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This is an abbreviated version of Jan Jekielek’s interview with Rabbi Abraham Cooper that was released on The Epoch Times on Aug-18-2025.
Watch the full version of this episode here: https://ept.ms/45nVinH
A few weeks ago, Rabbi Abraham Cooper, a prominent advocate for religious freedom and human rights, was invited to the Presidential Palace in Damascus, Syria, alongside fellow religious freedom advocate Johnnie Moore.
They had an intimate meeting with the new president of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
In this episode, the rabbi shares what he learned about al-Sharaa and whether he believes a peace between Syria and Israel is possible in the near future.
“There’s a term in Hebrew: It’s called Kabdehu ve Hashdehu, [which] means show respect and verify," he says. "So, this is not a ‘kumbaya’ moment. This is a moment where there’s great leverage."
Cooper previously chaired the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom and also serves as associate dean and director of global social action for the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.