A few minutes with Paraguay's President Santiago Peña
Likewise, the war in Gaza has had varying effects on Israel’s international relations. While its enemies have remained the same, steadfast allies seem to be falling by the wayside, and formerly neutral countries have been braying for a cease-fire. Perhaps in no region is the change as stark as in Latin America: Israel faces opposition from Brazil under Lula da Silva, Mexico under Claudia Sheinbaum, Chile under Gabriel Boric, and Colombia under Gustavo Petro, the last of which severed ties with Netanyahu’s government in support of Hamas.
Surprisingly, this is not the case for Paraguay. The small South American nation of 6.2 million, whose vote was crucial for UN approval of Israel’s creation over 76 years ago, remains one of its staunchest supporters. The crowning moment in the relationship will come when the administration of President Santiago Peña moves Paraguay’s embassy to Jerusalem.
Peña, an economist educated at Columbia University and former director of Paraguay’s Central Bank, became the youngest president in the country’s history at 44 in 2023. He aligns Paraguay with other South American supporters of Israel — notably Argentina under President Javier Milei, with whom Peña has an excellent relationship, and Uruguay under Luis Lacalle Pou.
Just a few weeks ago, the three leaders gathered in Argentina for an event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the bombing of the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, AMIA — the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in South American history. The image of the three presidents underscored the solidarity of Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay with the Jewish People.
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