Arabian Business
January 2, 2021
Bahrain is home to the only indigenous Jewish population in the Gulf region
The New York City-based Foundation for Ethnic Understanding (FFEU) has partnered with a pair of Bahraini tourism firms to launch what is being billed as the first North American-Jewish tourism initiative to the Gulf kingdom.
Founded in 1989 by Rabbi Marc Schneier, the non-profit FFEU has the stated mission of improving relations between Jews and Muslims, as well as Jews and African-Americans.
In 2007, the organisation hosted the first ever summits of Rabbis and Imams in the US, which it followed with a pairing initiative in which 50 mosques and 50 synagogues held one-on-one programs in cities across America.
In a statement, the FFEU said that it now plans to team up with destination management company Best of Bahrain and Da’at Travel to help “facilitate itineraries for large groups and individual travellers” of Jewish Americans hoping to travel to Bahrain.
“The new initiative is spearheaded by FFEU president Rabbi Marc Schneier following an invitation from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain to bring more Jewish tourists to the kingdom,” the FFEU statement said.
“Following the Abraham Accords, the kingdom has been on the trajectory of rapid growth in attracting Jewish tourism, especially after one of its top hotels – the Ritz Carlton – announced it will be offering kosher food,” it added. “It is expected that other hotels will follow suit.”
Earlier in December, Israel carrier El Al and Bahrain’s Gulf Air announced a memorandum of understanding to allow for direct flights between El Al and Manama. The first flight is expected to take place on January 7, according to media reports.
The FFEU initiative has been praised by Bahraini officials, who hope to capitalise on an influx of tourists in the coming months and years.
“As a centre of peaceful coexistence with a rich history, heritage and tourism landscape, this tourism initiative will provide a memorable experience to all who visit and will open new horizons for Jewish tourists looking for a new and exciting destination,” Bahraini Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Zayed Alzayani was quoted as saying in media reports.
Jehad Amin, the chairman of Best of Bahrain, was quoted as saying that “with 25 percent of visitors to Israel mostly Jewish Americans, what we’re trying to do is offer an extension to that trip to Israel.”
Copyright © 2024 Foundation For Ethnic Understanding. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy