Sounding the Alarm on Chavez's Anti-Semitism

The Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has just published a report which documents Venezuela’s constant encroachment of civil and political rights, most notably against its Jewish community.

The Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) published a report which criticizes Venezuela’s constant encroachment of civil and political rights, most notably against its Jewish community.

The report noted that the government controlled media “contributed to creating an atmosphere of intimidation and violence against the Jewish community in Venezuela…The commission views these violent acts with concern, aware that they could also affect the right of freedom of worship in Venezuela…”

FrumForum interviewed Rabbi Marvin Hier, the Founder and Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum of Tolerance (MOT). MOT is an international Jewish human rights organization that confronts anti-Semitism, hate, and terrorism, and defends the safety of Jews worldwide.

Chavez has made it very difficult for Jews by blaming America and Israel for all the evils of the world.  Rabbi Hier noted that “He talks about Israel as the epitome of evil.  Chavez hates America, hates Israel, and hates Zionism.”

How does Chavez make it difficult for Venezuelan Jews?  Hier commented that they are reluctant to complain, especially in the media, because of the governmental pressure and the hostile environment. They are afraid to make public statements since everything said is monitored.  He further stated that “If you are a Zionist, you are certainly a persona non grata. Jews there cannot live openly as Jews and Zionists.  Otherwise they will feel the wrath of the government, since the official line is that Zionism is poison. The best thing for them to do is leave but then they would have to leave their assets behind.”

The bottom line that everyone has to understand is that the Venezuelan Jews are under governmental pressure, they cannot fully express themselves as Jews, and they can only practice their religion if they remain neutral about Israel.