Latin America
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.
“We join with those around the world mourning the loss of life in Guatemala, and are privileged to join with the Guatemalan Jewish community as it quickly moves to provide life-saving aid and rebuild their country even stronger than before,” said JDC CEO David Schizer.
“This is a new-old form of terrorism which scares, deters and terrorizes athletes. This is the terrorism that causes the Munich [Olympics] attack,” said Israel’s Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev.
“With all due respect to [Lionel] Messi, if the match is canceled because it was supposed to take place in Jerusalem, I wish him and Argentina the best of luck,” said Israel national football team coach Alon Hazan. “As an Israeli and a Jew, Jerusalem is far more important to me than Messi and Argentina.”
In the wake of a deadly volcanic eruption that killed at least 25 people in Guatemala, Israel will send emergency-aid money for supplies.
The Arab League lashed out at Guatemala on Wednesday, saying it will no longer engage in relations with the country because of the decision to move its Israel embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
“We thank our Western Hemisphere partner for joining us in recognizing Israel’s capital and encouraging additional moves,” said a statement issued by Washington.
“The opening of the embassy holds special meaning because it expresses the sincere friendship and the brave solidarity between Paraguay and Israel,” said Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes.
