North Miami-Dade News

Washington, D.C. - Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee led a hearing where the State Department's top official to combat antisemitism, Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, condemned the rise of antisemitism from several left-wing Latin American leaders. Chairwoman Salazar highlighted the concerning actions of leaders like Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, and Honduran President Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, among others.

Chairwoman Salazar expressed her concerns, stating, "In Latin America, we’re seeing an explosion of antisemitism. Since the October 7th terrorist attack, Colombia, Honduras, and Chile recalled their ambassadors to Israel and Bolivia cut off diplomatic relations entirely, all while engaging in routine criticism." She also remarked, "It is worrisome that under Biden being on board with the woke agenda seems more important than defending Israel."

During the hearing, Ambassador Lipstadt emphasized the severity of the situation by stating, "These comments are irresponsible and 'crossed the line' into antisemitism." Chairwoman Salazar further pressed the importance of condemning antisemitism abroad, regardless of the source, in order to stand with Israel on the international stage.

Chairwoman Salazar's dedication to combating antisemitism was evident as she pointed out the contrasting responses of the Biden Administration towards allies in Latin America who condemned Hamas' actions on October 7, such as Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala, versus those leaders who promoted antisemitism, like President Petro of Colombia and President Lula of Brazil.

Chairwoman Salazar has been actively involved in fighting antisemitism both domestically and internationally, criticizing leaders who promote antisemitism and introducing legislation to combat it within the United States.