Alcohol, affection in public and Jewish symbols: everything you need to know before visiting Qatar Israel today

How can you conduct yourself at the World Cup in Qatar in terms of consuming alcohol or showing affection in public?

This question is also relevant this year for Israeli tourists who received a one-time opportunity to enter the country in honor of the World Cup.

And there is still the question of what are the rules of conduct for such a country?

Is it allowed to walk drunk on the street?

kiss?

hold hands?

Is walking with a kippah or Star of David something desirable?

We addressed these questions to Prof. Yehoshua Teitelbaum, from the Department of Jewish Studies, Bar-Ilan University, who explained for Israelis traveling to Qatar for the World Cup that "if people were in Dubai and went with a kippah and Jewish symbols then it should be said that Qatar is not Dubai.

This is a conservative Muslim country in which we should humble our Israeli identity, of course outside of the World Cup, where there will be more freedom of movement and it will be possible to speak Hebrew.

But just on the street, I would advise Israelis not to stand out even if it is allowed to enter for the games."

"You shouldn't kiss in the street."

Qatar,

What about alcohol?

"Again, you need to know that this is a Muslim country and they did promise that alcoholic drinks will be sold in the fans' complexes, but they did not specify which types are there and what will be sold. I assume that they will sell beer with and without alcohol, but it is not known about stronger drinks." 

Regarding marital conduct on the street, Prof. Teitelbaum says, "It is not advisable and desirable to go and kiss in the street. I also say the same about a guy and a girl, and especially LGBT people, it will not be perceived well.

I personally would also be careful in the large complexes prepared for spectators who will come to the games.

In practice, Qatar promised greater freedom there, but one must always remember that this is a conservative Muslim country that is not used to the dramas seen in the West or even in neighboring Abu Dhabi."

In conclusion, Prof. Teitelbaum assesses that "the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will publish instructions for Israelis to fly to the games and I suggest not to deviate from these instructions".

"An exceptional event"

Ronit Segal, CEO of PassportCard, commented on the preparations for the World Cup: "This is an unusual event that a large number of Israelis gather in a relatively short period of time in a country without diplomatic relations with Israel. Our familiarity with handling cases in Qatar allowed us to understand where our presence is needed. A combination of our team that will be there On the ground, cooperation with Sheba to establish a virtual hospital for holding consultations including video calls with Israeli doctors, a wide medical infrastructure for any required scenario. Our main goal is to enable our insurers to enjoy their visit to Qatar and neutralize any concerns or inconveniences that may arise during this period.

Options for trips as well.

Qatar,

"At the same time, we allow tickets for the World Cup games to be insured in advance for up to 500 dollars in case of cancellation or shortening of a trip due to a medical case. In addition, it is important to remember that in addition to the games, there are popular attractions such as jeep tours, so it is recommended to consult with an insurance agent and adjust the exact insurance coverage to the nature of the journey". 

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