Visiting the UAE and reconnecting with our dear friend Omar Al Busaidy reminded us how much can change in a few years, and how much doesn’t need to. From the time he first joined us for Shabbos in Boca, his sincerity and his love for the Jewish people have been unmistakable, and seeing him here only deepened our appreciation for that bond.
Over these last few days, we’ve seen firsthand what Omar has been telling us all along: the UAE is a place where Jews are welcomed openly, treated with dignity, and encouraged to live proudly as ourselves. Listening to Omar speak about his continued efforts to build bridges between Muslims, Christians, and Jews affirmed for us how powerful real people-to-people relationships can be. This is the kind of friendship, rooted in respect, honesty, and shared hope, that truly shapes the future of the region.