Rising Antisemitism in Latin America: the Iranian Influence

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Although instances of anti-Israel and antisemitic activity have been present in Latin America for years, Operation Cast Lead marked a clear turning point in attitudes toward the State of Israel. This has led to a spike in traditional antisemitic patterns in this region, resulting in new and unprecedented challenges facing local Jewish communities. Venezuela is a prime example; insulting political statements and demonstrations against Israel have become commonplace. These actions are encouraged by the Venezuelan government, which in fact, recently expelled Israel’s diplomatic representatives from Caracas. Attacks on local synagogues and vandalism of various Jewish institutions and businesses have also increased noticeably in the past year – all of this making life for Jews in Venezuela increasingly tenuous and unsafe.

In response to Iranian attempts to bolster its relations with Latin American countries, various Jewish community leaders in the region (such as Bolivia, Ecuador, and Nicaragua) have voiced their concerns. The worryingly close ties between Venezuela and Iran has undoubtedly increased antisemitic trends in the regime, and will continue to so. This is likely to enhance the Islamic regime’s influence over neighboring countries, which will produce fertile ground for terrorism in the future. Indeed, Hezbollah’s threat to Jewish communities throughout the continent will increase evermore.

The growing influence of Venezuela’s radical government has had a spill-over effect into other Latin American countries that has resulted in similar governments taking over that are developing hostile attitudes towards Israel. If left unchecked, this worrisome pattern may well get more acute over time.

Of critical importance is the role that religion can play in the region. Catholic churches in particular can play an important part in the fight against antisemitism. We need to build a coalition that will be strong enough to confront an antisemitism that is increasingly led by governments and other groups enmeshed in the societal fabric.