The umbrella body of the Venezuelan Jewish community strongly condemned the anti-Semitic cover page of a weekly magazine which linked Jews to illicit activities, illegal money exchange and a governmental agency.
The Confederation of Jewish Associations of Venezuela (CAIV) sent a letter to the editor of 'Las Verdades de Miguel' protesting the picture of a rabbi speaking on a cell phone with a Star of David made of dollar bills next to his hat.
“In line with our mission to combat any expression of anti-Semitism, we note that the cover is a replica of anti-Semitic pamphlets and lampoons,” CAIV said in the letter.
The headline read in Spanish: “Foreign currency for Israel: The rabbis of Cadivi.” Cadivi is Venezuela’s Foreign Exchange Administration Commission, a government body that manages money exchange activities.
“The use of the term 'Israelite' referring to the alleged Jewishness of people and companies is simply defamatory and anti-Semitic. As an institution of our community, and as Venezuelans, we wish that all illicit activities be investigated and eventually punished under the criminal law,” continued the CAIV letter.
“The misuse of terms associated with the Jewish people such as 'rabbis', 'Israelite' and 'Israel' has been dangerous and historically had tragic and perverse consequences. They reveal an anti-Semitic bias that should be denounced without hesitation because they put at risk the physical integrity of our community’s members,” concluded the letter.
The Anti-Defamation League also protested the cover.
“For several years, we have seen anti-Semitic accusations and themes appear in Venezuelan public discourse,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, the CEO of the US-based organization. “This shockingly graphic manifestation of anti-Semitic imagery on full display on Venezuelan newsstands is unacceptable and repulsive.
“At a time when all of Venezuela feels the impact of a serious economic hardship, this magazine cover not only feeds into base, age-old anti-Semitic stereotypes about Jews and unscrupulous behavior towards money, but dangerously points the finger at Jews for taking advantage of this crisis and deepening the economic instability for their benefit.
"Such manifestations lead to the worsening of the Venezuelan Jewish community’s sense of isolation and insecurity," said Greenblatt.
