Political antisemitism: Qatar’s attitude towards Jews and Israel

Abstract

Abstract There were many examples of Antisemitism in Qatar in the last decade and this trend was reflected especially in the Qatari media. The leadership of Al Thani was aware of the situation, but sometimes the royal house itself should be attributed to the Antisemitic approach. This attitude was against the background of the hosting of the World Cup in 2022 and internatiomal change in the area, mainly the Abraham Accords of 2020. Qatari objection to Israel appeared from the founding of the Jewish state. The Antisemitic views are reflected in demonstrations of the emirate’s population from an early stage. One notable action is the Qatari boycott against Israel. This policy has continued through the years until today. This attitude relied upon the population support in objection to the Jewish state. The Antisemitic feelings did not stop even when the leadership chose to improve the relations with Israel. the rapprochement between Qatar and Israel was only improvement of communication at the level of the authorities. Throughout the period in question, the Qatari people showed hostility towards the Jews in general, and the Israelis in particular. Qatari agenda towards the Jews and Israel has a direct connection to the US administration. The Arab world also had a major effect on the Qatari agenda.