Abraham Accords Caucus Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Promote Peace and Tolerance in Education
WASHINGTON – The Co-Chairs of the Abraham Accords Caucus, Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL), Ann Wagner (R-MO), David Trone (D-MD), and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), have introduced a bipartisan resolution encouraging the U.S. Department of State and civil society organizations to further the goals of the Abraham Accords by promoting peace and tolerance through education across the Middle East. The resolution emphasizes ongoing reforms to national curricula to reduce antisemitic content, combat hate speech, and foster mutual respect and understanding, particularly in countries such as Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.
“The Abraham Accords have shown us the power of diplomacy and cooperation in the Middle East,” said Rep. Brad Schneider. “This resolution underscores the importance of educating future generations with the values of peace, tolerance, and coexistence. We have a responsibility to promote these principles and help ensure a stable and prosperous future for the region.”
The resolution also calls for the U.S. to work with international organizations, such as the United Nations, to eliminate antisemitism and hate speech from educational materials, while encouraging reforms that promote inclusivity and respect.
“As our partners in the Middle East educate the next generation of leaders, it is clear that peace and stability in the region depend on an end to antisemitism and hate speech—period,” said Rep. Ann Wagner. “This resolution advances that important mission and makes it clear antisemitism has no place in educational and other organizations throughout the Middle East. By rejecting bigotry and adopting educational curricula that affirm the importance of mutual respect, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, we will deprive the Iranian regime and its proxies of the hatred that fuels their violent agendas.”
“The education system influences the ideals of the next generation’s global citizens and leaders,” said Rep. David Trone. “Teaching unity over division will have similarly beneficial outcomes as the Abraham Accords: a more peaceful, stable, and strong Middle East.”
“Education is a cornerstone of the foundation we are building to achieve long-lasting peace and prosperity in the Middle East,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. “Together, we must help the next generation open their hearts and minds to see each other with dignity and respect. Our bipartisan resolution is about embracing this change and rooting out the hatred that is standing in the way of a brighter future for us all.”
This resolution represents a key effort by the Abraham Accords Caucus to strengthen and expand the gains made through the historic agreements, ensuring the next generation is equipped to build on the progress made toward peace and stability in the region.
Full text of the resolution can be found here.
The Abraham Accords Caucus aims to strengthen the Abraham Accords by encouraging and partnerships among the existing Abraham Accords countries and expanding the agreement to include countries that do not currently have diplomatic relations with Israel. The Caucus has successfully pushed for passage of the Israel Relations Normalization Act, DEFEND Act, and MARITIME Act as well as multiple NDAA provisions addressing diplomatic, military and intelligence cooperation. Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) co-chair the companion caucus in the Senate.
The Abraham Accords, which were signed on September 15, 2020, resulted in peace and normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states—the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco—transforming the region, enhancing Israel’s security, creating economic opportunities for Arab states and advancing vital U.S. national security interests. The Accords built on the success of previous peace normalization agreements between Israel, Egypt and Jordan.
The Caucus is supported by the Atlantic Council, the Abraham Accords Peace Institute, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, Hadassah—The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, the U.S.-Israel Education Association, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Israel Policy Forum, CUFI Action, the Jewish Federations of North America and B’nai B’rith International.
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Press Contacts:
Cait McNamee, caitlyn.mcnamee@mail.house.gov (Schneider)
Arthur Bryant, arthur.bryant@mail.house.gov (Wagner)
Sasha Galbreath, sasha.galbreath@mail.house.gov (Trone)
Kyle VonEnde, kyle.vonende@mail.house.gov (McMorris Rodgers)
