Safety question
Hi All,
My spouse and I have been considering working in Qatar. My wife is Jewish (non-practicing), however, and we are trying to assess what risks this might entail. Qatar has a reputation for tolerance. Should we be concerned? Are there any Jews living in the country?
John 77
My wife is also Jewish and I am converting at the moment, while living and working in Qatar (its a bit of a challenge!).
While I agree somewhat with the sentiment that many people are tolerant in this society, and that the Qatar government is trying hard to project an image of openness, I am not quite sure my view is quite so rosy - but I do believe there is alot of goodwill, and that the society is gradually "getting there".
We are a bit careful about who we discuss religion with-mainly because there are obviously people (sometimes violent people) who don't distinquish between religion and government (e.g.Israeli, US and UN) policies and actions, and you can't know for certain who they are.
We feel essentially safe here, but I think its still wise to be discreet about personal religious beliefs. Having said that, my boss and many of my colleagues know our religion, and I have had many fascinating discussions with people of all religions and backgrounds -this place is truly a wonderful mixing bowl!
(Incidentally, in four years here, the only time anyone has officially asked my religion was during my entrance medical exam-and this had to do with burial contingencies in the event of death. I did not give my religion then, preferring not to have it entered on record).
We recently celebrated Chanukah (in our own home), and will observe the other holidays in private, too. We do miss mixing openly with other Jewish friends as we do back home, but that will change in time, too. You should have no problem, John. Please feel free to contact me (John 77) via the site Administrator.
I guess everybody is right.
You won't have any problem here. Its good we if you come here, because this is a good oportunity for the country to show to the world that it has a very tolerant culture.
I think dentist is right, there is a big difference between Jewish and Zionist, althought most of the middle easterns cant tell the difference....but I do beleive that you will have no problem as Qatar is a very tolerant country
Qatar has many trade projects with Israel,even though not declared but yet they exist.
But still the people are a kinda sensitive to dealing with Jews due to being unable to destinguish between Jewdism and Zionism.Unfortunately Israel has managed to make relate zionism to the Jewdism which is untrue.
Anyways,you will find many difficulties trying to reveal this fact especially in social gatherings but with your good attitude and well behaviours I am sure you will be able to get along well.
Good luck to you and your wife.
You'll have no problem John. Islam is a tolerant religion and Qatar is a tolerant country.