Colombian President Visits Barranquilla Synagogue for Rosh Hashanah

Colombian President Gerardo de la Espriella attended Rosh Hashanah services at the Beth-El synagogue in Barranquilla on Saturday, joining the local Jewish community to mark the Jewish New Year. The president attended as a guest of the community, wore a kippah, and participated in the festive gathering. During his remarks, de la Espriella conveyed greetings to the Jewish community in Colombia and to the people of Israel.

The visit coincided with the start of the Hebrew year 5787, which began on Friday evening and concluded on Sunday. De la Espriella stated that his visit was intended to express "honor, affection, and brotherhood." He invoked the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to bless Jewish families in Colombia and all of Israel.

A notable statement from the president concerned his unwavering support for Israel. He revealed that despite advice received during his campaign to avoid the topic, he chose to continue expressing his support. "I will never stop defending Israel, because it is the people of God, and I will always be with Israel," he declared to the congregation. He concluded by wishing health, prosperity, and peace to Jewish families in Colombia and to the people of Israel.