At a time when Israel faces international hostility, including that of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, in neighboring Colombia, Rabbi Haim Elbaz of Afula reports good relations toward Jews. Interviewed on Arutz Sheva's Hebrew journal, Rabbi Elbaz said the local population has been suprised and interested in his customs from his waiving of the lulav for Sukkot in the airport to the moments he and his brother recited Psalms as his mother underwent a kidney transplant.

The rabbi also recalled how the other non-Jewish transplant candidates asked for his blessing, explaining, "We know the Jewish people are with G-d."