by Joanie Margulies
Ambassador Alejandro Rubin sat down with The Jerusalem Post to discuss how, under his tenure, that relationship will only grow stronger.
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As much of the global community appears to have turned its back on Israel, one country has continued to support and strengthen its bond with the nation.
Paraguay, landlocked in the heart of South America, has been supportive of Israel from day one. In its new Jerusalem embassy, a framed photo of the country’s “Yes” vote in the 1948 UN Partition Plan for [British Mandatory] Palestine sits proudly on display next to the ambassador’s office.
Ambassador Alejandro Rubin sat down with The Jerusalem Post to discuss how, under his tenure, that relationship will only grow stronger.
In a moment of historical significance, Paraguay recently reopened its embassy in Jerusalem under the leadership of Rubin. This strategic diplomatic move, following years of shifting policies and global challenges, signals the deepening of a long-standing, though often underappreciated, relationship between Israel and Paraguay.
Rubin, who was appointed in 2023 and moved to Israel in 2024, now plays a pivotal role in solidifying and advancing these ties through personal and professional connections.
However, just a few months later, after Mario Abdo Benítez stepped into the presidency in 2018, Paraguay reversed this policy, moving the embassy back to Herzliya.
This shift was part of a larger political realignment within Paraguay, influenced by various internal and external pressures. The move back to Herzliya caused a diplomatic rift with Israel, which led to the closure of Israel’s embassy in Asunción.
However, with the election of the country’s current leader, Santiago Peña, in 2023 and the inauguration of the new embassy in 2024, Paraguay has now firmly reaffirmed its commitment to Israel by reopening the embassy in Jerusalem.
Rubin, instrumental in this development, was appointed in late 2023 and sent to his post in January, despite the continued Israel-Hamas War that lead many countries to recall their envoys.
Rubin, who had served as Paraguay’s Honorary Consul to Israel for several years, expressed his deep personal connection to the Jewish state, an attitude that has significantly influenced his diplomatic approach. His dedication to strengthening Paraguay-Israel relations was evident during his appointment, and his leadership has been pivotal in re-establishing the embassy.
“Paraguay’s decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem was not just a political one but one driven by our values and the history that unites us with Israel,” Rubin explained in a recent interview. “This is not about a single president; this is about a long-term commitment to Israel, rooted in shared principles of democracy and peace.”
A relationship extending beyond political symbolism
Rubin’s vision for the Paraguayan-Israeli relationship extends beyond political symbolism. He has made it clear that his mission is to strengthen economic, technological, and cultural ties between the two nations.While the embassy’s relocation is an important step, Rubin sees it as just the beginning of a broader diplomatic engagement.
Israel is known globally for its technological innovations, particularly in agriculture, water management, cybersecurity, and medical research. Paraguay, on the other hand, has become a stable and growing economy in South America with a growing need for these innovations. Rubin is focused on bringing Israeli expertise to Paraguay, particularly in agriculture and water resource management, two areas in which Israel has excelled.
“Paraguay has significant agricultural potential, but we face challenges with water management,” Rubin said.
“Israel’s expertise in this field is invaluable, and we’re already seeing increased cooperation between Israeli companies and Paraguayan enterprises, especially in sectors like agriculture and cybersecurity.”
PARAGUAY’S ROLE in the Mercosur trade bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, presents another area of potential growth for both nations. Israel has always been keen on expanding its economic footprint in Latin America, and Paraguay’s access to a free trade agreement with these nations makes it an attractive destination for Israeli businesses looking to expand their market reach.
“The relationship is mutually beneficial,” Rubin explained. “While Paraguay offers access to a regional market of over 300 million people, Israel provides the technological edge that can fuel Paraguay’s economic development.” This economic cooperation also extends to investment opportunities in Paraguay.
Rubin is working to attract Israeli companies to invest in Paraguay, promoting it as a stable country with growing opportunities for investment, particularly in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Paraguay and Israel share a deep historical connection that goes beyond their diplomatic relations. Rubin pointed out that the shared experience of suffering during times of conflict has created a bond between the two nations. For Paraguay, the memory of the War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870), during which it lost a significant portion of its male population, resonates with the Jewish tragedy of the Holocaust.
“The genocide that Paraguay experienced during the War of the Triple Alliance is deeply ingrained in our collective memory,” Rubin said. “We identify with Israel’s own history of loss and survival, particularly the Holocaust. It is this shared history that has fostered a natural connection between our people.”
This historical context shapes how Paraguay views Israel today. The connection is not merely political; it is deeply emotional, rooted in shared values of survival, resilience, and the defense of democracy.
“Our relation with Israel is grounded in these values,” Rubin explained. “We stand with Israel because we recognize the legitimacy of its right to defend itself and the importance of Israel’s role in regional and global peace.”
As Paraguay strengthens its ties with Israel, it also takes a firm stand on global security issues, particularly terrorism. The South American nation has been vocal in its support for Israel in international forums, particularly in condemning terrorist organizations like Hamas. In recent years, Paraguay has moved to officially designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, signaling its alignment with Israel on issues of counterterrorism.
Paraguay recognizes Hamas, IRGC as terrorists
“WE UNDERSTAND the difference between legitimate governments and terrorist groups,” Rubin emphasized. “Paraguay has been very clear in its support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist organizations. We have nominated Hamas as a terrorist group, as well as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and we continue to support Israel in its efforts to combat terrorism.”Paraguay’s active role in countering terrorism is part of a broader regional effort to address the growing threat of criminal organizations and drug cartels in Latin America. Rubin highlighted Paraguay’s ongoing efforts to combat money laundering and organized crime, which often work hand-in-hand with terrorist groups. Paraguay’s leadership in this area is in line with Israel’s own efforts to fight terrorism and safeguard its borders.
“We are cooperating with Israel on many levels, including in counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and law enforcement,” Rubin said. “Both nations recognize that the fight against terrorism is a global one, and we are committed to working together to ensure the safety and security of our people.”
Despite the geopolitical complexities of the Middle East and Latin America, Rubin is optimistic about Paraguay’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region. The South American nation’s diplomatic outreach has extended beyond Israel, with the country also cultivating strong relationships with Arab nations. However, Rubin pointed out, Paraguay’s policy on Israel is clear and unwavering.
“Paraguay’s relationship with Israel is based on values, not on geopolitical calculations,” Rubin explained. “While we maintain good relations with our Arab neighbors, we are committed to standing by Israel because we believe in its right to exist as a democratic state. Our foreign policy is guided by principles, not by external pressures.”
Rubin’s optimism is not unfounded. Paraguay’s president, Santiago Peña, has been a strong supporter of Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist threats, and this stance is likely to continue throughout his administration.
“The support for Israel in Paraguay is not just a political move,” Rubin concluded. “It is the result of shared values, a long history of mutual respect, and a commitment to a better future. Our work is just beginning, and I believe that the relationship between Israel and Paraguay will continue to grow and thrive.”
Rubin emphasized Paraguay’s commitment to support Israel in international forums: “Even if it is alone, Paraguay will vote in support of Israel.”
Joanie Margulies
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-862129
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