Latin America
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence called on Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benitez to reconsider the decision to undo his predecessor’s move.
“Israel views with utmost gravity the extraordinary decision by Paraguay, which will cloud bilateral relations,” the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
Anti-Israel activists organize protests outside concert venues in Peru, Argentina and Brazil. In Santiago, BDS members put up posters of conductor Yeruham Scharovsky spattered in blood.
The South American nation is under fire for not responding to a poster showing blood dripping from the conductor of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.
“This gratuitous gesture, which does not advance peace one iota, is simply stunning for a Colombian leader who expanded ties to Israel and the U.S., and is a Nobel Peace Laureate,” said AJC CEO David Harris.
Argentine police arrest 14 Lebanese nationals operating in the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay on suspicion of counterfeiting, arms trafficking and terror financing • $10 million in assets seized • Suspects linked to the Iranian-backed group.
The AMIA bombing—the deadliest in Argentine history—killed 85 people and injured hundreds more. It remains unsolved, the investigation mired in scandal and cover-up.
With their hosts, the Israeli delegation also discussed implementing policies that would take their relationship to the next level.
Scientist Claudia Sheinbaum becomes first Jewish and first female mayor of North America’s largest city, home to more than 40,000 Jews. Her grandparents emigrated there from Lithuania and Bulgaria.
“We have to learn lessons from the past, but one of the fundamental lessons is that not everything is an Auschwitz,” said Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
The event featured the singing of the Israeli, Argentinian and American national anthems; the flying of those nations’ flags throughout the venue; games to engage the audience; and the presentation of a “community spirit trophy” to the Israeli team, which won the match 6-3.
“Border security is national security. Our Israeli partners know that better than anyone, and I was fortunate today to see the incredible work they’re doing to keep their territory and citizens safe,” said U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.
