This month, I was invited to a discussion with the Consul General of Panama in New York, Elias Levy, who is deeply rooted in Panamanian and Jewish heritage. Levy will be leaving his post on July 31.
During the meeting, I shared my concerns about the shocking rise in antisemitism across the world, and was to hear Levy felt the same and was working to combat the rise in hatred against Israel. Levy has had a strong connection to Israel from a young age, as he won the prestigious Chidon Ha-Tanach at the age of 12 in Panama, and represented Panama in Israel.
Reflecting on his time in New York, Levy told me he believes that most people do support Jews and Israel’s right to live in peace, but that the nefarious voices of the worst actors drown out the silent majority of the many.
As someone who represents a foreign government, and also has great love for the State of Israel, Levy feels that the lack of education and misconceptions about Israel as a beacon of religious freedom are concerning.
“People don’t realize that Israel is a country with total freedom where you can practice any religion and enjoy LGBT rights. Many individuals think being against someone is a trend, such as being antisemitic. People see Israel and Gaza as strong versus weak. As Jews, we always pray for peace, and our desire is for peace in the region, including with all of Israel’s neighbors. I am sure Israel can achieve peace with the Palestinians when given the opportunity. However, for peace to happen, both parties need to truly want it.” Levy shared.
Levy’s goal is to create safe places for Jewish faith and culture to thrive without fear or discrimination, as seen in Panama, where the Jewish community lives peacefully among other cultures and coexists harmoniously with other religions.
Relations between Panama and Israel have been strong for decades. Recent highlights include a Free Trade Agreement in 2018, and strong support for Israel after the Hamas massacre of October 7. Levy’s statement also reflects Panama’s position that there can’t be a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, until there is a true partner for peace in the region.
Levy told me that the Jewish population of Panama is approximately 16,000, and the educational landscape has evolved to encompass five Jewish schools dedicated to nurturing a profound sense of cultural identity and Jewish heritage. I didn’t know that Panama was such a strong beacon of support for Israel — and hope that many Jews and people who support Israel come to learn about the ties between the two countries, and support Panama, just as Panama has supported Israel.
Levy’s message inspired me. I hope the horrific rise in antisemitism is a trend that will pass, and until then, Israelis and Jews in the United States — and in Panama — will continue to raise our voices and stand strong together to bring light and pride to our Jewish spirit.
Ayelet Raymond is an Israel activist, and the creative force behind the @Kosher_Barbie character and social media personality.
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