The religious promise of Saudi-Israel normalization

Diplomatic normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel is often scrutinized through a geopolitical lens, overshadowing its profound interreligious implications for Muslims and Jews worldwide.

Many analysts view Saudi-Israeli normalization through the prisms of Israeli-Palestinian relations, Israeli-Gulf dynamics and broader Arab-Israeli interactions. Yet the quiet but monumental aspect of this development lies in its deep impact on religious communities beyond the Middle East.

This historic shift holds the potential to redefine Muslim-Jewish relations, transcending political boundaries to foster understanding and cooperation across continents at a time when it is badly needed.

Saudi Arabia, as the custodian of the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina, holds immense religious significance for Muslims globally. The Kingdom’s embrace of diplomatic ties with Israel would send a resounding message to 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. It signifies a potential shift towards greater acceptance and cooperation with Jewish communities.

Similarly, for Jews worldwide, numbering around 16 million, this normalization offers a beacon of hope amidst longstanding tensions. It would signify not just a diplomatic achievement but a symbolic bridge towards reconciliation and mutual respect.

In North America, Europe and Asia, where diverse Muslim and Jewish communities coexist, this shift holds profound implications. Recent years have seen unfortunate spikes in tensions and misunderstandings between these communities, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East. In countries like France and Germany, there have been incidents of antisemitic attacks and harassment against Jewish individuals and institutions. Similarly, there have been instances of Islamophobic attacks targeting Muslim communities, creating a cycle of mistrust and tension.

There has been a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents recently in the United States. These include vandalism at Jewish cemeteries and synagogues, as well as threats directed at Jewish community centers. Additionally, Jewish students at several university campuses across the country have reported verbal harassment with antisemitic slurs, while Orthodox Jewish individuals have been physically assaulted.

Social media platforms have also become arenas for spreading hate speech and conspiracy theories targeting both Jews and Muslims. Online forums and groups amplify tensions and contribute to polarization between communities.

Having advocated in the past for Israel to strengthen its relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, I see this as a pivotal moment for forging beneficial new diplomatic ties between both sides. As a pioneer in Muslim-Jewish relations over the past two decades, I can affirm that this endeavor is now more crucial than ever before.

The normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel could serve as a catalyst for dialogue and understanding on a global scale. In New York, London, Paris and beyond, where interreligious dialogue is greatly needed, the Saudi-Israeli rapprochement could bolster efforts to build bridges of understanding and promote a new narrative of hope and cooperation. It would challenge divisive rhetoric and offer a path toward mutual respect and shared prosperity.

As we navigate complex geopolitical realities, let us not overlook the profound interreligious promise of Saudi-Israeli normalization. It is not just about politics; it is about healing wounds and building bridges that span continents and centuries of history.

In the past decade, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a growing willingness to emerge as a global leader in interreligious dialogues, particularly concerning peace initiatives in the Middle East. In recent years, Saudi leadership has actively engaged in efforts to promote dialogue and understanding between Muslim and Jews. This commitment is reflected in initiatives aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and cooperation across religious divides, contributing to regional stability and broader international relations. Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance in interreligious dialogues underscores its role in seeking peaceful solutions to long-standing conflicts in the Middle East, marking a pivotal shift towards tolerance and mutual respect on a global scale.

The ultimate prize of this normalization is not only regional peace but also a transformative shift in Muslim-Jewish relations worldwide. Let us embrace this opportunity to pave the way for a future where Muslims and Jews can coexist harmoniously, drawing strength from their common values, shared humanity and shared aspirations for peace.

Rabbi Marc Schneier is the author of “Sons of Abraham: A Candid Conversation about the Issues That Divide and Unite Jews and Muslims,” and president of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.