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A Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) delegation visited the cities of Rosario, Santa Fe and Paraná in northeastern Argentina last week, as part of CAM en Español’s continuing outreach and engagement across Latin America.
The delegation was led by CAM Director of Hispanic Affairs Shay Salamon, and he was joined by renowned Catalan journalist and Chair of the CAM Advisory Board for Latin America Pilar Rahola.
The main purpose of the visit — the first-ever by CAM to these cities — was to build dialogue with local community leaders, as well as municipal and provincial authorities, amid growing concerns about rising antisemitism in the region.
Meetings were held with Rosario Mayor Pablo Javkin, Santa Fe Mayor Juan Pablo Poletti, and Santa Fe Provincial Vice Governor Gisela Scaglia, and proposals for joint action to confront hatred and misinformation were discussed.
The itinerary also featured a series of public presentations by Salamon and Rahola, who shared insights on the Israel-Iran war, the global proliferation of antisemitism in the aftermath of the October 7th massacre, and the activities of extremist groups in Latin America, among other topics.
These events, attended by hundreds of local community members, were supported by the Asociación Israelita de Paraná, Centro Sionista Natan Gesang, Kehilá Santa Fe, DAIA Santa Fe, AMIA, Vaad Hakehilot, OSA, and Macabi Santa Fe.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing a growth in reports of antisemitism in Argentina, as well as in expressions of hate on social media,” Salamon said. “Data shows Argentina has the third-most number of antisemitic manifestations on social media among Latin American countries, and there is a consistent rise in reports of antisemitic acts. On the other hand, Argentine institutions are showing an increasing lack of tolerance toward these acts, with pertinent action being taken, and this is definitely good news.”
The Argentina trip was followed up this week by a similar visit of a CAM delegation to neighboring Chile.
Also last week, the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro announced the official establishment of October 7 as an annual “Municipal Day to Combat Antisemitism.”
Rio de Janeiro City Councilman Flávio Valle, who promoted the initiative, stated, “That the city officially recognizes this date is a clear sign that Rio does not tolerate antisemitism. It is also a way of showing respect and support for Jewish communities, both here and abroad. We need to remember, educate and act — only in this way will we build a more aware, diverse and safe city for all.”
This October, CAM will hold the fifth-annual Latin American Forum Against Antisemitism in Rio de Janeiro.
In 2023, the Rio de Janeiro municipal government adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, in a move facilitated by CAM.
CAM’s outreach in Latin America began four years ago, and since then it has worked diligently to build meaningful partnerships and friendships with influential leaders, legislators, diplomats, community organizations, and civil society activists from a diverse assortment of religious, political and cultural backgrounds in the region to combat antisemitism together.
During this time, CAM en Español has emerged as a key player in the battle against Jew-hatred in Latin America, with a growing coalition involved in impactful activities in countries including Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador, and Bolivia, among others.
CAM en Español has organized regional summits hosted by Costa Rica in 2024 (where 18 countries were represented), Uruguay in 2023, Panama in 2022, and Guatemala in 2021.
