Uruguay
Orsi Took an Anti-Semitism Message to the Latin American Jewish Congress
The president took part in Montevideo in a meeting of Jewish communities from the region and, according to attendees cited by Búsqueda, expressed concern over the rise in discrimination. He also said the government has a responsibility to ensure peaceful coexistence.
President Yamandú Orsi took part last week in Montevideo in a meeting of the Latin American Jewish Congress and conveyed to representatives of the Jewish community his concern over the growth of anti-Semitism in Uruguay and the region, according to attendees who spoke to Búsqueda.
According to those sources, Orsi said that, as head of government, he has the responsibility to guarantee peaceful coexistence and told those present that they could count on him in the fight against violence and discrimination. In his remarks, he also stressed that Uruguay stands out for coexistence among different groups and presented that trait as a democratic strength the country must not lose.
Still according to Búsqueda, the president recalled his trip to Israel in September 2023, when he was still mayor of Canelones and had been invited by the Latin American Jewish Congress and the Central Israelite Committee of Uruguay. In that context, he said that visit changed his perspective on the country and noted that he was struck by its diversity, interreligious coexistence and the participation of Arabs in Israeli politics and society.
After his message, representatives of the congress gave him a yad, used to follow the reading of the Torah during the Shabbat service. Búsqueda indicated that Orsi’s remarks were not released through official channels or by the organizers, although photos of his participation did circulate on the social media accounts of the Latin American Jewish Congress.
David Telias, a leading figure in the Jewish community in Uruguay and, as of this week, director of the Central Israelite Committee, told Búsqueda that the president delivered a brief message in which he conveyed reassurance and support to confront anti-Semitism and discrimination. He added that the president did not discuss the war in Gaza and there were no remarks on that issue, since it was a protocol visit.
Claudio Epelman, executive director of the Latin American Jewish Congress, explained to Búsqueda that these meetings are held every year with the participation of Jewish communities from 18 Latin American countries and that the venue rotates. Daniel Golinski, rabbi of the Nueva Congregación Israelita de Uruguay, told that outlet that Orsi delivered a brief but committed speech, focused on concern over anti-Semitism and on combating acts of hatred.
The meeting was held on Sunday, August 30, and Monday, August 31, at the Hyatt hotel in Montevideo. There, Argentine businessman Daniel Hadad was also recognized for his commitment and solidarity with the Jewish people, David Fremd was remembered on the tenth anniversary of his murder in Paysandú in an anti-Semitic attack, and the closing remarks were delivered by the new ambassador of Israel to Uruguay, Eldad Hayet.
The coverage of the Middle East event included journalists Lucas Silva, Laureano Pérez and analyst Fabián Perechodnik. In addition, according to Infobae, at the close of the Board meeting the president of the Latin American Jewish Congress, Jack Terpins, said they will continue working to strengthen plural societies in which there is no place for anti-Semitism or other forms of discrimination.
Búsqueda also noted that the Uruguayan government’s position on the Israeli offensive in Gaza is generating tensions within the ruling coalition. According to that outlet, sectors of the Frente Amplio grassroots and leadership are calling for a harsher condemnation, while the government has avoided using the term genocide, although it did describe Israel’s response as disproportionate and condemned the attacks against the Palestinian civilian population.
Sources
About this note. Written by El Notero with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on what was published by the cited outlet. El Notero did not do its own reporting on this event.
