More than 50 Latin American leaders from 21 different countries, the largest delegation of Latin American leaders in Israel, attended this year’s Jerusalem International Conference.
The conference was established by the AMISRAEL Organization to strengthen Latin American support for Israel. Attendees spend the week comparing and contrasting cultures through a series of panel discussion, round table meetings, lectures and on site meetings with government ministers, legislative and judicial officials, and academic and religious leaders.
Benny Elon and Dr. Soto. (Israel news photo: courtesy AMISRAEL)
At Sunday’s welcoming reception, former MK Benny Elon told the group that “we appreciate everything you’ve done here in the Holy City of Jerusalem” and reaffirmed that “the bridges between us are not political, but rather biblical.” Israel’s Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov told delegates that “you have come to transform the Middle East” and he welcomed them to what he called an “historic event.”
Natan Sharansky and Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger addressed the conference during panel discussions throughout the week.
At the invitation of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, the group met with a diverse group of nine Knesset Members. They also participated in meetings at the Foreign Ministry and Supreme Court.
Dr. William Soto, founder and director of AMISRAEL, spoke at the event’s conclusion and reminded the delegates that they are “policymakers” and capable of turning the week’s dialogue and experiences into action.