Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella vowed to “stand with Israel” on Saturday during a Rosh Hashanah visit to the Beth El synagogue in Barranquilla.
The event saw the new president, who won office in August, address members of Colombia’s Jewish community, offering his support to Jewish families across the country and reaffirming his support for Israel.
Espriella described his decision to visit the synagogue as “a gesture of respect, affection and brotherhood” towards Colombia’s Jewish community.
“I ask the god of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to bless every Jewish family in Colombia and to bless all the people of Israel,” he told worshippers.
The president, a Catholic convert, went on to deliver a strong message of support for the Jewish state.
“I will never stop defending Israel because it is the people of God, and I will always stand with Israel,” he said.
Espriella’s comments come as his government moves to reshape Colombia’s relationship with Israel.
Under previous socialist and progressive administrations, relations between Bogotá and Jerusalem became increasingly strained, but the new right-wing government has signalled a markedly different approach, with Espriella making support for Israel a prominent part of his foreign policy.
Since taking office, he has pledged to restore diplomatic ties with Israel, move Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem and reverse policies introduced by his predecessor.
The Jewish community in Colombia is relatively small but has established communal institutions and congregations, including Barranquilla.
The president’s appearance at the synagogue was welcomed by Jewish community members who have been closely following the government’s changing approach to Israel.
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.