Rabbi delegation visits Qatar’s Emir to offer condolences
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A delegation of rabbis from the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States (ARIS) met Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Monday at Lusail Palace in Doha to convey condolences following the death of his father, the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 until abdicating in favor of his son in 2013 and is widely credited with transforming the Gulf state into a major global energy and diplomatic power, died on July 12 at the age of 74.
The Amiri Diwan announced four days of national mourning at the time.
The Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States visited Doha to offer condolences to His Highness the Amir, the Ruling Family, and the people of Qatar. ARIS serves Jewish communities across the Muslim world, including the Jewish community and visitors to Qatar through Rabbi Eliyahu… pic.twitter.com/a5pR8Xi9sh
— Alliance Rabbis Islamic States (@RabbisAlliance) July 27, 2026
The ARIS delegation was led by Rabbi Mendy Chitrik, chairman of the alliance and chief Ashkenazi rabbi of Istanbul.
It also included his son, Qatar’s chief rabbi Eliyahu Chitrik, and Iran’s chief rabbi Yehuda Gerami. Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and the chief of the Amiri Diwan also attended the meeting.
“We felt very, very welcome in the Emir’s presence today,” Rabbi Chitrik told Euronews after the audience.
“Hearing the words of comfort, hearing the words of friendship and feeling the brotherhood that has always existed.”
He added: “At times of war and conflict, that is when friendship is tested. Being here at this time shows that we support our friends and partners here in Qatar.”
“The Amir expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Chairman of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States for his sincere condolences and kind sentiments,” said a statement by Qatar’s Amiri Diwan.
Chitrik later thanked Sheikh Tamim “for warmly receiving our delegation” and for “His Highness’s support in ensuring Jewish life can flourish in Qatar and for enabling my son Rabbi Eliyahu Chitrik to serve the Jewish community and its many visitors.”
