A unique Purim will take place in the Gulf. Coming in the wake of the unprecedented foundation of the Association of Gulf Jewish Communities, a virtual Purim will take place. It will happen on February 25 at 7:30pm in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and 8:30pm in neighboring Oman and the UAE. This is due to the time zone difference.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence. The King Hamad Center has played a key role since the beginning of the Abraham Accords. It sent a delegation to Israel and met Israel’s President and academic officials. It has pushed positive messaging on Jewish holidays. Historically Bahrain has championed coexistence and peace. It was the second country to join the Abraham Accords after the UAE in 2020.
The important event will feature a Megillah reading with Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie and a calligraphy presentation with artist Thoufeek Zakriya. This is a foundational event, unique in history. The AGJC was announced in February 2021 and is already getting support. Purim across the world is coming amid the Covid pandemic and many places may witness a more reduced amount of celebration this year. The virtual event enables Jews across the world and the Gulf to experience this Purim. Ambassador Houda Nonoo of Bahrain, who is part of the AGJC, has been encouraging people around the world to register for the event.