In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman sits down with Eli Bar-On, founder of MENA2050 and a former senior legal advisor in the Israeli government, and Wydiane Djaidi, a Moroccan lawyer and international development expert, to explore a bold vision for the future of the Middle East and North Africa.Together, they delve into how MENA2050 is bringing together Israelis, Palestinians, Moroccans, Iranians, and others from across the region, not to argue politics, but to collaborate on urgent issues of climate change, gender equality, food security, and mutual understanding. In a region too often associated with conflict, these conversations offer a powerful reminder that there are people across borders who are ready to focus on building, not breaking.This episode sheds light on the quiet efforts happening behind the scenes, projects and relationships that offer real hope for a more stable and connected Middle East. Listen in for a glimpse of what’s possible when we shift the conversation from what’s broken to what we can create together.About Our SpeakersEli Bar-On is the CEO and Head of the Executive Committee of MENA2050. He served in various senior legal positions in the Israeli government. He was also a professor at the Israel National Defense College, with a focus on matters of national security, strategy, and international relations.Eli has provided expert presentations to high-level delegations throughout the world. He also led strategic international dialogues and lectured at preeminent academic institutions around the world. Upon his retirement as a civil servant, Eli co-founded and was the CEO of a start-up company dealing with wireless optical communication. Eli has a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree and an Executive Master of Business Administration (E.M.B.A.) degree (cum laude) from Tel Aviv University and a Master’s degree in Political Science (M.A.) (cum laude) from Haifa University.Wydiane Djaidi is a Moroccan lawyer, an international development professional and a proud member of MENA2050. She was born and raised in Casablanca and is admitted to the Casablanca Bar Association. She holds a Master degree in International Business Law from the University of Brussels (ULB) and a Master degree in International Public Law and Transnational Crimes from the University for Peace (UN Mandated). Wydiane has worked for over 5 years for the United Nations (UN) in Turin (Italy), in Vienna (Austria) and in Rabat (Kingdom of Morocco) on the prevention and countering of terrorism and transnational organized crime. She spent most of her time at the UN working at the headquarters in Vienna supporting governments in the implementation of the UN Convention on Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo Convention) and have supported in that framework the drafting and elaboration of many UN reports that are currently publicly available. Wydiane recently moved back to Casablanca, working there as a lawyer and international development consultant. She is also deeply passionate about inter-faith dialogue, gender equality, art and culture. Chapters(00:00 ) Introduction(03:02 ) The Founding Story of MENA2050(05:49 ) Regional Collaboration and Its Importance(08:49 ) Personal Motivations and Backgrounds(11:43 ) Morocco as a Model for Coexistence(14:55 ) The Role of Civil Society in Change(17:50 ) Navigating Differences and Building Trust(23:57 ) Addressing Urgent Regional Concerns(29:49 ) Finding Common Ground Amidst Conflict(32:37 ) Grassroots Movements(37:15 ) Israel's Role in the MENA Region(40:00 ) The Impact of October 7(47:27 ) The Human Cost of Conflict(51:50 ) Empathy and Shared Pain(01:03:10 ) Hope and Future Prospects