Comment: Jordanians stand out as model of tolerance for others

Hardworking Jordanians have added value to every Gulf society in the past few decades.

It is to their credit that many stood out and distinguished themselves in various professions, including health and hotel services - among other disciplines - largely to fill local manpower requirements.

Yet it is in Jordan itself that one fully appreciates the contribution that these pioneers made, when many returned to invest in their booming economy.

One quickly witnesses in Amman what Gulf earnings can and have accomplished, particularly in the real estate and business arenas.

Several new commercial venues - malls and high-rise office buildings - are under development alongside a number of public projects, including a major garden and a few royal museums, mostly funded by Gulf resources.

Public expenditure is growing as well, directly benefiting from government to government financial assistance.

In addition, Jordan is the recipient of aid from leading Non-Governmental Organisations, including support to Palestinian refugees. Jordanians and Palestinians alike are busy contributing to various development programmes, all under the "Jordan First" umbrella that underlines the country's evolving identity.

A bustling human traffic between Jordan and all Gulf states, and vice-versa is another indication of the close associations that have developed over the past few years. Still, what impressed me during this visit were the subtleties that one notices in very informal settings.

In Amman itself, one is struck by the incredibly high levels of tolerance Jordanians are known for. I broke Iftar with several religious figures, both Muslim and Christian, and was delighted to witness how composed both sides were.

When the Sheikh started his prayers, I was dumfounded to hear the Christian priest join in and complete each sentence, giving grace together.

Needless to say that I was immensely proud of this society and this people because of their love and tolerance of and towards of each other.

Curious to know whether I was witnessing a rare or chance occurrence, I asked the Sheikh to explain what just happened. My host laughed and added that Jordan enjoyed a reputation as a honey producer and exporter and, that in the land of honey, all bees followed the queen bee - in this case the desire to live in peace and harmony.

I shared this eyewitness report with several of my acquaintances in Amman who confirmed such occurrences during Ramadan throughout the country.

An academic friend rejoined that it was common for Jordanians throughout the world, including in the Gulf, to invite their Christian friends to brake Iftar, and for Muslim intimates to extend similar invitations during Christmas.

This may be common in some Gulf States like Oman or the UAE but I was not sure whether it extended to the more conservative countries. In this instance, at least, I was pleased to learn that it was.

Inasmuch as bilateral ties between several Arab countries and Gulf states are mostly based on economic ties, this was a happy departure from the norm, that raised several fresh questions.

We are constantly bombarded with false notions that maintain Arabs are intolerant, undemocratic, and disrespectful of each other. We are bombarded with advice as to how to accept each other and live in harmony. Are these true?

To be sure, there are extremists in our midst but there are also worker bees who flock to their queen. Jordanians and other Arab expatriates who toil in the Gulf do so to support themselves as well as their extended families.

Yet, inevitably, they display and share customs that leave an impact on their host countries. Likewise, expatriates acquire much more than financial gain, as real wealth is measured by socio-cultural dimensions. In the end, tolerance begets tolerance, and respect begets respect.

By engaging in dialogue, enhancing tolerance, and encouraging solid trade relations, Gulf residents and Jordanians alike create a model for others to emulate.

Surprises like my Iftar encounter strengthens my faith in Gulf societies and labour-exporting Arab countries to find common language, adapt to difficult circumstances, and transmit genuine wealth to future generations.

At a time when some Gulf states are witnessing a level of unprecedented internal violence, the Jordanian model for tolerance and respect for others stands out as a good example for all to adopt, if only to preserve what took generations to create.

Joseph Kéchichian, author of several books, is an expert on the Gulf and Middle East affairs.