(Washington, D.C., Sept. 15, 2020)–B’nai B’rith hails the historic peace agreements signed at the White House today between Israel and the UAE and Israel and Bahrain normalizing relations between the three countries.

The Israel-UAE agreement was announced last month. It will now join the peace agreements between Israel and Egypt and Israel and Jordan as stabilizing influences in the region. The bilateral Israel-UAE agreement and the bilateral Israel-Bahrain agreement send a strong message that peace is achievable and, to those who seek to promote chaos, their efforts will fail.

The pact encompasses three documents: one signed by Israel and Bahrain, one signed by Israel and the UAE, and one known formally as the Abraham Accords, which was signed by all three nations.

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump all participated in the signing of the Accords.

B’nai B’rith President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin were present on the South Lawn for the historic signing.

“What we witnessed was something beyond anyone’s imagination just a few years ago,” Kaufman said. “The historic signing of the Abraham Accords and treaties was less about hope and promise and more about reality and what is happening in real time. It is more about creating real opportunities, advancements, innovations, not some platform for mere dreams and aspirations. Finally, promises and failures of the past gave way to a far better option — trusting, respecting parties developing a specific plan for prosperity, security and peace. Today was an unforgettable day of accomplishment.”

“Today marked a tremendous turning point in the history of Israel and the Jewish people, and in the Middle East,” Mariaschin said. “The signing of the Abraham Accords, and the agreements between Israel and the UAE, and Israel and Bahrain demonstrate that peace can be achieved when there is the good will to achieve it. We congratulate President Trump for hosting this historic signing, and the leaders of Israel, the UAE and Bahrain for taking these important steps together.”

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.