Abrahamic Family House Fosters Interfaith Harmony, Showcasing Vibrant Jewish Life in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Loay Alshareef, a prominent Egyptian Zionist activist and advocate for Arab-Israeli relations, recently shared a poignant reflection from the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, underscoring the thriving interfaith environment in the United Arab Emirates. Following Friday prayers at the multi-faith complex, Alshareef expressed his gratitude for the warm invitations to Shabbat dinners from the local Jewish community, stating, > "Just finished Friday prayers at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, now the only question is: which of our amazing Jewish community’s Shabbat dinner invitation should I accept tonight? I received 10 😂♥️ God bless them all. Have a blessed Friday and a Shabbat Shalom. ☪️🕎"

The Abrahamic Family House, inaugurated in February 2023, is a landmark interfaith complex on Saadiyat Island, housing the Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church, and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue. This initiative, inspired by the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity signed by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb, aims to promote tolerance, coexistence, and inter-religious dialogue among Abrahamic faiths. Each house of worship is designed with equal prominence, symbolizing unity while preserving distinct religious identities.

Alshareef, known for his advocacy for peace and understanding between Muslims and Jews, has been based in Abu Dhabi since 2020. His personal journey, which began with a transformative experience living with a Jewish family in Paris, has made him a vocal proponent of the Abraham Accords and cultural exchange. He frequently uses his platform to counter antisemitic narratives and highlight the shared values among the Abrahamic religions.

The presence of a flourishing Jewish community, capable of extending numerous Shabbat dinner invitations, highlights the success of the UAE's efforts in fostering religious diversity and inclusion. The Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue within the Abrahamic Family House is the first purpose-built synagogue in the Gulf region in nearly a century, signifying a new era of religious openness. This development aligns with the broader vision of the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between the UAE and Israel in 2020.

The Abrahamic Family House serves as a tangible representation of the UAE's commitment to creating a society where people of different faiths can worship, learn, and interact freely. Figures like Alshareef exemplify the positive impact of such initiatives, demonstrating how dialogue and shared experiences can bridge historical divides and build a future of mutual respect. The complex continues to attract visitors and worshippers from around the world, reinforcing its role as a global beacon of interfaith harmony.