Five Towns Chabad rabbi at historic White House signing

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Rabbi Zalman Wolowik, director of the Chabad of the Five Towns, was one of many who attended the historic Abraham Accords signing ceremony at the White House in the Rose Garden on Sept. 15 normalizing relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Senior delegations from both countries were also in attendance, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Emirati Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the brother of the United Arab Emirates crown prince.

The agreement was reached on Aug. 13, after what officials said were 18 months of negotiations. Israel agreed to continue with plans to suspend its annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank and the United Arab Emirates agreed to have normal relations with the Jewish state.

Along with this the United States and United Arab Emirates signed an agreement earlier this month that provides enhanced protections to Emirati and American consular staff in both countries. State Department officials said that the deal strengthens “the ability of consular staff to protect the interests of citizens and advance national interests.” The UAE is considered a vital strategic partner to help maintain stability in the Gulf, safeguarding American interests in the Middle East and ensuring the flow of commerce across the Gulf region.