I am sure that the normalization agreement between Israel and the UAE will contribute positively to the prosperity of both nations. After living in both Israel and the UAE, I see some similarities between the countries: focus on development of technology and similar environmental challenges, to name a few. I think that NYU, where I study, may play a special role in this relationship with campuses in both Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi. Similarly, EMIS was a special place where Israelis, Palestinians, and other Arabs could connect. I believe that learning from this experience could help me in supporting the normalization of relations between Israelis and Emiratis. In the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I hope that provisions of the deal will be meaningful for achieving just and equitable peace.

Benjamin Strezelecki, EMIS Class of 2018 Graduate, Currently Student at NYU Abu Dhabi