{"id":1336,"date":"2025-03-18T12:55:35","date_gmt":"2025-03-18T12:55:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theisrael.org\/?page_id=1336"},"modified":"2026-01-01T22:11:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-01T22:11:35","slug":"the-abraham-bridge-initiative","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/theisrael.org\/he\/the-abraham-bridge-initiative\/","title":{"rendered":"The Abraham Bridge Initiative (TABI)"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Abraham Bridge Initiative (TABI)<\/strong> in cooperation with Reichman University and the Raphael Recanati International School, is a one-year pioneering project led by students and young adults dedicated to fostering diplomatic engagement, cultural exchange, and regional collaboration among Abraham Accords nations through three different “bridging” strategies led by four different young leaders. By bringing together students, policymakers, and thought leaders, TABI creates and<\/em> innovates opportunities for meaningful dialogue, policy innovation, and cross-cultural understanding making the Abraham Bridge Initiative not only a social diplomacy initiative based on previous agreements, but also an active peace laboratory that actively develops new bridges towards new horizons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through strategic diplomacy, media outreach, and cultural initiatives, TABI empowers a new generation of leaders to shape the future of regional cooperation through dreaming big just like Shimon Peres. Participants engaged in high-level discussions, student-led research, and artistic collaborations<\/strong>, all designed to build enduring connections and shared narratives.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a mission of bridging divides and strengthening ties through education, diplomacy, and culture<\/strong>, TABI is a dynamic force in shaping a more connected, informed, and cooperative Middle East by building bridges over wide social cleavages and innovating new ways to promote Israel diplomatically across the MENA region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>
\n

“When you light a candle for others, it will also brighten your own path.”<\/strong>
\u2014 Midrash<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

\"\"<\/h3><\/div>

As a political science educator, I view the Abraham Bridge Initiative as a compelling
example of how diplomacy can extend beyond
traditional state actors to embrace youth leadership.
Its vision of fostering lasting regional ties through education, dialogue, and shared experiences
marks a significant step toward sustainable peacebuilding\u2014led by today\u2019s students,
who are tomorrow\u2019s leaders.

Dr. Niva Golan-Nadir
Reichman University<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\"\"<\/h3><\/div>

Participating in The Abraham Bridge Initiative is a transformative experience,
offering a powerful model of dialogue, empathy, and openness at a time when division often dominates.
Through thoughtful programming and meaningful encounters,
the initiative brings together people of
diverse backgrounds\u2014Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and others\u2014to engage in honest yet respectful conversations.
What makes it unique is its embrace of complexity and its emphasis
on lived experiences, which break down stereotypes and foster genuine connection.
By confronting difficult histories while imagining a shared future,
it builds the very bridges our world so urgently needs.
I am deeply inspired by Noam and his Team’s work and am
compelled to continue this work in my own community.


Dr Mohamed Chtatou<\/strong>
University Professor<\/strong> | University of Rabat
International education consultant & political analyst for the MENA region<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\"\"<\/h3><\/div>

The Abraham Bridge Initiative is a powerful example of youth leadership
shaping a more hopeful Middle East. Led by inspiring students,
this grassroots effort builds meaningful connections
between young people in Abraham Accords nations
while helping lay the groundwork for new regional partnerships.
It reflects a fresh and dynamic approach to diplomacy\u2014one rooted
in person-to-person engagement, cultural exchange, and shared vision.
Special praise is due to its founder, Noam Rotstain, whose vision,
energy, and commitment have made this bold initiative a reality.

Avi Mayer, founder of Jerusalem Journal and<\/em><\/strong>
former Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post<\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\"\"<\/h3><\/div>


\u201cThe Work (TABI) is doing is precisely what the Middle East needs today\u2014its far more
than only symbolisim, its the future, its the act of laying
the foundations for a region not defined by fear and conflict
but rather by respect and cooperation.
(\u2026)(TABI) is helping expand The Abraham Accords.
I want to thank you and congratulate you\u2014the young bridge builders of TABI.\u201d


His Excellency, the President of the State of Israel Yitzhak Herzog<\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
January 16, 2025<\/div>

Shimon Peres Award & Project Declaration<\/h3>

\"\"
Noam was awarded the Shimon Peres Award at a respectful award ceremony at Reichman University’s Raphael Recanati International school, where his project proposal “The Abraham Bridge Initiative” was accepted and applauded for being a “revolutionary approach to peace-making and leadership growth by young leaders for young leaders in shaping the future of our middle east”<\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
January 16, 2025<\/div><\/article>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
March 6, 2025<\/div>

