North Miami-Dade News

Washington, D.C. - Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) raised concerns about the open display of antisemitism by leaders of several Latin American countries during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing. Salazar questioned the Biden Administration on their response to these incidents and called for a reevaluation of the relationship with these countries.

Recent events have highlighted the issue of antisemitism in Latin America. The Cuban regime's meeting with Hamas, Colombian President Petro's antisemitic remarks, and the recall of ambassadors to Israel by Honduras, Chile, and Bolivia have raised alarm bells. Salazar expressed her disappointment with the Biden Administration's handling of the situation, stating, "President Biden's State Department is totally unaware of and unwilling to respond to the rampant antisemitism several leaders of important Latin American countries have spewed over the last month."

During the hearing, Salazar confronted Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Near East Affairs Barbara Leaf about the Cuban regime's eagerness to meet with anti-Israel terrorist groups. Salazar raised concerns about the meeting between Cuban officials and Hamas, as well as conversations about removing Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List. Leaf was unaware of these developments and had no response to Salazar's concerns.

Salazar also questioned Leaf about Colombian President Petro's open antisemitism on social media and the international stage. Leaf, once again, was unaware of Petro's remarks. Salazar highlighted Petro's comparison of Israelis to Nazis and his accusation of planning a "second Holocaust" against Palestinians. She also pointed out that Petro had previously retweeted a comment referring to someone as a 'disgusting Jew' in 2014.

The actions of other Latin American countries, such as Honduras, Chile, and Bolivia, were also discussed during the hearing. These countries recalled their ambassadors from Israel, with Bolivia going as far as suspending relations entirely. Salazar called for the State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs to reevaluate their relationship with these countries, with Colombia being a top priority.

As a representative for South Florida, Salazar has been actively involved in U.S.-Israel policy. She expressed her concern about the growing antisemitism both in the United States and abroad. Salazar's efforts to address this issue include her landmark legislation, the FORCE Act, which aims to keep Cuba on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism until freedom and democracy are restored on the island.

Salazar's remarks during the hearing can be watched by clicking HERE. For more details about the hearing, click HERE.

The hearing shed light on the concerning rise of antisemitism in Latin America and the need for a stronger response from the Biden Administration. Salazar's questioning highlighted the importance of defending our ally, Israel, both abroad and in our own backyard.

To learn more, click on this link: https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-confronts-biden-administration-officials-latin-american-socialist