Anti-Zionist Rabbis Visit Qatar Consulate in NYC to Mourn Passing of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad
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July 15, 2026 -
New York -
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Neturei Karta delegation delivers letter of condolence to the Al Thani family, praising the late Emir’s lifelong support for the Palestinian people and his understanding of the distinction between Judaism and Zionism.
A delegation of anti-Zionist Jewish rabbis visited the Embassy (Consulate) of the State of Qatar in New York City on July 15 to express their heartfelt condolences to the Al Thani family and the people of Qatar following the passing of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The delegation conveyed messages of sympathy, respect, and solidarity during this time of national mourning, offering prayers for comfort to the Emir’s family and for peace and prosperity for the people of Qatar.
In a letter offering Condolences , Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss of Neturei Karta, New York, expressed “profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences” upon the passing of the Father Amir.
The letter remembered Sheikh Hamad as a leader who was widely respected for his generosity, compassion, charitable work, and concern for oppressed and disadvantaged people throughout the world. It particularly recognized his longstanding support for the Palestinian people.
The letter stated:
“We especially remember his exemplary and steadfast support for the oppressed people of Palestine.”
The delegation also expressed deep appreciation for the warmth, kindness, and respect that the Father Amir showed toward Jewish people during his reign.
Special recognition was given to his understanding of the important distinction between Judaism and Zionism, and between the Jewish people and the policies of the State of Israel.
The letter explained:
“We greatly valued his clear understanding of the important distinction between Judaism and the Jewish people, on the one hand, and Zionism, the State of Israel, and the occupation of Palestine, on the other.”
This understanding was especially meaningful to religious anti-Zionist Jews, who maintain that opposition to Zionism and the occupation of Palestine must not be confused with hostility toward Judaism or the Jewish people.
The condolence letter also recalled the memorable meeting between Sheikh Hamad and a delegation of Jewish rabbis during the International Conference on Jerusalem held in Doha in 2012.
Rabbi Weiss wrote:
“I personally remember the warmth and graciousness with which His Highness privately received our delegation of Jewish rabbis during the conference in support of freedom for Palestine held in Doha in 2012. That meaningful meeting left a lasting impression upon us.”
During that meeting, the rabbis reaffirmed the traditional Jewish opposition to Zionism and expressed their support for justice, peace, and the rights of the Palestinian people.
The recent condolence visit in New York reflected the lasting respect and appreciation felt by the delegation toward the Father Amir and the people of Qatar.
The letter concluded with prayers for the late Father Amir, the current Amir, the Al Thani family, and the entire Qatari nation:
“May the Almighty have mercy upon the Late Father Amir and reward him for his many noble deeds.”
“May the Almighty comfort Your Highness, the entire Al Thani family, and all the people of Qatar during this time of mourning.”
The delegation also prayed that the Almighty continue to guide and strengthen His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as he leads the State of Qatar in peace, prosperity, dignity, and tranquility.
The letter expressed the hope that representatives of Jewish communities would have an opportunity in the near future to personally convey their condolences, prayers, and blessings to the Amir.
The rabbis and members of Neturei Karta International extend their deepest condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Royal Family, and all the people of Qatar.
May the Almighty grant them comfort and strength and bless the State of Qatar with peace, stability, dignity, and prosperity.
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