North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the chair of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), honored the mandate and legacy of Luis Almagro as Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), highlighting his work in combating the rise of antisemitism in Latin America following the terrorist attack led by Hamas against Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023.

"In a time when antisemitism threatens Jewish communities throughout the Western Hemisphere, dedicated leaders like Secretary General Almagro are valuable partners for the United States in addressing these threats," stated Congresswoman Salazar. "It is frustrating that the heads of state who have most persecuted Israel are the favorite partners of the Biden Administration, while countries that have vigorously condemned Hamas, such as Paraguay, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, have received little gratitude."

Expressing pride in Almagro's stance, Salazar added, "I am very proud that Luis Almagro is on the right side of history, alongside our ally Israel and our partners in the rest of the Hemisphere who are doing the right thing."

Following the barbaric attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, antisemitic incidents in Brazil surged by over 1000%. Colombian President Gustavo Petro openly compared the State of Israel to the Nazis, while Chilean President Gabriel Boric rejected a gift from the Jewish community in his country, suggesting they focus instead on "returning the illegally occupied Palestinian land."

Such actions endanger the lives of Latin American Jews, and Representative Salazar has been at the forefront in shedding light on these attacks, introducing legislation to protect these communities in the United States. She praised leaders like Argentine President Javier Milei and Dominican President Luis Abinader for reaffirming their nations' commitment to Israel.

Congresswoman Salazar also commended OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro for his role in defending Israel and honored his distinguished presidency of one of the most important multilateral organizations in the Western Hemisphere.