The horrifying events of October 7th, when Hamas rioted. brutal attackit wasn't just an act of extreme violence. They were also calculated attempts to destabilize the budding coalition in the Middle East.
The coalition is led by Israel alongside Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. A historic normalization agreement is about to be concluded. with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. So far, Hamas has achieved its objectives, putting regional progress and peace at risk.
To counter this, the most effective punishment for other Iranian proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, would be to jumpstart the normalization process. An important step in this direction is 2-state solutionwhich has long been recognized as essential for lasting peace.
Saudi Arabia has so far obvious: Normalization cannot proceed without a new discussion about a Palestinian state. This position is echoed Officials from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain stressed that their support depends on establishing Palestinian rights.
In the wake of these atrocities, most Israelis, especially government officials, firmly against Toward statehood for the Palestinians. However, as I approached, Rosh Hashanain a period of reflection and renewal, we must confront the reality of our situation. We need to move past our pain and righteous anger and break out of cycles that lead us nowhere.
Rosh Hashana is a time of self-examination and self-evaluation, not only as individuals, but also as communities and people. This period invites introspection, both for individuals and for our collective identity. The Hebrew word “shana” means “year” and shares its origin with “shinui”, which means “change”. This signals our potential for a transformative year.
Looking back over the past year, particularly the ongoing conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, it is clear that little has changed. We remain trapped in a cycle of violence, causing deep suffering on both sides.
of Abraham Accords It once sparked hopes for regional cooperation, strengthened by increased economic and social interactions. But we must remember that support from the UAE and Bahrain is rooted in a commitment to Palestinian rights.
Although the current conflict highlights Israel's position, defensive abilitythe time has come for the Israeli government and American Jewish leaders to explore the path to normalization expressed by the Jewish state's Arab friends and allies. Rosh Hashana calls us to embrace transformative change and seize this moment for a better future.
Change is necessary, but it rarely comes easily. It takes vision and courage. As you reflect on your past and self-examine, be open to changing your mindset. Accepting Saudi Arabia's offer for a new normalization could pave the way for a more stable and peaceful Middle East and a transformation in Muslim-Jewish relations around the world. This Rosh Hashana, let us take a bold step, recognizing that lasting change is not only possible, but essential.
Rabbi Mark Schneier is the author of “Sons of Abraham: Candid Conversations on the Issues that Divide and Unite Jews and Muslims” and president of the New York-based Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.
