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Project Aladdin delegation received by Bahrain, UAE leaders
November 21, 2021
Project Aladdin is a cultural initiative with the aim of countering Holocaust denial while promoting dialogue
Project Aladdin, a cultural initiative under the patronage of UNESCO with the aim of countering Holocaust denial and promoting intercultural dialogue, sent a delegation to Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates from November 14 to 18.
The delegation was received by the leadership, ministers, heads of institutions and think tanks and civil society leaders working to promote intercultural relations and overcome hate and intolerance, according to a press release by Project Aladdin.
In Bahrain, the delegation was accompanied by the French ambassador, and was received at the Royal Palace by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain.
King Hamad shared with the delegation a number of initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, peace and rapprochement among cultures, especially through education and sports. He also gave his blessing for plans for partnerships between Project Aladdin and Bahraini institutions, such as the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence which the delegation visited, to achieve these objectives.
The delegation also visited Bahrain's leading think-tank, Derasat, to discuss the situation in the region following the Abraham Accords, and in which a "warm peace" in the region could promote intercultural peace and friendship.
Arriving in Abu Dhabi, the delegation was received by the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development.
In a meeting with the Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, the two sides agreed to develop joint projects focusing on museums, universities and sports clubs to promote intercultural ties.
Discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahayan, ranged from the impact of the Abraham Accords, to environmental threats, as well as the importance of waging a common fight to counter antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry and xenophobia, the press release stated.
Bin Zayed described how the UAE is using its influence to contribute to peace, stability and progress in the region, and expressed support for joint initiatives between the UAE and Project Aladdin.
Xavier Chatel, French Ambassador to the UAE, stated that the French government “supports Project Aladdin at the highest level, because this organization seeks to promote values that are important to France, namely respect for the Other, tolerance, peace and opposition to hate and extremism.”
Project Aladdin President Dr. Leah Pisar stated that the meetings had a profound effect on the delegation, and paved the way for a new level of partnership.
"Regardless of where we are from or what our religion or culture is, today we have a common enemy in the purveyors of ‘weaponized hate’ who use social media and other means to attack, demean and demonize the Other," she said.
“We must all join forces to overcome this major threat to our societies, and we are heartened to find willing and enthusiastic partners in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.