In an unprecedented encounter, leaders of a group dubbed the “Syrian Government in Exile” (SGE) engaged in a remarkable dialogue session with the Israeli public, offering a vision of unprecedented cooperation and mutual understanding between Syria and Israel.

The online meeting was organized by Tom Wegner, founder of the Middle East Center, a platform fostering dialogue, collaboration, and understanding between diverse communities in the Middle East. 

Speakers included representatives from the SGE, as well as Israeli MK and member of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, Ohad Tal.

‘More Hebrews than the Hebrews’

At the heart of the discussion was Jamal Sabbagh, the head of the Syrian Government in Exile, who praised the IDF and the Free Syrian Army for their efforts to remove the Iranian influence in the region, which he dubbed “terrorist militias.” 

Sabbagh was unequivocal in his gratitude, specifically acknowledging Israeli leadership’s “wise policy” and efforts to bring about what he termed the “Abrahamic peace” in the region. The Syrian leader expressed a profound desire to move beyond historical animosities, emphasizing their vision of an EU-like system across the Middle East, where each region and community would have its own autonomy, and stressing that their forum aspires to represent all Syrian people, from Kurds to and moderate Sunni fighters who fought against ISIS.

Amal Sharkasi, the SGE’s foreign relations charge d’affaires, highlighted Syria’s historically diverse and tolerant society, recalling a time when religious coexistence was the norm. 

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