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The chairman of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States (ARIS) Mendy Chitrik praised Qatar’s leadership for welcoming a delegation of rabbis on Monday during a condolence visit to the emir, saying the meeting reflected friendship, mutual respect and the importance of dialogue between communities.
Rabbi Chitrik made the remarks after he and fellow rabbis met Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Monday to offer condolences following the death of the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Speaking to Euronews after the meeting, Rabbi Chitrik said the delegation had travelled to Doha to express condolences to the Emir, the ruling family and the people of Qatar, while also expressing appreciation for the country’s support of its Jewish community.
“We felt very, very welcome in the Emir’s presence today,” he said. “Hearing the words of comfort, hearing the words of friendship and feeling the brotherhood that has always existed.”
“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,” Rabbi Chitrik added.
Rabbi Chitrik said that ARIS represents rabbis serving around 110,000 Jews living in 18 Muslim-majority countries.
“Jewish communities living in the Muslim world are bridges of coexistence and tolerance, and examples of how Jews and Muslims can and do live side by side,” he said.
‘Peace starts between people’
Asked about the impact of recent regional tensions, Rabbi Chitrik said it was too early to assess their long-term consequences but stressed that lasting peace begins with people.
“It is an obligation on every person to make peace,” he said.
“Start with peace in your own house, your own family, your neighbourhood and your friends. We can make the world a better place by doing another act of kindness, showing sympathy, showing love,” Rabbi Chitrik explained.
Rabbi Chitrik said dialogue between religious leaders and communities remained essential.
“Peace is not only between governments. Peace starts between people. When you open your heart to another, that is another step in the right direction of making peace.”
Reflecting on Jewish life across the Muslim world, Rabbi Chitrik acknowledged that Jewish communities have declined significantly in size over the past century but said their continued presence remains important.
“Jewish life in the Islamic world has its challenges,” he said.
“But we all belong to this region. We are all here, part of the region, and we will remain part of the region.”
He said engagement between neighbours, communities and religious leaders gave him reason for optimism.
“When you open your heart and educate yourself about the person next door, that gives another glimpse of hope,” Rabbi Chitrik said.
“We have to strengthen each other. Jewish communities, Muslim communities, Christian communities. We’re all here, and we are here to stay.”