They grew up with extremism — now they’re bringing a rare conversation to St. Louis

Avi Holzman, Contributing Writer

Published November 19, 2025

Top Row: Fatema Al-Harbi of Bahrain, Alyssa Annis of Israel. Bottom Row: Dalia Ziada of Egypt and Youssef Elazhari of Morocco. All will make up a panel speaking at WashU Hillel and B’nai Amoona.

It has never been more important for people to just get in a room and talk, which is why an Israeli, Moroccan, Bahraini and Egyptian are speaking at 7 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Amoona on Dec. 1 and at 7 p.m. at Washington University Hillel on Dec. 3.

The four speakers are from Sharaka — which translates to partnership in Arabic — a group that combats extremism and advances people-to-people diplomacy. Both events are open to the public and will include time for audience questions and a reception.

The discussion will center on the Abraham Accords, agreements reached during the first administration of President Donald Trump in 2020 that normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Panelists will share stories about growing up in countries where extremism was present and how they became advocates for a peaceful future in the Middle East.

WashU Hillel CEO Jackie Levey is excited to expose students to Sharaka’s “groundbreaking” work. She views the Abraham Accords as a model for future conversation between Jews and Arabs worldwide and hopes the idea of coexistence will resonate with students.

“I want participants to feel like it was a thought-provoking conversation,” she said. “I want people to leave inspired and optimistic about the future of Arab-Israeli relations.”

Jeffrey Abraham, senior rabbi at B’nai Amoona, said the event will be an “important dialogue” for his own congregation and the larger St. Louis Jewish community.

“It’s important to have conversations about finding peace and normalization between Israel and all of its Arab neighbors,” he said.

WashU junior Jonah Porth, who facilitated Sharaka’s decision to visit St. Louis, hopes that at least 100 of the university’s undergraduates will come to the event.

“I think college campuses are the perfect place for this event that is all about willingness to talk with someone who has a very different opinion than you do,” Porth said.

While a siloed ideological environment on campus became more pronounced following Oct. 7 protests, Porth believes those tensions existed before the attack.

“There is discomfort around engaging in conversation with those who you disagree with,” he said. “I don’t think that’s just a byproduct of the war.”

Porth said the Abraham Accords are a “win” for every country involved. Like Levey, he hopes the Sharaka event will “encourage continued dialogue and connection” and spark discussion.

“People pigeonhole themselves with friends who they are prone to agree with,” he said. “We want people to feel uncomfortable and challenge their own opinions.”

If you are interested in attending the event at WashU visit www.washuhillel.org/Sharaka/. Registration is not required for the event at Congregation B’nai Amoona.

The WashU event is hosted by WashU Hillel, WashU Israel Public Affairs Committee (WIPAC) and co-sponsored by Student Union (WashU’s student government), the Saul Brodsky Educational Resource Fund, St. Louis Friends of Israel and the Israel on Campus Coalition. The event at Congregation B’nai Amoona is co-sponsored by Jewish Student Union (JSU) and BBYO.