The Jewish philanthropist has met with Qatari leadership several times since Oct. 7
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Ronald Lauder, President of World Jewish Congress speaks during annual Jerusalem Post conference at Gotham Hall. It was the first in-person JP conference in New York following postponements because of the pandemic. (Photo by )
Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress and a prolific Jewish philanthropist and GOP donor, appeared among other guests at the Lusail Palace in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday to greet President Donald Trump and Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Lauder has met with Qatari leadership several times since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, largely to advocate for the release of hostages held in Gaza.
He led a WJC delegation to Doha shortly after the attack, from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, 2023, where he “engaged in pivotal discussions with leaders in Qatar” and said he “trust[ed] that the esteemed Arab leaders will dedicate their efforts to saving lives,” according to a WJC statement.
Weeks later during the first ceasefire and hostage-release in the Israel-Gaza war, Lauder expressed his “profound gratitude to the government of Qatar and its leadership, along with the leaders of the United States and Egypt, for their significant role in facilitating” the agreement.
Lauder also met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani in Paris in September 2024 to advocate for the hostages, a meeting that was attended by Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz.