Qatar and its Opposition Revive Stereotypes of Jewish Political Clout

If one were to create an illustration of a classic old-style duel between the government of Qatar and its opponents, the duelists’ seconds seen holding open the pistol case would certainly be Jewish lobbyists. If the scene were to include spectators, the local Jewish community would doubtless be represented as well. In Washington this week, Jewish organizations will be protesting support by the Qatari government for the Hamas terrorist organization. For its part, stung by the recent isolation imposed on the emirate by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, all of whom charge Qatar with supporting terrorism, Doha apparently believes it’s the Jewish community that holds sway in America and the emir’s opponents seem to agree. It was recently reported that the Qatari government retained a public relations specialist at a rate of $50,000 per month, to make its case to the Jewish community. Heading the effort is Nick Muzin a Republican-affiliated yeshiva (parochial Jewish seminary) educated Jew who previously worked for Sen. Ted Cruz. Representing the Emir of Qatar’s opponents is Steve Rabinowitz and his company, Bluelight Strategies, one of the nation’s leading public relations firms serving many Jewish and Democratic interests, including the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, the organizer of the anti-Doha demonstration.