HRF presents itself as a human rights NGO based in Belgium, but it is in fact part of a strategy led by individuals linked to and trained by Hezbollah, aiming to erode Israel’s legitimacy in international forums and to target young people who have completed their mandatory military service in the Jewish State.

HRF leader Dyab Abou Jahjah has admitted to being trained by the Lebanese terrorist group and has openly declared his support for Hamas, justifying the October 7 attacks.  His record also includes Holocaust denial, calling for the implementation of Sharia law in Europe, and disregarding LGBTQ rights.

Dr. Dario Pendzik, Simon Wiesenthal Center´s Assistant Director for Latin America, stated: “The Peruvian judicial system must not fall into this trap. It is one thing to accept universal jurisdiction to avoid impunity in cases of crimes against humanity, and quite another to persecute people based on their nationality, harassing them judicially for alleged crimes attributed to their country's authorities.”

“This is a case where members of international terrorism, who reject the concept of Western justice, aim to exploit the system and attempt to isolate Israeli citizens within their own territory.  The perverse goal is to both destroy Israel and persecute its citizens worldwide. In other words, they believe these individuals should have no place to live.  Judicial systems in the region must not and cannot allow themselves to be used to pursue or harass travelers based on their nationality,” concluded Dr. Ariel Gelblung, SWC Regional Director.

For further information, please email Ariel Gelblung, Director of Simon Wiesenthal Center Latin America agelblung@wiesenthal.com, join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your Twitter feed. 

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS, and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).