Venezuela's Chief Rabbi Urges Government to Restore Diplomatic Ties With Israel

Venezuela's chief rabbi has called on interim President Delcy Rodríguez to restore diplomatic and consular relations with Israel, citing the needs of the country's Jewish community.

Rabbi Isaac Cohen, chief rabbi of the Israelite Association of Venezuela, delivered a letter to Rodríguez during a Sunday meeting with Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia González at the Foreign Ministry in Caracas. The request seeks to reopen diplomatic channels between the two nations, which have been without formal relations for more than 17 years.

Plasencia said the proposal was presented in the context of serving Venezuela's Jewish community, which he described as an important part of the country's history and development. "Venezuela has historically welcomed" A significant Jewish community and recognized its contributions to the country, Plasencia said according to remarks reported by the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry.

The appeal follows Israel's dispatch of a humanitarian and technical delegation to Venezuela after earthquakes struck the country on June 24. Israeli teams conducted assessments of damaged and potentially unstable buildings and helped develop emergency and reconstruction plans. Venezuelan officials publicly thanked Israel for the assistance despite the absence of diplomatic relations.

Rodríguez met with members of the Israeli delegation and expressed appreciation for their work. Cohen facilitated contact between the Venezuelan government and the Israeli relief mission, and Rodríguez previously thanked the rabbi for helping bring Israeli experts to the country.

Venezuela severed diplomatic relations with Israel in 2009 under then-President Hugo Chávez. The Israeli mission spent several weeks in Venezuela before returning to Israel in July.

For Venezuela's Jewish community, restored formal relations could address practical needs involving consular services, travel and communication with Israel while reopening an official channel between the two countries. The Foreign Ministry said Plasencia expressed appreciation for Israel's earthquake assistance.

No immediate decision by Rodríguez on the request was announced.