Guatemala City – In recent years Guatemala has become an attractive destination for Israeli tourists, but the warm ties seem to stretch beyond that – to the many years of close relations between the two countries that lead the local congress to honor Israel this week.
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Much excitement took over the Israelis arriving at the Guatemala Congress a few days ago. An Israeli flag was placed at the center of the hall, with a band playing the Israeli national anthem in the background.
The reason for the unusual event is the Guatemalan Congress’ decision to grant Israel and the Israeli people its highest honor.
Congress speaker Roberto Alejos decided to bestow the honor on Israel after two thirds of the congress members expressed their support of honoring the State of Israel for its contribution to the Central American nation.
In his speech at the ceremony, Alejos praised Israel’s activity in the country. “If there is thriving agriculture – it’s an Israeli contribution. If we have education, medicine and security – it’s the Israelis that shared with us their rich experience,” he said.
After the speech, Israeli Ambassador to Guatemala Eli Lopez was called to wave the Israeli flag in the center of the room.
The ambassador then bowed his head to the speaker to receive the honor. In his speech, Lopez thanked the congress members and the citizens of Guatemala on behalf of the Israeli people.
“Despite its political problems, Israel continues to share its experience with friendly nations such as Guatemala,” Lopez said.
The ambassador said he felt national pride and excitement when he saw the Israeli flag honored at a time when Israel is faced with international difficulties.
On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman phoned the Guatemalan vice president and thanked him for the event.
The two agreed that the Guatemalan president should visit Israel at the start of next year
Kol hakavod to Guatemala and its congress especially in these recent post Goldstone report days.
a lot of the people that work for me are from Guatemala nice good people and you mix them for mexican.
Many latin countries can learn a lot from Israel. If israel would increase its influence in the region they will benefit in the long run. Latin America has not yet been infected with Muslims unlike Europe where its projected that the Muslims will become a significant percentage of the residents.
Let’s show our appreciation by going there on vacation, instead of some anti-Israel country.
Interesting. I actually am going there on business next month.
Costa Rica is a wonderful choice. It is friendly to Israel and Jews. Its capital, San Jose, has great options in glatt kosher dining.
Going to Guatemala is dangerous.You cant walk on the streets as the crime is rampant.You can only stay in Guatemala City next to the major hotel where the government has troops there to make sure foreigners are safe.if you walk a few blocks from there your life is in danger.
Sr Roberto is a freind to the Jewish people as was his father RIP the former VP of Guatemala