North Miami-Dade News

Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar, along with members of the Latino-Jewish Caucus, expressed strong condemnation towards Colombian President Gustavo Petro's recent move to sever diplomatic ties with Israel. In a joint statement, they emphasized their disapproval of the decision, citing its detrimental effects on both Colombia and Israel.

The statement highlighted concerns over President Petro's actions, describing them as "unacceptable" and "inflammatory." They criticized his rhetoric comparing Israel to the Nazis, as well as his support for Hamas, stating that such behavior poses tangible risks to Colombia's Jewish community. The group also pointed out the potential consequences of Petro's decision on efforts to secure the release of hostages, particularly mentioning the case of Elkana Bohbot, an Israeli-Colombian dual national held captive by Hamas.

Furthermore, the Caucus members underscored that Petro's actions could embolden Hamas, hinder global efforts to address hostage situations, and undermine the work of world leaders striving for justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They emphasized that such decisions do not align with the interests of the Colombian people, who have historically benefited from ties with Israel and the United States.

Chairwoman Salazar's commitment to combating antisemitism was also highlighted in the statement, noting her efforts to address the issue both domestically and internationally. Her leadership in denouncing antisemitic rhetoric and introducing legislation to combat it in the United States was acknowledged.

The joint statement reaffirmed the Caucus's dedication to fostering strong ties between the United States, Latin American and Caribbean nations, and Israel, condemning President Petro's move as "disgraceful." The speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining multilateral relationships and denounced Petro's decision to sever diplomatic relations with Israel.