North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In response to the antisemitic comments made by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, issued the following statement:

"We are deeply disturbed by President Gustavo Petro's unhinged and antisemitic posts on the social media platform X. In no universe should a leader, especially one governing a democratic nation, compare Israel to Nazi Germany and accuse it of genocide. Comments like these exacerbate antisemitism and threaten the safety of the Jewish community in Colombia. President Petro's continued antidemocratic behavior and hostility towards the truth undermine our longstanding bilateral relationship."

President Petro's comments drew strong condemnation from both US lawmakers, who emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong and respectful relationship with Colombia. Congressman McCaul, as the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, plays a crucial role in overseeing US foreign policy.

The Jewish community in Colombia expressed their concerns and fears following President Petro's remarks. Rabbi Isaac Aizenberg, a prominent Jewish religious leader in Colombia, stated, "President Petro's comments are deeply offensive and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It is essential that our leaders promote tolerance, understanding, and respect for all religious groups."

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a leading organization fighting against antisemitism, also condemned President Petro's comments. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, said, "Comparing Israel to Nazi Germany is an outrageous and offensive statement that trivializes the Holocaust and insults the memory of its victims. We call on President Petro to retract his comments and apologize for the harm he has caused."

The United States has a strong and historic relationship with Colombia, and Congresswoman Salazar emphasized the importance of maintaining this relationship. As Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, she plays a crucial role in promoting democracy and human rights in the region.

In conclusion, Congressman McCaul and Congresswoman Salazar strongly condemned President Petro's antisemitic comments. They called on him to retract his statements and apologize to the Jewish community in Colombia. The lawmakers stressed the importance of fostering tolerance and understanding in order to maintain the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Colombia.

To find out more, go to this link: https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccaul-y-salazar-condenan-energicamente-los-comentarios-antisemitas-del