President Milei's surprising devotion to Judaism and Israel provokes tension in Argentina and beyond
FILE- Argentine President Javier Milei prays at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City, Feb. 6, 2024. Although born and raised Roman Catholic, Milei has increasingly shown public interest in Judaism and even expressed intentions to convert. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)
BY ISABEL DEBRE AND ALMUDENA CALATRAVA
Updated 7:18 AM CDT, June 3, 2024
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — At the base of the sacred Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City, President Javier Milei of Argentina appeared to be in a spiritual trance.
With head and hands pressed against the ancient stone, he prayed with the Orthodox rabbi who introduced him to Judaism three years ago. Although born and raised Roman Catholic, Milei has increasingly shown public interest in Judaism and even expressed intentions to convert.
Stepping back from the wall, Milei broke down. He hugged Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish close, sobbing onto his shoulder.
“In that moment, I felt proud that we have such a determined leader, with such deep spiritual values,” Wahnish told The Associated Press in a recent interview, recalling their state trip to Israel in February. For many Argentines, that pride was fraught with peril.
Breaking decades of policy precedent, Milei has gone further in his support of right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government than perhaps any other world leader as Israel faces growing isolation over its bombardment and invasion of Gaza that has killed over 36,000 Palestinians and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine.
More:
https://apnews.com/article/milei-judaism-hezbollah-israel-hamas-war-netanyahu-d8831369a6bc8a96205d4080d2b2045b
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It's an article of faith among Latin right-wingers that "Jews control everything" - and while in the past they responded with Torquemada-like murderousness toward them, they've recently decided that their best bet is to cozy up.
But only to the worst among Jews, mind you - the Netanyahoo and Sheldon Adelson types.
And that's where Milei's clownish pandering to Bibi, and far-right Jews in general, comes in.
Meanwhile, he's been plunging his country into a depression - plus now, workers will have to pay an 8% tax to fund their own layoffs (which, of course, will happen much more often as they're now deregulated).
No wonder Biden barely looked at this fiend when he practically accosted Biden at the G-7 (rumor is, that Biden scolded him gently):
Certainly contrasts with the much more at-ease demeanor Biden had with Fernández:
Thanks as always, Judi, for your context and great insights.
Qué será, yes?
at the feedback he's getting from Biden! He's about to per-splode! Good grief! Have never seen anyone do a worse job of hiding his fury! How Joe Biden kept from bursting into laughter reveals how much self-control the President maintains.
How wonderful it is to see Fernández' face again. A leader. Seeing their smiles reminds us that there are still sane leader-level people among us, even now.
Who on earth would normally elect Milei? It can't be there are that many fellow lunatics in Argentina!
Or in the U.S.
What a shame.
Thank you, peppertree. Hope you can avoid lower altitude heat which will be smooshing the Midwest this week! Stay cool. 🏔⛄️❄️