Central American diplomats and leaders meet to reject anti-Semitism and support State of Israel

This Thursday, July 29, Central American Forum for Israel, an initiative that hopes to become a manifestation of support for Jewish communities around the world and the State of Israel.

The event, which presented a united Central American front against anti-Semitism and in favor of Israel, The President of Guatemala, Dr. Alejandro Giammattei, ministers and parliamentarians from Central America and the United States participated. They also attended representatives of the most important Israeli organizations in the region.

Giammattei spoke of the friendship between the Jewish and Guatemalan peoples and the strong bilateral relations that date back to the early days of Israel.. He also thanked the country for the help it gave to Guatemala after the disasters caused by Hurricanes Eta and Iota last year, as well as the vaccines that were used to immunize medical staff against COVID-19. .

“Guatemala adheres to, respects and supports the fight against anti-Semitism”, He said Giammattei.

The Movement Against Antisemitism (CAM) and the Center for Jewish Impact, in association with the Israel-Guatemala Friendship League and the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala, were the hosts of the first forum that celebrated Israel’s deep and lasting ties to the region.

During the event, senior leaders made clear their opposition to anti-Semitism and they urged nations to ban Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization.

Foreign Minister and Prime Minister of Israel Yair Lapid expressed gratitude to Guatemala.

“We are side by side in the fight against global terrorism. A key step is to ban Hezbollah, all of Hezbollah, and I am grateful to those who have taken the plunge and call on all countries to follow their example.said Lapid.

One of the US representatives at the event, the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, underlined the efforts of his State in the fight against anti-Semitism.

“With the worrying rise of anti-Semitism, we all have a responsibility to fight hate rhetoric and violence in our communities.. That’s why I signed a law creating the Texas Holocaust Genocide and Anti-Semitism Advisory Commission.“, He said.

Robert Singer, President of the Center for Jewish Impact, He recalled that he has worked to promote relations between the Israeli community and the rest of the countries of the world.

“It is the first time that so many Central American countries have come together to support Israel at a critical time in the lives of Jews around the world. It is an honor for us to share this important event, ”said Singer.

The meeting, which was carried out in virtual format, it took place amid an increase in anti-Semitic incidents around the world, targeting Jewish communities, their members, buildings and institutions.

Sacha Roytman-Dratwa, executive director of the Anti-Semitism Movement, believes that This will be the first of many events that will build a front to combat some form of hate in the world.

“At this point in history, as Israel is under constant attack and anti-Semitic hatred flourishes in the world, it is time for the friends of the Jewish people and of Israel to stand up and be counted in a show of determined solidarity. . Roytman -Dratwa added.

In speeches and forum meetings Actions aimed at facilitating the strengthening of economic, political and cultural relations, as well as cooperation and humanitarian aid between the countries of Central America and Israel were discussed. It also focused on a shared commitment to tackle anti-Semitism and will include an official statement on anti-Semitism from the president of the Center for Jewish Impact, Robert Singer.

This meeting, described as historic by members of the Jewish community, He underlined the common values ​​and interests that underpin Israel’s relations in Central America and will further consolidate its strategic alliances in the region.

KEEP READING: