The Syrian-Israeli meetings are accelerating towards potentially establishing relationships and agreements, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing his desire for peace with Damascus. This acceleration comes as a result of a visit by a rabbi and a pro-Israeli priest to Damascus, reflecting the new era in Syria. Netanyahu has expressed his interest in starting negotiations with the new Syrian government through American mediation, aiming to create a new security agreement that could pave the way for a comprehensive peace agreement.
During the visit, the rabbi and priest, Abraham Cooper and Johnnie Moore, met with the transitional President Ahmed Sharaa at the Presidential Palace in Damascus. While they emphasized that their visit was not intended to discuss potential relations with Israel, they did mention that the subject was raised, with Moore stating that “peace is very possible.” They also discussed regional peace opportunities and the lifting of American sanctions.
Cooper mentioned that they freely roamed the streets of Damascus while wearing Jewish kippahs without encountering any problems. This visit is part of a series of notable movements that began in February 2025 when the last Syrian Jewish community rabbi, Yosef Hamra, returned to Damascus with his son Henry Hamra. However, the visit stirred media controversy after it was revealed that Rabbi Asher Lopatin, known for his pro-settlement positions in the Golan Heights, was part of the delegation.