Akhbar Al Khaleej
By Dr. Mohammed Mubarak Juma
December 16, 2020
American Rabbi Marc Schneier, president of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding and one of the world’s leading religious figures seeking to create a different reality in the Middle East, believes that Islam and Judaism are the two closest religions in terms of practices and beliefs. I met him yesterday during his visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, as part of his preparations to attend a promotional event organized by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism. I spent some time with him in a discussion about the future of Bahraini-Israeli relations. He also gave me a copy of his book “The Children of Ibrahim”; And I found that the man is defending Islamic concepts that have been subjected over the past decades to distort and distort their true meaning, including the idea of ”jihad”, for example, which many misunderstand, especially in Western societies, according to his description.
Rabbi Schneier tells me: I cannot describe to you the extent of appreciation and gratitude felt by the Jewish community in the United States of America towards His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Bahrain is dear to their hearts thanks to his wisdom, courage and his eagerness to take historical steps. A seasoned and accomplished leader. As Rabbi Schneier tells me: Bahrain is a real environment for religious freedom, pluralism and peaceful coexistence, and by that I mean that Bahrain is completely different from other countries that say it is an environment for pluralism and freedom of religions while this is nothing more than a mock slogans; While Bahrain is, in reality, it is the true model for that. And he gives an example, saying: I feel completely comfortable here in Bahrain when I wear my Jewish cap (kipah), while I do not feel it in Western countries, and this is evidence that the environment for religious freedoms here in Bahrain is real.
Through my conversation with Rabbi Marc Schneier, I found that the man greatly cherishes His Majesty the beloved King, and he is a strong defender of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and he does so on various levels internationally, and I cannot list everything he said to me about his defense of Bahrain and his repulsion of the various situations that were lying in wait for her.
Having a close friend to the Kingdom of Bahrain, such as Rabbi Marc Schneier, is a real gain for our country, and thanks to all of that, the leadership of His beloved King, may God protect him.