At Demonstration Outside Qatari Consulate, Simon Wiesenthal Center Calls on Emir to Compel Hamas to Free All Hostages

February 27, 2024

Speaking to over 100 community activists and members of Rabbis United outside the Qatari consulate in Los Angeles, The Simon Wiesenthal Center called on Qatar to use its vast leverage with Hamas to compel the release of the remaining 134 hostages still being held by the terrorists in Gaza.

Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean and Director of Global Social Action Agenda for SWC, said that Qatar “is both an arsonist & a potential firefighter.  We a here today to act quickly - and a good place to start would be with the 6 American hostages that are still being held inside of Gaza. “

Rabbi Cooper added that “given Qatar’s vast financial & political support of Hamas it has the absolute ability to compel the release of the hostages.  Instead, it has used its power to help secure a lifeline to Hamas.  Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, you made a commitment to the President of the United States, to the Secretary of State…that you would end the hostage situation; until now, you have prolonged it. Make the right decision.  Do the right thing.  If you don’t, we can add another sordid chapter in your 2-faced approach to the world.”

Rabbi Cooper's remarks at the Qatari embassy in Los Angeles can be seen HERE.

For further information, please email Michele Alkin, Director of Global Communications at malkin@wiesenthal.com or Erik Simon at esimon@wiesenthal.com, join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your X (Twitter) feed. 

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS, and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).