Leader Recruitment
\"\"<\/h3>

Noam created an organized leadership recruitment process where he determined the enlistment of four charsmatic young leaders to take on managing positions for the Three Bridges: Public Diplomacy & Media (PDM) led by Natalia Starinsky and Yair Oded, Diplomacy & Policy (DP) led by Meir Cohen, and Culture & Exchange (CE) led by Noam Fruchter. These three bridges paved the way to three peace-making strategies to promise more versatility, open-mindedness, and success. <\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
March 6, 2025<\/div><\/article>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
March 13, 2025<\/div>

Committee Building<\/h3>

Noam and the leadership heads embarked on committee-building campaigns by establishing a collaborating crew. The creation of the committees was vital to accommodate each other and their leaders in achieving projects, goals and ambitions in their given deadlines. This ensured team collaboration, due-process and was a vital part in leadership building <\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
March 13, 2025<\/div><\/article>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
March 17, 2025<\/div>

Student Recruitment <\/h3>

The committee embarked on student recruitment campaigns and managed to recruit dozens of participating students who participated in different opportunities such as embassy visits, media opportunities, article writing or co-writing and different negotiation events. These students are the masses the program is based on. <\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
March 17, 2025<\/div><\/article>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
March 20, 2025<\/div>

Project and Article Creation<\/h3>

The brainstorming and execution of projects, along with the writing of articles, started pouring in<\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
March 20, 2025<\/div><\/article>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
April 2, 2025<\/div>

TABI’s First Introductory Assembly
\"\"<\/h3>

TABI’s First Introductory Assembly gave all TABI members the opportunity to get acquainted with one another and with the many upcoming projects, opportunities and initiatives coming up. Laughter, conversations and networking happened amidst white wine, delicious food and desserts sponsored by Biscotti. <\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
April 2, 2025<\/div><\/article>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
April 25, 2025<\/div>

The Abrahamic Kitchen Project Was Released To The Public <\/h3>

\"\"
The Culture & Exchange team released TABI’s first project. A fresh new take on peace through something we all love and relate to\u2014food. This project, headed by Noam Fruchter and envisioned by Reuven Dersovitz, brings peace to life in the kitchen through challenging students to create Abraham Accord nation dishes and record their process for all to see. This project highlights the desire to bond and connect through culture-share and by inviting all into our tent of Abraham.\u00a0<\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
April 25, 2025<\/div><\/article>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
May 21, 2025<\/div>

TABI Leadership Meeting X<\/h3>


The 10th weekly leadership meeting The Abraham Bridge Initiative since March 6th. This meeting was framed by individual reports from each leader, prioritized leadership reflection, goal execution, general achievements, and future-oriented goals and ambitions to pursue. The leadership meetings are weekly TABI leader gatherings that give a professional space to collectively reflect on challenges, to update the management, and to help organize plans and thoughts alike for future ambitions. These meetings are a fundamental cornerstone of The Abraham Bridge Initiative\u2019s internal operational functioning.<\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
May 21, 2025<\/div><\/article>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
June 4, 2025<\/div>

Presidential Residence Tour<\/h3>

\"\"
As part of The Abraham Bridge Initiative\u2019s mission to foster leadership, dialogue, education, and shared understanding, our delegation had the honour of visiting Beit HaNassi, the official residence of the President of Israel. During this meaningful visit, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions about civic responsibility, the legacy of visionary leaders like Shimon Peres, and the vital role of intercommunal cooperation in shaping a more inclusive and peaceful society and the role we all play in that future. This experience underscored the importance of youth involvement in diplomacy and bridge-building across cultures and faiths.<\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
June 4, 2025<\/div><\/article>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
July 10, 2025<\/div>

TABI Voices of The Street (VOS) Takes Off
\"\"<\/h3>


Public Diplomacy & Media release their first project with a ground breaking idea. A revolutionary bridging strategy based on random street interviews broadcasted on social media with individuals from major regional and international cities to hear what they have to say about peace, faith and their neighbours. This project brings diplomacy to the eye-level through bringing strangers together via a virtual bridge made of honesty, hopes and peace.\u00a0<\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
July 10, 2025<\/div><\/article>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
July 24, 2025<\/div>

Painting Peace Together: The Art & Wine Event<\/h3>

\"\"
By the bank of the Yarkon River, the Culture & Exchange committee organized a calming, serene, and exclusive experience. Participants from across Israel and different ethnic communities gathered to paint what peace, coexistence and the future of the Middle East meant to them complimented with Biscotti sponsored desserts and Recanati wine. The sound of bird song and the wind in the eucalyptus trees above mingled with laughter, conversation, and deep contemplation as participants experienced diplomacy like never before\u2014through the creative lens of culture. This gave adults the moment to stop and think deeper\u2014through symbols, metaphors and feelings rather only through logic as to how they envision a more coexisting future for us all.\u00a0<\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
July 24, 2025<\/div><\/article>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
August 10, 2025<\/div>

