Early this month there was a gathering of solidarity to support the Venezuelan Jewish community. This was done in the wake of the attack against the Great Synagogue Tiferet Israel in Caracas on Saturday January 31, 2009. The community in Venezuela, Jews, and non-Jews are deeply concerned with the level of intimidation and anti-Semitic acts. The gathering took place at Beth Torah of North Miami Beach and was planned days after the event – three of four days. The organizers expected a crowd, but were amazed when close to two thousand showed up. There wasn’t enough room to fit everyone in the main hall.

When there’s a cause that people feel strongly about, the support comes in huge numbers. It was clear that everyone in the community wanted to be at this gathering to hear the speakers and demonstrate their support. The opening remarks were made by Rabbi Mario Rojzman of Beth Torah. His passionate speech moved the crowd as he demanded an end to this violence. He protested against those that carried out this attack and explained that Jews living in Venezuela and Jews from Venezuela living outside the country consider themselves Jews and Venezuelans. Acts like these will not and should not shake the pride Jews feel to their country, Venezuela.

There were many speakers that captured the attention of all those in attendance. The speakers were Ofer Bavly, the Consul General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehitnen, Rabbi Frederick L Klein Executive Vice President of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami, Father Federico Capdepon of Santa Martha Catholic Church, Moises Carciente the Former President of the Associacion Israelita de Venezuela, and Rabbi Amram Amselem Former Rabbi of the Great Synagogue Tiferet Israel of Associacion Israelita de Venezuela. Each spoke with passion and hopes to end the terror against the Jews. Father Federico Capdepon stressed the importance of strengthening relations between Jews and Catholics in order to spread peace and to end hatred.

Clearly this event was moving and important as a show of support to those in the USA and in Venezuela, but what can be done now? How can people make a difference and get justice for what has been done? Will America recognize that these events were carried out by the government and allow these Venezualan Jews to come to America? How can we help?

At this gathering a copy of the statement made by Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz was handed out to the crowd. Here is what she said…

February 4, 2009
Statement Condemming the Attack on the Tifferet Israel Synagogue in Caracas, Venezuela

Madam Speaker,

I rise today to express my profound concern and indignation regarding the recent attack on the Tiferet Israel Sephardic synagoge in Caracas, Venezuela.

The attack, which occured just days after International Holocaust Remembrance Day, on the Jewish Sabbath, was reminiscent of Kristallnact.

For five hours, violent anti-Semites profaned and vandalized a Sephardic synagogue in capital city Caracas, leaving behind graffitiwith words of hatred.

But the violence didn’t stop there. Sacred torah scrolls were hurled about recklessly and damaged. The synagogue’s guard was held at gunpoint and was found on the floor of the building by synagogue members on Saturday morning.

Let me be clear. This brazen attack on the Venezuelan Jewish community did not occur in a vacuum.

It was the direct result of the Venezuelan government’s leaders, officials, media commentators and others, who have fostered an atmosphere of intimidation against the Jewish community.

During the Gaza crisis, anti-Semitic and anti-Israel statements were made by the Venezuelan President, the foreign minister, interior minister, the president of the national assembly, a number of congress members, and governors across the country.

In most recent of his blatantly anti-Semitic public comments. President Hugo Chavez said “the Israelis criticize Hitler but have done something worse,” and also asked “Don’t Jews repudiate the Holocaust? This is precisely what we’re witnessing.”

Hateful, fear-mongering comments like these were condemmed by our own Department of State, in a 2008 report where they listed “drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis” as an example of anti-Semitism.

President Chavez “condemned” Friday’s attack on Tiferet Israel sentencea as briefly as possible, making no mention of plans to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish community in his country. He did, however, take a considerable amount of time to throw mud at his opponents, accusing them of staging the synagogue assault. This is unacceptable.

In November 2008, President Chavez signed a statement along with the presidents of Argentina and Brazil condemning religious intolerance, and “in particular anti-Semitism and anti-Islamism.”

In the strongest of terms I urge the government of Venezuela to live up to this statement, and end the incessant bullying and harasssment of the Jews of Venezuela.

Thank you Madam Speaker, I yeild back the balance of my time.

Please pass this around to everyone on your email list so we can spread the word about what’s going on in Venezuela. Show your support and leave a comment regarding your thoughts on this event. Thank you.

Related posts:

1. Venezuelan Jewish Community Attack
2. An event for a good cause
3. YFIDV Event Follow Up