Sport
Israel warns Jewish football fans in Qatar
The 2022 World Cup marks the first time Israelis are allowed to book direct flights between Israel and Qatar
November 18, 2022 13:52
The 2022 World Cup marks the first time Israelis are allowed to book direct flights between Israel and Qatar
November 18, 2022 13:52Qatar, which does not ordinarily permit Israeli citizens from entering the country, will allow Israeli visitors for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, causing Israel to urge its citizens to downplay their Israeli identity while there.
As many as 20,000 Israeli citizens could attend the World Cup beginning Sunday, the first in the Middle East, even as there are no formal diplomatic relations between Israel and Qatar.
In a landmark deal between Israel and Qatar, Israelis without second passports can now visit the country, with specially chartered direct flights from Tel Aviv to Doha.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry launched a campaign on Wednesday to educate the nation’s football fans about laws and customs in the conservative Arab country, run by a Muslim monarchy.
The campaign, appearing online in Hebrew and English, strongly urges Israelis to exercise caution and hide any Israeli symbols, such as Israeli flags and the Star of David, while in Qatar.
The campaign also places particular emphasis on Qatar’s strict laws against drugs and alcohol, warning Israelis not to be publicly intoxicated. On Friday, it was announced that beer sales have been banned in all of Qatar’s eight stadia.
Israelis are also warned against getting into brawls or using foul language, all of which can have serious legal repercussions in Qatar.
Israeli officials also advised LGBT Israeli fans attending the tournament, which carries criminal punishments for homosexuality, “Not in public.”
Israel’s foreign ministry estimated that as many as 20,000 Israelis could ultimately attend the World Cup, while only 3,500 will be using their Israeli passport to make the trip.
Israeli officials expressed hope that a positive, hassle-free Israeli presence in Qatar may help to advance Israel’s ambitions to further integrate into the region and normalise relations between the two countries.