Leadership & Responsibility Meeting with President Herzog
\"\"<\/h3>

TABI launched its most significant\u00a0\u201cLeadership and Responsibility\u201d<\/em> meeting with an extraordinary meeting at the Jerusalem residence of President Isaac Herzog, alongside his senior advisors. This gathering offered our young leaders a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the most influential figures in the Middle East and beyond, in the very home where Shimon Peres \u2014 the inspiration behind TABI \u2014 once shaped his vision.
The session achieved two key objectives: first, to illuminate the presidency\u2019s role in diplomacy, influence, and leadership; and second, to secure President Herzog\u2019s endorsement as the successor to President Peres\u2019s legacy. Both aims were accomplished, making this encounter an enlightening and deeply affirmative milestone for TABI.<\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
August 10, 2025<\/div><\/article>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
October 20, 2025<\/div>

The Abraham Bridge Podcast
\"\"<\/h3>

As part of TABI’s aim to educate, and insight audiences on peace and diplomacy, Meir Cohen, head of the Diplomacy & Policy committee officially released The Abraham Bridge Podcast. TAB Podcast brings the dialogue to the ears and eyes of all those with an open heart. Through hosting honourable guests and asking sharp and attentive questions, Meir and his committee manage to make the topic of peace, diplomacy and the Abraham Accords interesting and insightful to all. <\/p>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
October 20, 2025<\/div><\/article>\n
<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

~ The Three Bridges ~<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
<\/span>\"\"
\n

Public Diplomacy & Media<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/span>\"\"
\n

Diplomacy & Policy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/span>\"\"
\n

Culture & Exchange<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent Research\/Articles<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\tThe Abraham Bridge Podcast<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

The Abraham Bridge Podcast is based on the basic principle of peace via dialogue. This…\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05d5 \u05e2\u05d5\u05d3<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\tJarak Qaribak<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Tamir Greenwood | October 2025 Jarak Qaribak is a project that unites musicians from all…\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05d5 \u05e2\u05d5\u05d3<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\tLebanon at a Crossroads: Hezbollah, Sovereignty, and the Prospect of Peace with Israel<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Asher Smith | September 2025 Lebanon has long been defined by the fault lines of…\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05d5 \u05e2\u05d5\u05d3<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\tSyria, Israel, and the Narrowing Window for Normalization<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

By Asher Smith | July 2025 By Wednesday evening, at least 200 people had been…\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05d5 \u05e2\u05d5\u05d3<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\tTABI Voices of The Street (VOS)<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

In a world increasingly shaped by borders and polarizing headlines, TABI Voices of the Street…\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05d5 \u05e2\u05d5\u05d3<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\tFrom A Quite Alliance To A Loud War: Unpacking The First Direct Israel-Iran War<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Nacima Kerouad | June 29, 2025 After a short but intense round of fighting, Iran…\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05d5 \u05e2\u05d5\u05d3<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n


Moroccan Judaism: Ancient Traditions, Modern Resonance<\/a><\/h3><\/div>

Political analyst and professor of education science at the University of Rabat<\/em>\u2014
Dr. Mohamed Chtatou shines a light onto
Jewish Moroccan life and Jewish-Muslim relation in Morocco<\/p>

\u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05d5 \u05e2\u05d5\u05d3<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

The Abrahamic Kitchen\u2014 <\/a>
The Cross-Culture <\/a>Recipe Exchange<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/div>

Abraham Accord young adults will participate in a challenge to create local and cultural dishes
from different Abraham Accord nations in order to connect over
what we all love most\u2014food. Through indulging in each others cuisine cultures, peace could be fostered not through talks, but through new spices,
flavours and experiences.<\/p>

\u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05d5 \u05e2\u05d5\u05d3<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Advisor Suggested Academic Reading & Research<\/span><\/a><\/h3><\/div>

Enlighten yourself in TABI’s top advisor recommended reading and research material to fully immerse yourself in the world of diplomacy, peace, religion and policy <\/p>

\u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05d5 \u05e2\u05d5\u05d3<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Young Diplomats and the Future of the Abraham Accords<\/a><\/h3><\/div>

Young leaders are the future of regional and international politics,
read more about Yair Oded’s look at the importance of the upcoming political shifts
and how we could make a resonating impact
for a better regional future<\/p>

\u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05d5 \u05e2\u05d5\u05d3<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

The Universal Benefits of Peace: A Case Study of
Europe Before and
After World War II and
Implications for the Middle East<\/span><\/a><\/h3><\/div>

War is easy, peace takes effort. Read our latest research paper with
Europe as the case study and indluge
yourself on how the worlds most historically
conflicted continent overcame its greviences and
grudges and rose from its own ashes<\/p>

\u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05d5 \u05e2\u05d5\u05d3<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n