Argentina Loves Israel

More than 400 Evangelical pastors from across Argentina, alongside Jewish community leaders, representatives of the Maccabi movement, and officials connected with the State of Israel, participated last week in the special seminar "Argentina Loves Israel".

Promoted by MWU through its Department of Education, the gathering expressed unity, support for the State of Israel, and a shared commitment to combating antisemitism.

The event, held in partnership with Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, took place at the Amijai Community in Buenos Aires and was hosted by Rabbi Sarina Vitas. The evening also included musical performances by the chazzan and local musicians.

The "Ambassadors of Truth" International Program

The gathering was held within the framework of the “Ambassadors of Truth” - an international initiative developed by MWU over the past 17 years in cooperation with successive governments of the State of Israel.

Directed by Rabbi Carlos Tapiero, Deputy CEO of MWU and Director of its Department of Education, the program has been implemented across four continents, training thousands of civic, political, academic and community leaders to advocate for the Jewish people’s right to their national state.

In its current phase, the program is expanding its engagement with Evangelical Christian leadership throughout the Americas, fostering a deeper understanding of the historical and biblical connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. The “Argentina Loves Israel” gathering marks a significant milestone in this new stage.

A Historic Gathering of Religious Leadership

The evening was marked by an atmosphere of emotion, prayer, and solidarity, as participants reaffirmed the Bible as a shared spiritual heritage connecting Jews and Christians.

Speakers included Rabbi Alejandro Avruj, spiritual leader of the Amijai Community; Israel’s Ambassador to Argentina, H.E. Eyal Sela; and Pastor Alejandro Espindo of the International Center of Praise, who offered a special prayer for Israel and the Jewish community.

A highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Rabbi Carlos Tapiero, who joined via Zoom from Israel due to the temporary closure of Israeli airspace amid the current tensions with Iran.

His lecture, “The Right of the Jewish People to Their Inheritance,” explored the biblical, historical, legal, and moral foundations of the Jewish people’s bond with the Land of Israel.

Additional remarks and prayers were delivered by Pastor Eduardo Gómez of the Word of Life Church, Pastor Rafael Pedace of the Una Vida Mejor Church, and Pastor Felipe De Stefani of WAIO Church.

Photos credit: Comunidad Amijai 

A Strategic Alliance Against Antisemitism

One of the most significant outcomes of the gathering was the strengthening of cooperation between Argentina’s Jewish leadership and the country’s Evangelical Christian community.

With Evangelicals representing nearly 20 percent of Argentina’s population and one of its fastest-growing religious movements, this partnership opens new opportunities for joint educational initiatives, public programs, and interfaith cooperation aimed at combating antisemitism and the delegitimization of the State of Israel.

An Initiative with Continental Impact

The Buenos Aires gathering forms part of the broader continental strategy of the Ambassadors of Truth program, aimed at strengthening alliances between Jewish and Christian leadership across Latin America.

Recent initiatives have included gatherings with approximately 1,000 pastors in Guatemala and 500 participants in New York, with additional events planned in Colombia and other countries across the region.

“The Maccabi Movement is committed to the present and the future of the State of Israel,” said Rabbi Carlos Tapiero. “This gathering marks the beginning of a meaningful alliance with Argentina’s Evangelical Christians in the joint struggle against antisemitism and anti-Zionism.”

Acknowledgments

MWU expresses its deep gratitude to the Amijai Community for hosting the gathering, to its spiritual leaders Rabbi Alejandro Avruj and Rabbi Sarina Vitas, and to the institution’s Executive Director, Adrián Mirchuk, for their support in making the event possible.

Special thanks are also extended to Pastor Eduardo Augusto Gómez, a partner of the Ambassadors of Truth program, whose leadership played a key role in bringing together hundreds of Evangelical pastors for this historic gathering.

Watch the Full Seminar Here: 

https://www.youtube.com/live/sZNiL2xOl6w?si=NvbvWH7bKkXGP6Fb