Colombian President Visits Synagogue, Pledges Unwavering Support for Israel

The new president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, visited the Beth El synagogue in Barranquilla on Saturday to celebrate Rosh Hashanah with the local Jewish community. During his visit, he reaffirmed his strong support for Israel, calling his presence a "gesture of respect, affection, and brotherhood."

De la Espriella stated his commitment to defending Israel, declaring, "I will never stop defending Israel, because it is the people of God and I will always stand with Israel." He recalled defending Israel during his presidential campaign despite advice against it and urged Jews and Christians to uphold shared values such as faith, life, family, human dignity, justice, and peace.

The visit occurs as de la Espriella's administration works to mend Colombia's relationship with Israel after more than two years of diplomatic strain under former President Gustavo Petro. De la Espriella has pledged to restore full diplomatic relations and move Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem.

His government has also taken steps to resume Colombian coal exports to Israel and withdrew from South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Israeli Foreign Minister G Gideon Sa'ar met with de la Espriella in August, noting joint efforts to strengthen diplomatic, security, and economic ties. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed agreements on restoring full diplomatic relations, appointing ambassadors, and relocating the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem. Colombia also recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, becoming the second country after the United States to do so.

De la Espriella concluded his remarks with a prayer for the health, prosperity, and peace of Jewish families in Colombia and for the people of Israel.