16 | JULY 13 • 2023
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Rabbi Yossi Witkes, director
of travel programs for Chabad
on Campus International,
informed us that we received
an invitation from His
Excellency Dr. Ali al-Nuaimi,
a member of the Ajman ruling
royal family, for dinner at his
home and to hear insight into
the growing relations with
Israel.
H.E. Dr. Ali al-Nuaimi is the
leading expert in the UAE for
countering violent extremism
while pushing for education
reform. The most exciting
policy change in education
reform that happened under
his leadership was mandating
Holocaust education to be
taught in every school in the
UAE. I was extremely excited
about what he had to say. He
spoke about the UAE’s long-
term plan to foster a thriving
Jewish community, increase
commerce with Israel and
build avenues for university
students between Israel and
the UAE to work together to
tackle the problems in the
region. His passion for the
Jewish people was profound
and he legitimately cares for
their needs.
Let the positive example set
by H.E. Dr. Ali al-Nuaimi be
a transformative light that will
change a historic region of ten-
sion and conflict to one stead-
fast in unity and prosperity.
ALEX: WHY DUBAI?
In Judaism, we often look to
our past for valuable lessons
and teachings. When traveling,
we explore historical structures
and sites, finding inspiration to
understand our world today. In
May, I had this unique oppor-
tunity to travel on one of the
first-ever organized groups of
Jewish students to the United
Arab Emirates. But there was
a question in the back of my
mind … why Dubai?
Certainly, this destination is
top of people’s bucket lists with
its extravagant attractions and
luxurious lifestyle that capti-
vates travelers with an appreci-
ation for innovation. But why
send 149 Jewish students to
an Islamic country on an all-
expense-paid trip? I quickly
realized that we were making
history.
Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi.
OUR COMMUNITY
ON THE COVER