Asunción, Agencia IP.- Upon receiving the Gesher Award from the American Jewish Committee (AJC), the President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, emphasized that the award represents «a symbol of the profound political, emotional, and spiritual bond that exists between the Jewish people and Paraguay.»
As part of his official visit to the United States, the President received the recognition last Monday for the close ties between Paraguay, Israel, and the Jewish world. The award, previously granted to Spain’s King Felipe VI, is called the Gesher Award from the American Jewish Committee (AJC).
I receive this award not because of any personal merit, which I do not have, but as a symbol of the profound political, emotional, and spiritual ties that exist between the Jewish people and Paraguay,» Peña stated during his speech.
He highlighted the historic friendship between Paraguay and Israel. «I am convinced that there exists an indestructible bond between Paraguay and the Jewish people, a bond that is built not upon more mere political convenience or expediency, but upon our shared commitment to principles that transcend space and time, principles like peace, justice, and sovereignty of nations, but above all, the principle of solidarity and true brotherhood.»
In his address, the Head of State also referenced the decision to return the Paraguayan Embassy in Israel to the city of Jerusalem, which was implemented last December. He hoped this move would inspire other nations to do the same.
It is worth noting that the American Jewish Committee (AJC), which honored Peña, is a Jewish advocacy organization dedicated to defending the civil rights of Jews in the United States and abroad. It is one of the oldest Jewish organizations in the U.S., founded on November 11, 1906.