Colombian President Attends Rosh Hashanah Service, Pledges Unwavering Support for Israel
Colombian President Gerardo de la Espriella attended a Rosh Hashanah celebration at the Beth-El synagogue in Barranquilla on Saturday, joining the local Jewish community to mark the start of the Hebrew year 5787. The president, who wore a kippah during the event, was a guest of the community and offered blessings to both Colombian Jews and the people of Israel.
During his address, de la Espriella stated that his visit was intended to express "honor, affection, and fraternity." He invoked the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, asking for blessings upon Jewish families in Colombia and all of Israel.
A significant portion of his remarks focused on his commitment to Israel. The president revealed that despite advice against discussing the issue during his campaign, he chose to continue expressing his support. He declared to the congregation, "I will never stop defending Israel, because it is the people of God, and I will always be with Israel."
He concluded by wishing health, prosperity, and peace to the Jewish families in Colombia and to the people of Israel.
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