Yom HaAtzmaut Celebration in Argentina Merges Artistic Expression With Civic Courage

In a powerful tribute to the strength and spirit of the Jewish people, the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), in partnership with Fundación Judaica and Sociedad Hebraica, hosted a special Yom HaAtzmaut event last Wednesday in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The evening featured a performance by renowned Israeli choreographer, dancer, and teacher Oded Ronen, who created a moving artistic transition from Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) to Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day).

The program began with remarks by Israeli Ambassador to Argentina Eyal Sela. CAM Director of Hispanic Affairs Shay Salamon followed, emphasizing the importance of promoting civil society initiatives in Jewish communities across Latin America in the aftermath of October 7th — particularly in Argentina, home to a strong and vibrant Jewish population.

Ronen’s performance concluded with a video from families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, along with a message of thanks to the Argentine Jewish community and a call to continue advocating for the release of their loved ones.

The stage was adorned with images of the six Argentine citizens who remain in Hamas captivity, and the event closed with a communal singing of “Hatikvah,” the Israeli national anthem.

The deepest gratitude of CAM is extended to to Fundación Judaica — led by Rabbi Sergio Bergman, former minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Argentina and current president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism — for making this meaningful event possible.

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, lawmakers, 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.