Media Releases
The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) held the fourth Latin American Forum Against Anti-Semitism in Costa Rica this week, co-organized by B’nai B’rith International.
The three-day forum, held from Nov. 11-14 in San José, Costa Rica, brought together government officials, lawmakers, diplomats, clergy and grassroots activists from 19 countries to combat anti-Semitism and push for legislative action in fighting discrimination worldwide with the motto “zero tolerance for hate.”
Vice President of Costa Rica Stephan Brunner opened the forum as keynote speaker, emphasizing his country’s historical support and friendship toward Israel, as well as its strong determination to combat anti-Semitism: “Together, we can build a Latin America and, even more so, a global community where solidarity and respect prevail, where each person can live safely regardless of their origin.”
Also delivering keynote speeches were Israeli Ambassador Michal Gur-Aryeh and noted Spanish politician and writer Pilar Rahola. Both emphasized that Jews are at risk in every country today and urged democracies to take stronger action against anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred and discrimination.
On day two of the forum, a panel on interfaith dialogue was held along with a presentation on anti-Semitism in Latin American social media.
B’nai B’rith Board Member Sammy Eppel moderated a panel on international strategies to combat anti-Semitism. Organization of American States Special Envoy for Monitoring Antisemitism Fernando Lottenberg discussed the challenges faced in Latin America after Oct. 7, particularly with governments extremely hostile toward Israel.
Another panel emphasized the importance of education at all levels—schools, colleges and universities—in combating hate speech against Jews. Professor Isabel Burstein Kohn, a Holocaust expert and educator, highlighted the crucial role of education in addressing these challenges.
B’nai B’rith Director of Latin American Affairs Eduardo Kohn moderated a panel that featured Holocaust survivor Sara Gilberstein; Daniel Pomeranz, survivor of the AMIA (Argentine Israelite Mutual Association building) bombing in 1994 and current executive director of AMIA; George Bettsack, a young Jewish leader from Panama; and Pastor Raul Rubio, leader of an evangelical congregation in Colombia.
Gilberstein expressed her anguish, noting that the Oct. 7 Hamas pogrom and recent waves of anti-Semitism revived the terror she once endured. Pomeranz, a survivor of the AMIA bombing that killed 29 of his colleagues (as well as more than 50 others in the building), warned that Islamic hatred, evident in the Hamas attacks, fuels global anti-Semitism. Kohn concluded by emphasizing the need for both self-defense and support for allies like Rubio, who recently led his congregation to Israel in a show of friendship and solidarity.
On day three of the forum, representatives from Latin American countries met to discuss their country’s efforts to combat anti-Semitism through proposed laws and policies. Despite facing challenges in countries with anti-Israel governments, all participants from South and Central America showed strong resolve in defending Israel and fighting anti-Semitism. Kohn opened the session, emphasizing the U.N.’s failure to promote peace and democracy, often fueling anti-Semitism through resolutions backed by rogue dictatorships. He called on legislative bodies to defend democracy and prevent authoritarian influence.