A delegation from the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States traveled to Lusail Palace on Monday to offer formal condolences to Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, following the passing of his father, former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The rabbinical representatives expressed appreciation for Qatar's ongoing support of the local Jewish community and international Jewish visitors.
The delegation featured prominent rabbinical figures operating within Islamic nations, including Chief Rabbi of Iran Yehuda Gerami, Chairman of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States Rabbi Mendy Chitrik, Chabad emissary to Qatar Rabbi Eliyahu Chitrik, and Chief Rabbi of Nigeria Rabbi Uzan.
"There was a meeting with the Emir of Qatar, and as rabbis of the Union of Rabbis in Islamic States, I and Rabbi Chitrik, and his son, who is a Chabad Shliach in Qatar, went to the Emir to comfort him on the death of his father," Rabbi Yehuda Gerami stated regarding the delegation's visit to Lusail Palace.
The meeting at Lusail Palace was hosted jointly by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Delegation leaders used the forum to address religious life and interfaith engagement across the region.
"We have been received very, very warmly by His Highness the Emir," Rabbi Mendy Chitrik stated. "Together with us was Rabbi Eli Chitrik, who is the Rabbi of the Jewish community in Qatar, Rabbi Gerami, the Chief Rabbi of Iran, Rabbi Uzan, the Chief Rabbi of Nigeria. We had discussion about Jewish life in the Muslim world, in Qatar, and how we can live together as human beings in this beautiful stretch of land that we all call home."
Rabbi Mendy Chitrik noted that the exchange provided strong encouragement for future institutional coordination, aiming to benefit the Qatari Jewish population, which current estimates place at approximately 300 residents alongside routine visitors.
The delegation formally thanked the Qatari leadership for facilitating religious services led by Rabbi Eliyahu Chitrik to ensure Jewish communal life continues to operate across the state.
According to reporting published by Belaaz HQ, rabbinical leadership plans to maintain ongoing communications with Qatari authorities regarding regional communal infrastructure.
