Expats And Nationals In UEA Condemn Trump Move On Jerusalem

Government officials, Emiratis and expats living and working in the UAE are all in agreement that Trump’s Jerusalem declaration is totally unwarranted and poses a strong risk of damaging the entire Arab region’s fragile stability.

Official notices of deep concern came from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (FNC) officials in addition to the minister himself, Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, who denounced the decision on social media. Those in power in the region are all agreed the move has sparked outrage across the Arab states and may be disastrous for any hope of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The minister went further, accusing Trump of using the declaration for personal political gain without caring about its long-term effects.

Expats living and working in the UAE are also condemning Trump’s move, seeing it in a similar vein as do Arab leaders as well as fearing they may be caught up in violent protests by Muslim groups. Many are saying Jerusalem isn’t just relevant to Jews and Muslims, as the city saw the birth of Christianity and has many holy Christian sites. Since Trump is – at least nominally – a follower of the faith, they fear reprisals at the many pilgrimage sites in the city.

Several FNC officials also picked up on the fact that Jerusalem is a holy city for three religions, not just two, saying that Trump’s decision is not just unfair to Palestinians, but also to all Muslims as well as those whose religious beliefs are bound up with the various holy sites embedded within the ancient city. In 1993, the Oslo Accord recognised the right of Israelis to exist in peace, but made no mention of the holy city as a capital of the Jewish State. Trump’s statement is definitive, suggesting to many Muslims that those supporting Judaism and Christianity have rights whilst the Palestinian population does not.

The Dubai FNC member is concerned about Palestinian human rights, saying much has been lost to date and suggesting this latest attack may be the last straw as regards peaceful co-existence. He called the decision unfair, unjust and extremely disappointing to Muslims across the world, including the Gulf States. The Abu Dhabi member agreed, denouncing the move and mentioning the social media reactions from Emiratis and expats as being significant. Finally, he urged the US government to revise the decision in a diplomatic and fair manner. Another Dubai FNC member simply said the outrageous decision goes against history.