Chabad Refuses To Welcome Chávez
Ynet is reporting that Venezuelean President Hugo Chávez's request to pay an official visit to a Chabad synagogue in Caracas was rejected by Chabad's Rabbi Moshe Perman, the chief Chabad representative in the country. Perman argued that was aimed at garnering political gains for Chávez in light of the West's revulsion for Chávez and his actions which, Ynet reports, include:
…Chávez who has been in office since 1999, allied with Saddam Hussein at the time, befriended Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Syrian President Bashar Assad, and has even paid them personal visits.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center has accused him of anti-Semitism after in one of his speeches he accused the Jews of crucifying Jesus and of holding the entire world's capital.
Since 2002, when he accused the Israeli Mossad of an attempted coup in his country, the Jewish community is fearful of his conduct.…
Ynet adds there are 25,300 Jews in Venezuela, 60% of whom are Ashkenazim and 40% Sefardim.
Rabbi Perman should be applauded for his courage.
Great news. Now brace for a pogrom.
Posted by: Yos | February 25, 2007 at 06:23 PM
Venezeluan Jews must leave for Israel NOW!!!
Posted by: Harold | February 25, 2007 at 06:29 PM
Perman is dead rabbi walking.
Posted by: MO MAN | February 25, 2007 at 07:46 PM
and you are all dead antisemites walking!
Posted by: avrohom | February 25, 2007 at 09:26 PM
Someone should start a fund to get bodyguard protection for him and his family. Seriously.
Posted by: | February 25, 2007 at 09:48 PM
Shmarya-
If you are applauding Rabbi Perlman, why did you categorize this story under "Court Jews & Quislings?"
The rabbi's actions are rare considering how during the Cold War, many Jewish community leaders often took a softer approach towards despots in Russia, Syria, and Ethiopia. This was done in fear of pogroms and persecution of local Jews.
Rabbi Perlman's courageous defiance of Hugo Chavez is notable, but I also hope thati t will not result in a reprisal.
Posted by: mazeartist | February 25, 2007 at 10:10 PM
To contrast what Rabbi Perman has done with the truly bad things done bt Berel Lazar.
Posted by: Shmarya | February 25, 2007 at 10:14 PM
You are a fool to compare the two situations. You know nothing of either Russia or Venezuela.
Posted by: anon | February 25, 2007 at 10:55 PM
If Shmarya is applauding something must be fishy.
Posted by: YidChat | February 26, 2007 at 09:33 AM
Yasher Koach Rabbi Perman
Posted by: Schneur | February 26, 2007 at 09:45 AM
Message from Chabad of Venezuela:
For the information of anyone who is interested. The story which was
reported in COL and subsequently in the Israeli Media is 100% false it is a
completely fabricated story and it has caused us quite a bit of damage here
in our community. Anyone who is in the position to pass this on please do
so.
Posted by: anonymous | February 26, 2007 at 12:02 PM