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Host Aviva Klompas speaks with Loay Alshareef, an Arab Muslim peace advocate whose personal journey challenges some of the most entrenched assumptions in the Middle East.

Raised in Saudi Arabia in an environment steeped in anti-Jewish narratives, Loay describes the beliefs he absorbed growing up and the profound turning point that reshaped his worldview after living with a Jewish family in France. That experience led him to reexamine what he had been taught about Jews, Israel, and history and ultimately to dedicate his life to countering extremism and misinformation.

Guest Bio

Loay Alshareef is an Arab Muslim peace advocate, historian, and social media influencer dedicated to building understanding between Muslims and Jews and advancing peace in the Middle East. Born and raised in Saudi Arabia to a Saudi-Egyptian family, Loay underwent a profound transformation after living with a Jewish family in France in 2010, an experience that reshaped his worldview and set him on a path toward reconciliation.

He has worked in education, history, and cultural tourism, and is now a leading voice in interfaith dialogue, known for his support of Israel’s legitimacy and the Abraham Accords. Based in the United Arab Emirates, Loay combines deep historical knowledge — including expertise in ancient languages and scripts — with a modern digital platform to promote coexistence and challenge entrenched narratives.