Solly Wolf, aged 75, president of the Jewish community in the UAE, has died. He significantly advanced interfaith relations and Jewish life in the region, especially following the 2020 Abraham Accords. Wolf was devoted to building cultural bridges and fostering mutual respect among diverse communities.
Solly Wolf, the president of the Jewish community in the UAE, has passed away at the age of 75 following a long illness. Wolf was instrumental in cultivating interfaith dialogue and cooperation in the Gulf region, particularly after the normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel in 2020. He dedicated his life to enhancing Jewish life and promoting cultural understanding within the region.
Relocating to the UAE in 2002, Wolf focused on building cross-cultural connections. A known advocate for inclusivity, he welcomed individuals from all backgrounds into his home and was trusted and respected by diverse communities. His mission was to foster a thriving Jewish presence amid the rich tapestry of Emirati society.
Wolf’s legacy is marked by the strong ties he established between the Jewish community and Emirati leaders. His efforts helped achieve recognition for Jewish cultural practices, including the provision of kosher wine for rituals, reflecting a significant step towards religious tolerance in the region. His work was especially relevant following the Abraham Accords, which bolstered Jewish visibility in the UAE.
In a 2020 interview, Wolf shared his journey to the UAE, stating, “I grew up in London, and the business world took me to various places.” He expressed gratitude for the security and acceptance experienced as a Jew in a Muslim-majority nation, emphasizing the supportive environment he found among neighbors and authorities.
Rabbi Levi Duchman, the chief rabbi of the UAE, paid tribute to Wolf, calling him “the beloved grandfather of our community.” He highlighted Wolf’s characteristics of wisdom, trustworthiness, and storytelling. Wolf’s contributions helped bridge cultural divides and strengthened the fabric of coexistence in the UAE.
Solly Wolf was a prominent figure in promoting interfaith relations in the United Arab Emirates, a country that has witnessed a growing Jewish community particularly since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020. His work centered on fostering friendships between diverse religious groups and enhancing the visibility of Jewish cultural practices in a predominantly Muslim nation. Wolf’s leadership played a crucial role in expanding Jewish life in the Gulf region, signaling a shift towards greater acceptance and cooperation among different faiths.
The death of Solly Wolf marks a significant loss for the Jewish community in the UAE and the wider interfaith landscape. His dedication to promoting coexistence and mutual respect left an indelible mark on the region’s cultural dynamics. Wolf’s legacy is one of friendship, understanding, and the celebration of diversity, paving the way for continued dialogue between different faiths and cultures in the UAE.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
