Volume 4 No 1 - Journal for the Study of Antisemitism

278 JOURNAL FOR THE STUDY OF ANTISEMITISM [ VOL. 4:277
dent Chavez and his supporters insist on using it again in his reelection
campaign.
A steady barrage of attacks against Capriles has appeared in official
print and electronic media. “The Enemy Is Zionism: A Ravine as Promise,”
an article by Adal Hernandez that appeared February 13 on the Web site of
the National Radio of Venezuela, set the tone for subsequent attacks. As has
been the case in the past, Zionism and Judaism are used interchangeably.
Traditional antisemitic themes, including Capriles’ alleged support by
“international Zionism,” seek to portray him as operating contrary to the
aspirations of the Venezuelan people. The Chavez government severed ties
with Israel in 2007 and has become one of Iran’s only allies in the global
community and its gateway to an increased presence in the Western
Hemisphere.
By allowing once again a permissive environment for these types of
expressions, President Chavez and his cronies are creating the conditions
for unfortunate situations similar to the 2009 attack against a synagogue in
Caracas; in fact, a mob occupied another synagogue in the capital city.
Although the police intervened, this attack can be attributed to the incendiary
rhetoric being channeled through the media.
President Chavez needs to act immediately to stop these unwarranted
attacks. They threaten not only the local Jewish community but also important
legitimate democratic aspirations. It’s time to recall that on December
17, 2008, Chavez joined with presidents Kirchner of Argentina and Lula de
Silva of Brazil in declaring that he stands against discrimination and racism.
Chavez cannot sit on the sidelines now while allowing the official media
and its spokespeople to continue promoting messages filled with hate and
aimed at dividing the Venezuelan people.
*Dina Siegal Vann is director of the AJC Latino and Latin American Institute. This
essay was originally published February 28, 2012, as “Official Anti-Semitism Subverts
Democracy in Venezuela,” Huff Post Latino Politics, http://www.huffington
post.com/dina-siegel-vann/official-antisemitism-sub_b_1305309.html.