Venezuela's Chief Rabbi Urges President to Renew Diplomatic Ties with Israel

Venezuela's Foreign and International Trade Minister, Felix Plasencia Gonzalez, met this week in Caracas with Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Cohen. During the meeting, Rabbi Cohen delivered a letter to President Delcy Rodriguez advocating for the restoration of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Israel. The request aims to address the needs of Venezuela's Jewish community, which Minister Plasencia Gonzalez acknowledged has historically been welcomed and contributed significantly to the country's welfare and development.

The minister reiterated Venezuela's gratitude for Israel's humanitarian aid following the devastating earthquake on June 24, which killed approximately 5,000 people. An Israeli humanitarian delegation assisted Venezuela by assessing collapsed buildings, diagnosing structural damages, and planning urgent emergency management strategies. Plasencia Gonzalez emphasized that this dialogue strengthens mutual respect, cooperation, and recognition between the two peoples.

Currently, about 4,000 Jews live in Venezuela, mostly in Caracas, down from a peak of 30,000 before the rise of Hugo Chavez in 1999. Since then, many have emigrated, leading to the community's historic low. The renewed diplomatic engagement is seen as a step toward supporting this dwindling community and potentially advancing broader political relations.