Building bridges between Israel and Somaliland through diplomacy, business, science, education, and shared Abrahamic heritage.
The Abrahamic Movement and the Israel–Somaliland Friendship Association were honored to host a distinguished delegation from Somaliland in Israel. The delegation included Mr. Ahmed Dirie, Chairman of the Somaliland Friendship Association in Somaliland; Ms. Diana Dirie, Advisor; Ugas Abdi Roble, a traditional leader in Somaliland and Chairman of The Abrahamic Movement’s Berbera District Branch; Mr. Daoud Hassan Omar, Acting Director of Sun Agro in Somaliland; and Mr. Mohamed Rodal, an expert in the energy industry.
The visit brought together diplomatic representatives, community leaders, scientists, business professionals, and civil society activists to explore opportunities for strengthening relations between Israel and Somaliland. Following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence on December 26, 2025, the delegation sought to build on this development by identifying practical opportunities for cooperation in diplomacy, education, science, business, and community development.
Interfaith Encounters and Shared Abrahamic Heritage
One of the highlights of the visit was a gathering at Orot Shaul Yeshiva in Tel Aviv, led by Rabbi Tamir Granot. The Somaliland delegation was joined by a group of Iranian exiles affiliated with The Abrahamic Movement who were also visiting Israel.
The yeshiva’s students and rabbis warmly welcomed the visitors and invited them to experience Jewish prayer and the sounding of the shofar during Rosh Hashanah. The encounter offered a rare opportunity for people from different countries, religious traditions, and cultural backgrounds to meet and connect in a meaningful spiritual setting.
The Somaliland delegation also met with Tom Wegner, Founder of The Abrahamic Movement and the Israel–Somaliland Friendship Association, alongside the Iranian exile delegation. Despite their different backgrounds and geographical origins, the participants shared experiences and discussed the challenges facing their respective communities. They exchanged encouragement and explored ways to help their peoples work toward a better future.
The delegation also toured Jerusalem’s Old City, visiting sacred sites of profound significance to the three Abrahamic faiths, including the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, and the Dome of the Rock. The participants offered their prayers at these holy sites.The experience highlighted Jerusalem’s unique place in the shared spiritual and historical heritage of Jews, Muslims, and Christians.
These encounters reflected The Abrahamic Movement’s commitment to building relationships across national and religious boundaries and transforming shared values into meaningful cooperation.
Advancing Diplomatic and International Relations
The delegation held meetings with Israeli diplomatic figures and representatives of international institutions to discuss ways to strengthen ties between Israel and Somaliland and expand Somaliland’s international engagement.
A meeting with Ambassador Yitzhak Eldan, former Israeli ambassador to Denmark, the Council of Europe, and UNESCO, and President of the Ambassadors’ Club, focused on the importance of advancing interfaith understanding and cooperation in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.
The delegation also visited the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Israel, where discussions addressed Somaliland’s international relations, its diplomatic standing in Europe, and potential trade opportunities. The visit was organized and facilitated under the leadership of Rabbi Yitzhak Seifert.
The delegation also met with Rabbi Aharon Ariel Lavi, Director of the Jerusalem Intercultural Center (JIC), to discuss interfaith engagement and the potential for further connections between communities.
Exploring Business and Investment Opportunities
Economic cooperation was a central theme throughout the delegation’s visit. Meetings with Israeli business professionals explored opportunities to attract investment and develop joint initiatives involving individuals and companies from both Israel and Somaliland.
The delegation met with Mr. Tomer Cohen to discuss investment opportunities and with Shoham Gisser, who leads the business division at ISFA, to explore potential partnerships between the two societies.
These discussions covered agriculture, infrastructure, water, mining, energy, aviation, and technology. The delegation also met with Dean Muriel, Social Media Director of the Israel–Somaliland Friendship Association, and journalists from The Jerusalem Post. During these conversations, the delegates expressed their strong support for Israel on behalf of Somaliland’s citizens and emphasized their belief in the considerable potential for future cooperation between the two societies.
The delegation was accompanied by researcher Guy Karbis, a civil engineer studying the economic potential and business opportunities between Israel and Somaliland across a range of sectors.
Scientific Exchange and Educational Partnerships
During a visit to the Weizmann Institute of Science, the delegation met Israeli scientists and learned about the Institute’s research and scientific initiatives. Discussions explored opportunities to develop academic connections, including the possibility of sending students to Somaliland and establishing further educational and scientific ties.
The visit highlighted the potential for scientific exchange and educational partnerships to contribute to long-term cooperation and knowledge-sharing between the two societies.
Supporting Community Development in Berbera
The delegation also participated in a roundtable meeting with representatives of Topaz International for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation, an Israeli organization dedicated to social development and the advancement of civic infrastructure in communities around the world.
Facilitated by Ms. Michal Fox, the discussion focused on developing a practical, actionable plan for integrated community development in Berbera, Somaliland. Topaz International expressed interest in expanding its activities to Somaliland and exploring initiatives that could support sustainable local development.
The meeting represented an important step toward translating the growing relationship between Israel and Somaliland into practical projects with a direct impact on local communities.
Remembering the Holocaust and Expressing Solidarity
A particularly meaningful part of the visit was the delegation’s tour of Yad Vashem, Israel’s World Holocaust Remembrance Center, led by Rabbi Yoel Oz, President of The Abrahamic Movement and the son of a Holocaust survivor.
Even before arriving in Israel, the delegates had emphasized that visiting Yad Vashem was a priority. They wanted to learn more about the Holocaust and express their solidarity with the Jewish people, acknowledging the immense suffering and loss they had endured.
The delegation members represent the Isaaq clan of Somaliland, whose people experienced systematic mass killings and persecution perpetrated by the Somali state between 1987 and 1989. Their own historical experience informed their desire to learn about the Holocaust and express solidarity with the Jewish people. They also drew inspiration from the Jewish people’s resilience and revival.
The visit underscored the importance of remembrance, historical understanding, and solidarity between peoples who have experienced persecution and sought to rebuild their communities.
Friendship Across Communities
The visit included a festive gathering in Bat Hefer, bringing together members of The Abrahamic Movement from Jewish and Arab-Muslim communities in Israel to welcome the Somaliland delegation and celebrate friendship across cultural and religious boundaries.
Special thanks to Eran Anav for generously hosting the gathering in his home and welcoming the participants with exceptional warmth and hospitality.
The delegation also met with Israeli YouTuber and public diplomacy advocate Tal Oren, creating another opportunity to exchange perspectives and explore ways to communicate the importance of Israel–Somaliland relations to wider audiences.
Turning Relationships into Lasting Cooperation
The Somaliland delegation’s visit brought together people from diverse backgrounds around a shared vision of stronger relationships, mutual respect, and practical cooperation. From diplomacy and business to science, education, community development, and interfaith engagement, the meetings explored opportunities for meaningful partnerships.
For The Abrahamic Movement, the visit reflects its broader mission of building relationships across the Abrahamic world and advancing the spirit of the Abraham Accords through direct engagement, cooperation, and people-to-people connections.
By bringing together community leaders, professionals, and representatives from different societies, The Abrahamic Movement seeks to help build the human infrastructure necessary for better future.
