Wiesenthal Center Denounces Anti-Semitic Demonstrations in Latin America

July 6, 2020

BUENOS AIRES and PARIS - In recent days there have been statements by former Latin American Presidents, together with other figures and institutions, especially by Chilean artists, open letters in newspapers, countless posts on social media, all criticizing an annexation of territories that Israel has not carried out. Many included in their banners and articles support for movements that hide behind campaigns for sanctions and boycotts, reminiscent of the Nazis in the 1930s. In reality, these Nazi heirs are bent on the destruction of the Jewish State of Israel.

Some go further, glorifying terrorists who hijacked planes during the 1970s.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet summed it up out of context: "Annexation is illegal, period."

Dr. Shimon Samuels, Director for International Relations of the Wiesenthal Center argued that "the same assertiveness shown by Ms. Bachelet would be more appropriate to condemn the missiles that are fired from Gaza every day against the civilian population, or the teaching materials they use in Palestinian schools calling for the Jew to be annihilated."

“If there is a conflict, fostering dialogue between the involved is the way to peace. A solution requires the basis of peaceful coexistence with the other. Continuing to support groups inciting to violent measures and demonizing a single party only emboldens the other, aggravating the conflict and pushing away any solution. For different results, it is time to try a different approach and focus on promoting a direct dialogue between the parties,” concluded Dr. Ariel Gelblung, Center’s Latin American Director

For further information, please contact Dr. Shimon Samuels at +336 09770158 or Dr. Ariel Gelblung at +54 9 11 49695365,

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The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization numbering over 400.000 members. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).