existence despite differences. He believes the Abrahamic Family House demonstrates the possibility of interfaith collaboration on a global scale.
Since its opening in March 2023, the Abrahamic Family House has become a symbol of hope. It represents a future where religious dialogue and tolerance bridge divides and foster understanding. This innovative initiative in Abu Dhabi serves as a model for a more peaceful and harmonious world.