Israel’s help in Syria opens up new opportunities for cooperation with its Arab neighbors

Photos: YouTube video frame

Israel now has more potential to do business with the Gulf countries than many previous years.

Last week I was in the Gulf — I met with political leaders and high-ranking officials — and saw a change in attitude toward Israel. Israel and its neighbors have common interests, including in the field of technology, as well as common enemies - in the face of ISIL and Iran. Recent news reports about the new Israeli aid mission in Syria have shown that there is tremendous potential for Israel’s cooperation with other countries in the region.

Over the past few years, Israel has gained the image of a buffer zone in the Middle East in the fight against Iran, which is beneficial to many in the region.

However, news reports that Israel provides humanitarian aid to the Syrian people have shown that Israel has the capacity and knowledge to play a different role. The country has the ability to positively influence the lives of thousands of people in this region.

If you think about who is obliged to provide humanitarian assistance to Syria, Israel does not occur to the very first. Historical disagreements are well known to everyone, and they continue to this day. But suddenly we see reports that Israel does not just support the humanitarian program - it assumes the role of leader. In one article, journalists quoted Syrian children with the words: “We are taught that Israel is the country that hates us the most. We came and saw with our own eyes what they give us here. ”

It does not surprise me that the Syrians are taught to hate the Israelis. Nor is it surprising that Israel has rolled up its sleeves and provides practical support. Unfortunately, in the press they talk a little about such projects.

This has been going on for almost a year, and news reports have begun to appear only in the last few weeks. Israel has a long history of humanitarian work, in which there is help and field hospitals after the hurricanes in Haiti, and medical assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, participation in a project as geographically close is something more than a gesture or transfer of experience. As reported by Reuters news agency, Israeli “commanders say they could not stand aside when atrocities such as public cutting off of heads by ISIL fighters occurred in Syrian cities just five kilometers away.”

Israel felt a moral obligation to help.

Despite the fact that some media have responded with cynical statements that all this is just for the sake of creating a “pillow” between Israel and a potential enemy, the amount of work suggests that something more is happening. It is important to understand how much effort is required to help 200 000 Syrians. The scale of the project is in favor of its sincerity: one article says that 360 tons of food, 456 000 liters of fuel, 100 tons of clothes and thousands of packages of infant formula and diapers are only part of the aid provided by Israel.

For a long time, it was customary to portray the Israeli army as Mordo-turn without emotion, who use their strength against unarmed and often defenseless enemies in Gaza, or as a barrier from the growing threat from Iran. The truth is very different from this fiction.

The international community must recognize the unnoticed humanitarian role and participation in overcoming the consequences of the disasters that Israel performs throughout the world.

Israel is forced to defend its borders, and this leads to military invasions. But I have long believed that Israel shows itself from the best side when it interacts peacefully with other countries. We have already seen great achievements in world trade and others. Now there is an opportunity to expand this area and include in it the provision of assistance to other countries in the region. This does not necessarily make resources - you can train staff or share experiences. Israel has the potential to have a social and humanitarian impact far beyond its own borders.

From a trip to the countries of the Persian Gulf, I realized that there was hope. It seems that current sentiments indicate that these countries can do more than just work together in business if conditions are created. I hope that in the long run, Israel can even become a force of peace in the whole region.

Jack Rosen, Head of the American Jewish Congress

Read also on ForumDaily:

Blind guy was recruited into the army of Israel. VIDEO

A wolf in sheep's clothing: the story of a Palestinian activist deprived of US citizenship

How can Israel spoil relations with American Jews

Anti-boycott bill Israel gathers support for US lawmakers

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.