South American President of Paraguay Santiago Pena spoke to the Knesset plenum on Wednesday during his official visit to Israel. Pena, who was received with high trumpet applause, declared that the opening of the Paraguayan embassy in Jerusalem was an expression of a deep and moral commitment to Israel.
During his speech, Paraguay’s president stated that his country was one of the few that would always stand by Israel, “especially after the terrible attacks of October 7,” he said. “It was not just an attack on Israel, but on all of us. There are times when you have to take a stand. Therefore, tomorrow we will move the Paraguayan embassy to Jerusalem – the eternal capital of Israel. Without an embassy in Jerusalem, our diplomatic ties are incomplete. We hope this transition will encourage other countries to follow in our footsteps.”
He added: “In the face of every display of anti-Semitism, every person in Paraguay will say, ‘I am a Jew.’”
“History will remember those who stand by Israel.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Paraguay’s stance on Israel’s side: “It is not always easy to take a moral stance, but as a courageous leader, imbued with integrity, you chose to stand with Israel. History will remember those who stood up to the right of Israel during its difficult time. Jerusalem will remain united forever under Israeli sovereignty.”
Tomorrow, the Paraguayan delegation, including the president of the Paraguayan House of Representatives and senior ministers, will inaugurate the Paraguayan embassy in Jerusalem, which is another important step in deepening relations between the two countries.
“Fighting Terrorism: A Moral Test for the World”
In a joint statement to the media held by the Speaker of the Knesset and the President of Paraguay, Ohana said that at such moments, neutrality itself is a betrayal. “The fight against terrorism is a moral test that is fundamental to our era. Those who choose to remain silent are betraying the principles of humanity.”
The Paraguayan president added: “We moved our embassy to Jerusalem because this is the proper place for it. Paraguay and Israel are bound by bonds of eternal friendship. We stand with you in this difficult time, and believe in a moral partnership that will move both peoples forward.”
