To mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Argentina and Israel, a ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem. The event, organized by the Argentine Embassy in Israel, included the participation of the Argentine Ambassador to Israel, Shimon Axel Wahnish, senior Israeli politicians, and a special message from Argentine President Javier Milei.
In his letter, read by Ambassador Wahnish, President Milei emphasized the shared values of the two countries:
“The foundation of the relationship between Argentina and Israel is the value of freedom and democracy. I prioritized our relationship with Israel and elevated it to a level never achieved before. I commend the wonderful work our embassy in Israel is doing for this purpose.”
Milei also expressed his admiration for Israel and condemned the October 7th massacre:
“My admiration for Israel, its history, and its people is sincere. A nation that has repeatedly demonstrated that resilience and the unwavering defense of freedom are key to overcoming any challenge. Silence is complicity, and it obligates us to condemn the brutal and cowardly terrorist attack of October 7th. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages, including Argentine citizens. My gratitude to President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the deep friendship between our two countries.”
Milei is expected to visit Israel next month for the second time in less than a year, during which he is expected to reaffirm his promise to move the Argentine Embassy to Jerusalem.
In his speech, Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the strengthening of ties under Milei’s leadership:
“Argentina was the first country in Latin America to recognize the State of Israel. Now, under the leadership of my dear friend Javier Milei, the relationship is stronger than ever.”
He also recalled Milei’s recent visit to Israel, during which they toured kibbutzim attacked by Hamas terrorists: “We cried and laughed together, standing united against the forces of terror.”
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana praised the courage of the Argentine government for recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization and questioning the UN’s role in Gaza:
“I had the honor of meeting President Milei in Buenos Aires and confirmed the strength of this alliance, which has never been so strong.”
Ohana also announced: “We will invite President Milei to address the Knesset.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar emphasized Milei’s leadership, praised the work of Ambassador Wahnish, and referred to Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein as “a friend.” He added:
“Argentina and Israel are united in the defense of democracy and freedom. This is a historic moment in our relations. I thank President Milei for his unwavering support of Israel. I will soon visit Buenos Aires accompanied by businesspeople to take this friendship to a new level.”
In an emotional speech, Ambassador Axel Wahnish highlighted the transformation in bilateral relations:
“For 74 years, Argentina has been a partner of Israel, but today, thanks to the president’s firm decision, we have become unconditional friends. True friends show themselves in difficult times, and the Argentine government understands that Israel’s struggle is not merely regional but a fight between barbarism and civilization.”
Wahnish concluded with praise: “The greatest president in Argentina’s history, Javier Milei, chooses life, and today we are building bridges of freedom.”
The event included the “Bridges of Freedom” exhibition by Argentine artist Oscar “Cacho” Soler, featuring paintings of iconic sites from Buenos Aires and Jerusalem. Additionally, a ceremony was held to honor Argentine families affected by the October 7th attacks, accompanied by a joint call for the release of the hostages held by Hamas.
Argentina is home to the largest Jewish community in South America. In Israel, the Argentine community is well integrated into society. As recognition of the community’s activities in Israel and as a testament to the bond between the nations, the ambassador honored four prominent members of the Argentine community in Israel for their public service as a bridge between the nations: former Knesset Member and economist Manuel Trajtenberg, Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan, Tali Grosshaus from IsraAID, and soccer player Marco Wolf.
Argentina was the first country in South America to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, and in July of last year, President Milei declared Hamas a terrorist organization. Recently, Argentina was elected as the chair of the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) and remains the only full member country in South America. Argentina is working alongside Israel in efforts to release the hostages held in Gaza with dual citizenship, including members of the Bibas family. The event included participation from families of Argentine hostages and former captives, who were invited to the stage to call for the swift release of the 100 hostages still held by Hamas.
