What’s happening:

During a visit to Buenos Aires’ Eleventh neighborhood, President-elect Javier Milei participated in a havdalah ceremony at Hevrat Pinto, where he received a blessing from Rabbi David Pinto and expressed strong support for Israel and the Jewish community.

Why it matters:

Milei’s actions signify a commitment to the Jewish community and to Israel, highlighting a potential shift in Argentina’s foreign policy with plans to move the Argentine embassy to Jerusalem. His statements and intentions to study Jewish texts post-presidency reflect an alignment with Jewish values and support for Israel’s right to self-defense.

Big picture:

This move comes amidst concerns from critics about Milei’s far-right associations. Nevertheless, Milei, a man of strong opinions, has made bold statements against abortion and in favor of gun rights, and has been vocal about his criticisms of state intervention in the economy. His interaction with the International Monetary Fund shows an active engagement in addressing Argentina’s economic challenges.

Context:

Milei has previously indicated his desire to deepen his knowledge of Jewish scriptures and has expressed his support for the Jewish community on multiple occasions. This latest gesture is consistent with his prior statements and may influence Argentina’s relationship with the Jewish community and Israel.

Opposing views:

While Milei has a significant following, there are those who question his associations and fear the implications of his far-right ideologies. Critics are wary of his praise for figures like Al Capone and are concerned about his stance on various social and economic issues.

What’s next:

As Milei prepares to assume the presidency, all eyes will be on his domestic and international policies, particularly those relating to the Jewish community and Israel. His actions and decisions will likely impact Argentina’s role on the global stage and its relationship with the Jewish state.

This story was first published on jpost.