‘Chavez no friend to the Jews’

Anti-Semitism is on the rise in Venezuela. What is going on in Venezuela is shameful.

The invasion of the Tiferet Israel Synagogue in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas appeared to have been planned. The messages scrawled on the walls and the desecration of religious objects must be condemned.

Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan president, has fostered an atmosphere of anti-Semitism as witnessed by his recent speeches. He recently denounced Israel’s government, calling it “genocidal.” He also said in one speech, and I paraphrase, that the same people who crucified Christ are in control of the world’s wealth. There is no other way to interpret this but to accuse Chavez of anti-Semitism, and he should be held accountable.

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We must make it clear to Chavez, in both English and Spanish, that this incitement will not be tolerated and these attacks must be stopped.

The world must not stand by and be silent. Hugo Chavez is no friend to the Jews.