Concern within the Jewish community of Venezuela of anti-Semitic repercussions is
mounting as a result of Israel's Operation Pillar of Cloud. Venezuelan security
forces have boosted their guard over the central synagogue in Caracas in the wake of
anti-Semitic demonstrations where cries of vengeance were voiced very stridently.
President of the Federation of Jewish and Israeli Organizations of Venezuela, David
Biton, told reporters that the demonstrators demanded that Israel halt its bombing of
the Gaza Strip, while shouting anti-Semitic slogans. And in spite of the cease fire
declared in the war zone, a demonstration of some 50 people took place over the
weekend near the synagogue. Fireworks were hurled at it, accompanied by anti-Semitic
catcalls, frightening the worshipers.
The leaders of the Jewish community, fearing an upsurge of incitement and violence by
extreme groups, called upon the president, Hugo Chavez, and his government, to
guarantee the safety of its Jewish citizens and the security of their communal
institutions.
