JTA – A newly formed Jewish group in the Gulf of Persia is getting 650 pounds of matzah into the area ahead of Easter.
Travelers are the latest step in the growth of Jewish communities in the region following Israel’s integration agreements with two countries. Israel signed the agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain last year, focusing on diplomatic ties with the two countries.
The matzos are also exported to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait.
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The umbrella group that coordinates the travelers, the Gulf Association of Jewish Communities, was established in February to make Jewish life and ritual holding in the six countries possible. The Jewish numbers of the nations range from a small hand to hundreds.
Along with conditions of normalization, Jewish culture and religious life in some countries are growing. The UAE, which has seen many Israeli tourists, now offers kosher food.
The Jewish association also provides Passover facilities to American troops in the area.
“It is very exciting to see such demand for Easter programs in the Gulf this year,” said Rabbi Elie Abadie, a Jewish leader in the UAE.