The Abraham Accords have been helping Israel forge long-lasting partnerships with its neighbors, including business relations and, most importantly, cultural understandings that will be key for everlasting peace in the region. One surprising outcome has been the outpouring of support and curiosity from the average Arab citizen who wants to learn more. Fortunately, in Dubai, of all places, sits a unique museum that focuses on Zionism and its inherent link to Judaism.

Ahmed Obeid Al-Mansouri runs the Crossroads of Civilizations Museum in Dubai, which focuses on the history of the Middle East, and includes a section on Zionism and on memorializing those who died in the Holocaust. At a recent event marking the 125th anniversary of the First Zionist Congress, he revealed a rare letter by Theodor (Benjamin Ze'ev) Herzl: "It is important to me that the young generation in Arab countries get to know the Jewish people". The words he chose to highlight are very important; many on the pro-Palestine side, progressive Jews especially, have sought to vilify the word Zionist, even going so far as to separate it from the Jewish people in general. In contrast, by using that Herzl quote, Al-Mansouri is seeking to show the importance of Israel to the Jewish religion.

"It is of utmost importance that the young generations of the Middle East will learn about Judaism, Zionism and Israel. This will strengthen peace." - Crossroads of the Civilization Museum founder Ahmed Obaid Almansoori #UAE https://t.co/aNYHSlB4oY

— Israel Nitzan🇮🇱 (@IsraelNitzan) August 30, 2022

In the Jewish religion, Israel plays a central role. Aside from the biblical connection outlined in the Torah, for nearly two thousand years, the Jewish diaspora prayed for the return of the nation to the land of Israel; many of the Psalms recited daily are love letters to God praising the land and 'Zion' which represents the eternal capital of the Jewish people, Jerusalem; and observant Jews to this day say over forty prayers about Israel each day. And yet, despite this, many Jewish, pro-Palestinian activists, mostly based in America, are trying to disassociate the importance of Israel. Many Reform synagogues have removed symbols, even the Star of David, and altered prayer text to 'cleanse' them from any reference to Israel.

It is for this reason that the Museum in which the word Zionist is not a pejorative, where the ties of the land of Israel to the Jewish faith are honored, is important; having that museum in an Arab land only makes it that much more impactful.

The event marking the 125th anniversary occurred in the original Swiss city that hosted the first zionist congress, Basel. A Muslim attending an event of this nature, while surely welcome by Israel, is highly unusual. However, Al-Mansouri has long been a supporter of Israel. In 2006, he opened a private museum in his home that spotlighted Zionism. Al-Mansouri’s goal was always to focus on the facts of Zionism and the Jewish people while keeping out the politics of it.

We Remember : #Holocaust memorial exhibition opens at a museum in #Dubai
“Crossroads of Civilization” https://t.co/MuaCs8UrHx pic.twitter.com/M0nL3HjQJe

— حسن سجواني 🇦🇪 Hassan Sajwani (@HSajwanization) May 27, 2021

The Emirati government, surprisingly, decided to move the museum to a more respectable complex. Five years later, long before the Abraham Accords, it was moved to the ancient royal house in one of the historical complexes in Dubai and opened for the public. Al-Mansouri did his best to acquire rare objects, documents, coins, and photos that can best relate to and explain the fabrics of Zionism while showing the link that Jews have had to Israel, in effect disproving the narrative of a Palestinian Nation that existed for thousands of years in the land. 

On the eve of Holocaust Remembrance day last year, Al-Mansouri added to his already remarkable exhibition by opening a section in the museum dedicated to telling the story of the Holocaust. It is now frequently visited by Arab students, tourists, and international delegations taking advantage of the warming ties between Israel and the Arab world. On top of that, Al-Mansouri established a political center where discussions are held to promote understanding between the three Abrahamic religions. The goal is to highlight the similarities and celebrate the people who share the belief in 'the one true God.'

In 2016, Al-Mansouri purchased Herzl's letter for his private collection. It was purchased in Vienna and is considered a rare find. Herzl wrote in it to a person whose identity is unknown that he had to reject his request to join a social club he promoted. The letter was written during the years when Herzl was promoting his vision, which ultimately led to the establishment of the State of Israel.

The letter was written and signed by Herzl and passed many authenticity tests. Al-Mansouri, a historian by profession, told Israeli reporters that: "The Jews have always been an important part of the Middle East, and I am obliged to tell the story of the Jewish people and the chapter of Zionism to the Arab world."

Together with my friend, Ahmed Obeid AlMansoori, at the first ever Holocaust gallery in the entire Arab world, at the Crossroads of Civilization museum. This is, literally, making history! 🇦🇪🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/Nco421nxT9

— Eitan Neishlos - איתן ניישלוס (@ENeishlos) June 10, 2022

He continued, "Herzl was a very important leader, not a man of dreams but a man of vision. I look at it from a historical point of view, not a political one. I cannot identify myself with Zionism, I am not part of it, but he was the father of modern Zionism, and that is an honor. It is great for me to present Herzl in my museum. He was a very successful leader who has had a profound impact on this region."