SOUTH FLORIDA (VINnews) — Former Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, the Republican candidate challenging U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz in Florida’s 25th Congressional District, traveled to Qatar in May 2024 as part of a delegation of American mayors.

Singer met and was photographed with Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, Qatar’s minister of municipality, during the visit tied to the Qatar Economic Forum, according to the Gulf Times. The group discussed potential cooperation on smart cities, infrastructure, municipal services, agriculture, food security and waste management.

The trip was first publicized by The Floridian.

Singer campaign spokesperson Michael Stwarka said the former mayor joined other U.S. mayors for the event at the same time a congressional delegation was in the country. He said Singer met with U.S. military personnel at Al Udeid Air Base, the then-U.S. ambassador and other government and business representatives.

“He gained a better understanding of the complex relationship between our nation and Qatar, and their potential for influence in our educational system,” Stwarka said.

Qatar has faced scrutiny from Jewish and pro-Israel groups since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. The country hosts Hamas political leadership and has provided financial support to the group. It has also been accused of contributing to campus antisemitism through substantial donations to U.S. universities.

Stwarka said that if elected, Singer “will introduce legislation that bans federal funding going to any educational institution that receives foreign funds from any foreign nation.” He added that Singer “will always be a steadfast supporter of our closest ally Israel and continues to be a strong voice against antisemitism.”

It was not immediately clear who funded the trip.

Moskowitz has been a vocal critic of Qatar’s relationship with Hamas and has called for greater accountability.

Also in the mayors’ group was Dearborn, Michigan, Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, who has drawn criticism for remarks that critics say have created a hostile environment for non-Muslim residents. In one instance, Hammoud told a Christian pastor objecting to a street naming that the pastor was not welcome in the city and that his departure would be celebrated with a parade.

Stwarka said Singer “does not share all the views of all who attended.”

The contest between Singer and Moskowitz has focused in part on which candidate is the stronger supporter of Israel in a district with a substantial Jewish population. Singer has argued that Moskowitz is constrained by anti-Israel elements in the Democratic Party, while Moskowitz has said a prominent pro-Israel Democrat can be more effective.