Colombia’s New President Visits Synagogue for Rosh Hashanah, Vows: ‘I Will Always Stand With Israel’

De la Espriella told those gathered that his presence was meant as “a gesture of respect, affection and fraternity” toward Colombia’s Jewish community.

“I ask the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to bless every Colombian Jewish family and to bless all the people of Israel,” he said.

The president then delivered a direct message about his support for Israel.

“I will never stop defending Israel, because it is the people of God and I will always stand with Israel,” De la Espriella said.

The president recalled that he defended Israel during his presidential campaign despite being advised by some sectors not to address the issue.

He also called on Jews and Christians to defend values including faith, life, family, human dignity, justice and peace.

The visit comes as de la Espriella’s government moves to restore Colombia’s relationship with Israel after more than two years of diplomatic tensions under former President Gustavo Petro.

De la Espriella has pledged to restore full diplomatic relations with Israel and move Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem. His government has also taken steps toward restoring Colombian coal exports to Israel and withdrawing from South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with de la Espriella in August and said the two countries were working to strengthen diplomatic, security and economic ties. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the countries had agreed on restoring full diplomatic relations, appointing ambassadors and moving Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem.

Colombia has also recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, becoming the second country after the United States to do so.

At Bet-El, however, the focus was on the Jewish New Year.

The synagogue, located in Barranquilla’s El Prado neighborhood, was built in 1964 and belongs to the Masorti, or Conservative, stream of Judaism.

De la Espriella concluded his remarks by praying for the health, prosperity and peace of Jewish families throughout Colombia and for the people of Israel.