16 | JULY 13 • 2023 

continued from page 14

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