B’nai B’rith International CEO Dan Mariaschin and Director of U.N. and Intercommunal Affairs David Michaels sent a letter to the editor of the Wall Street Journal regarding Oman opening its airspace to all commercial airlines, including Israeli carriers.

Regarding the Feb. 23 article “Oman Opens Airspace to Israeli Planes,” we commend Oman for joining Saudi Arabia in opening its airspace to all commercial airlines, including Israeli carriers.

As American Jewish communal representatives who have just returned from a working visit to Oman, we believe strongly that there should be no place for discrimination in the 21st century.

Engagement, mutual recognition and cooperation stand to accomplish far more than focusing solely on political differences.

The core challenge in the region today is not an irreconcilable Arab-Israeli divide but that progress for all can be hindered by violent extremists.

Positive steps to accentuate shared interests can help counter those preferring the perpetuation of conflict.