The increasingly anti-Semitic commentary in Venezuela’s state-sponsored media in recent days prompted the heads of the country’s Jewish community to request an urgent meeting with President Hugo Chavez. The presidential palace responded that their request would be granted.
The verbal and written attacks have included hints that the Jews are damaging the country’s economy and are following the notorious anti-Semitic fabrication “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.” It is likely related to the rising tensions ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections, which are set for later this month.
“This anti-Semitism is troubling us all and it needs to cease immediately,” said David Bittan Obadia, deputy chairman of the Jewish community of Venezuela Friday. “We are not saying this is the government policy; however, [the government] is capable of putting a stop to the phenomenon. It has the tools. We will be very direct and adamant in the things we will tell President Chavez.”
Bittan Obadia said the attacks had come from the media, but the community’s real concern was that the phenomenon would spread.
He said the president’s staff had promised a meeting with Chavez in about 10 days.
A member of Caracas’ Jewish community told Haaretz yesterday, “Chavez and his supporters will not give up power, irrespective of the election result, and many members of our community are concerned that if there are disturbances, we will be targeted. When there is anarchy, there are always people who use it to attack Jews.”
She added, “When the mood intensifies, like during the current election campaign, there are politicians who immediately bring out the incitement against the Jews. Is this by order of the president? I don’t know, but the president sees and hears everything in the government-controlled area. Many Jewish families in my area have left or are leaving.”
the chofest chaim was asked when to know if jews should leave a country because of anti semitism.
he gave an example from yaakov avinu: when the shepperds of lavan were causing trouble to the shepperds of yaakov, he didn’t move but when lavan himself started to look at him differently, he took his wives and kids and run away.
the chofets chaim says that if there is antisemitism from the street, that’s not the siman one should go but if the governement is showing anti semitism, it’s a sign it’s time to run away from the place.
it doesnt seem real if were not there but how can we let this happen?
which fam?? RAITPORTSSSSSSSSSSSSS AHHHHHHHHHH Chaya Mushka!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and my bunkmate was Rochelle!!!
OMGGGGGG!!!!!
thats soooo scaryyy
Hello, my bunkmate from camp lives in Caracas! Mushky, waht on earth is happening there?
will chavez help?
not out of the question.
meaning, its in his best interest to not have world pressure on his head, that he is fueling anti semitism.
when there was an attack on a shul last time, the heat was on him, and he didnt like it.
public opinion is still important, so he very likely will quiet the “commentary”, and continue his campaign without it, and go back to “blame america” instead.
Chavez is not ani-Semitic, but he sometimes lets these things happen…
this is horrible!! but do you really think chavez will help?!!!!
It is never good to run if you are a Jew, but at the same time there are some countries that I would rather see no Jews living there, and especially if there is no real protection for them like in Venezuela! The president is a wicked person, and hates any ties that one could have with the USA! (Yossi from Cozumel)