In February, the Latin America and Caribbean Network for Democracy, a regional affiliate of the World Movement for Democracy, issued a statement expressing its deep concern over the recent attacks against the Jewish community in Venezuela and the serious threat to freedom of religion and worship that these attacks represent.  The network is alarmed to see how President Hugo Chávez and some of his ministers’ violent statements against the Jewish community have provoked several attacks including the defacement of the Maripérez Synagogue in Caracas on January 31.  The network emphasizes that these are not isolated events.  Regrettably, the Venezuelan Jewish community has been victimized by attacks from violent groups.

The network is demanding a thorough investigation and punishment for the persons directly responsible for the attacks against the Synagogue, and similar measures for those responsible for the other assaults upon the Jewish community.  It also asks that the Organization of American States and the United Nations use their good offices to protect the groups now threatened by violence in Venezuela and to find proper ways to take action against religious persecution in any country in the region.

To read the statement (in English), go to: www.wmd.org/documents/CaracasSynagogueEng.pdf

To read the statement (in Spanish), go to: www.wmd.org/documents/CaracasSynagogueSpa.pdf