A delegation of senior rabbis from across the Muslim world, including Iran's chief rabbi, met Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Lusail Palace in Doha on Monday to offer condolences following the death of his father and predecessor, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The delegation represented the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States and was led by Rabbi Mendy Chitrik, the organization's chairman and Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Istanbul. The group also included his son, Qatar's Chief Rabbi Eliyahu Chitrik, and Iran's Chief Rabbi Yehuda Gerami.
Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani attended the meeting, along with Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, Chief of the Amiri Diwan. The Emir thanked the delegation for their visit and expressed appreciation for the condolences.
The Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States provides religious leadership and support to Jewish communities throughout the Muslim world. Rabbi Eliyahu Chitrik serves the Jewish community and Jewish visitors in Qatar.
Following the audience, Rabbi Mendy Chitrik stated, "My sincere thanks to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for warmly receiving our delegation of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States." He added, "Grateful 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."