President Shimon Peres welcomed and honored Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli in an official ceremony at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.
The leaders spoke warmly of each other's countries and pledged their mutual support.
President Martinelli told President Peres and attendees at the ceremony that he "preferred to speak from the heart," and enthused: "The Jewish heart is the same as Panama's heart."
"As a citizen of Panama," said President Martinelli, "I say with great honor and joy: I will always support Israel, guardian of the world's capital, Jerusalem."
President Martinelli proclaimed that he was "proud" his government includes three Jewish ministers among various other Jewish government officials, as well as a thriving Jewish community. "I came to Israel to learn from your success, and I have no doubt that there is much to learn," said President Martinelli. "I am sure Israel and Panama have a strong and bright future in all our joint efforts."
'Panama is close to our hearts'
President Peres returned President Martinelli's sentiments, telling his Panamanian counterpart, "In the name of Israel I want to thank you and the citizens of your country from the bottom of my heart for your long-standing friendship and support of Israel. Panama is also close to our hearts. Your country is a symbol of peace, a country without an army. We hope to one day to live like you, in security and in peace.”
During their meeting, President Peres acquainted President Martinelli with Israel's scientific, technological, and agricultural achievements, and discussed the possibility of extending cooperation in those fields.
'Uncompromising support for the Jewish people'
President Martinelli also visited the Kotel, also known as the Western Wall of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Vice President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela and Rabbi of the Kotel and the Holy Places Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, as well as heads of the Panamanian Jewish community. At the site, which abuts the Temple Mount, President Martinelli said he understood the Jewish tie to the Land of Israel and the "glorious past of the Jewish people." Rabbi Rabinowitz responded with appreciation for the president's "uncompromising support for the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and for the large Jewish community in Panama."
The first Panamanian Jews were Spanish and Portugese 'Conversos' who were forced to practice Judaism secretly. Panama is the only country other than Israel which had two Jewish presidents in the 1900s – Max Delvalle Levy-Maduro in 1967 and his nephew, Eric Arturo Delvalle Cohen-Henríquez from 1985 – 1988.
Israel and Panama exchanged ambassadors in 1960, and Panama is consistently supportive of Israel in the United Nations.
Today's Panamanian Jewish community enjoys kosher supermarkets, restaurants, and Jewish schools. Since 1948, approximately 180 Panamanian Jews have emigrated to Israel.