Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro is criticized for divisive rhetoric endangering the Jewish community amid rising antisemitism. His failure to address the October 7 Hamas attack and inflammatory comparisons to historical atrocities deepen societal divisions. Acts of antisemitism are on the rise in Colombia, reflecting the urgent need for leadership that promotes unity and protects vulnerable communities.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has drawn criticism for polarizing statements that endanger the Jewish community in Colombia, which numbers approximately 5,000 people. Amid rising global antisemitism, the need for leadership that fosters unity and promotes justice is critical. Petro’s rhetoric has deepened societal divisions rather than encouraging reconciliation following the traumatic events surrounding the Gaza conflict.
On January 6, 2025, Petro addressed the Gaza situation on X, failing to mention the October 7 Hamas attack or acknowledge the Israeli victims. His statements suggest a one-sided view of the conflict, ignoring the broader implications for peace and communal solidarity. The rhetoric used undermines the rights and safety of Jewish Colombians, who face increased risks as tensions escalate.
Following the horrific attacks by Hamas in October 2023, which resulted in over a thousand Israeli deaths and severe violence, Petro did not condemn the actions but instead dehumanized Israel. He wrote, “From a very young age, I studied the Palestinian-Israeli conflict…the neo-Nazis want the destruction of the Palestinian people.” Through these comments, he has trivialized historical trauma while inciting hostility.
Additionally, just days after the attacks, he tweeted about comparing Gaza to Auschwitz, thus trivializing the Holocaust and promoting dangerous antisemitic narratives. Petro’s comments, equating Israel’s actions with those of the Nazis, fall under the definition of antisemitism established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), which Colombia has adopted.
Petro’s inflammatory remarks have catalyzed antisemitic incidents within Colombia, including attacks on the Israeli embassy in Bogotá and vandalism against Jewish-owned businesses. These events reflect a dangerous trend attributed to the lack of responsible leadership and a failure to address the unfolding violence against Jews and other marginalized groups.
The atmosphere of hostility is deeply concerning, as acts of violence against the Jewish community have intensified. The president’s failure to unify the country against discrimination has instead legitimized a culture of extremism, leading to significant social unrest and a threatening environment for Jews in Colombia. Leadership that promotes understanding rather than division is essential for the country’s future.
President Petro’s rhetoric exacerbates antisemitism in Colombia, threatening the safety of its Jewish community. His inflammatory comments and failure to address historical violence foster a dangerous atmosphere, exemplified by rising incidents of hatred towards Jews. Colombia’s leadership must pivot towards unity and protection for all communities to combat the very real threats presented by extremism and intolerance. The nation needs a leader who upholds the values of justice and equality, rather than one who exploits division for political gain.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
