Holiday foods: Hanukkah is associated with foods fried in oil – sufganiyot (jelly donuts) with various fillings and levivot (potato pancakes). In recent years, innovative recipes have driven social media trends. In our food section, you'll find all the hottest trends and recipes to make your holiday special.

The post Hanukkah 2025: Everything you need to know appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Sofia and Boris Gurman

Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife, Sofia Gurman, 61, had shared 34 years of marriage before terrorists killed them. Their relatives described the couple as honest and industrious individuals who extended kindness to everyone they encountered. Dashcam video captured Boris Gurman fighting with one of the gunmen in the attack's opening moments. The footage shows Gurman seizing control of the terrorist's firearm for several seconds during their confrontation on the street, before the terrorist shot the couple at point-blank range. Eyewitnesses reported they died in each other's arms.

The family statement read: "Devoted to their family and to each other, their absence has left a void that cannot be filled... In the moments before their passing Boris, with Sofia courageously beside him, attempted to intervene to protect others. This act of bravery and selflessness reflects exactly who they were: people who instinctively chose to help, even at great personal risk."

Rabbi Eli Schlanger

Rabbi Eli Schlanger had led his congregation for 18 years and directed the Chabad mission in Bondi, where he assisted numerous individuals ranging from elderly residents to incarcerated people. He is survived by his spouse and several young children, including an infant just two months old, along with his mother and siblings.

"A devoted rabbi and chaplain, working tirelessly … to support Jewish life in the Bondi community," Chabad's statement read.

Matilda

Matilda, a 10-year-old girl, attended the Hanukkah by the Sea event alongside her family members, including her sister, when a terrorist shot her.

Her parents, Valentyna and Michael, surnames withheld on family request, immigrated to Australia from Ukraine before Russia's invasion, The Guardian reported. "We came here from the Ukraine … and I named her Matilda because she was our firstborn in Australia. And I thought that Matilda was the most Australian name that could ever exist. So just remember – remember her name," the parents stated, articulating heartbreak too vast to fully comprehend.

"Imagine you see your beautiful little sister that you love just being killed in front of you. They were like twins. They've never been separated … Matilda was very friendly. She loves school, has a lot of friends … She's just a happy kid, always gives me cuddles," her aunt Lina shared.

Dan Elkayam

Dan Elkayam, a French citizen, relocated to Australia last year to seek an engineering job. Elkayam played football passionately, and the Rockdale Ilinden Football Club in west Sydney described him as "an integral member" of its premier league squad in a Facebook statement. The club characterized him as "an extremely talented and popular figure amongst teammates. Our deepest and sincerest condolences to Dan's family, friends, and all that knew him. He will be missed," the club's statement read.

"I have learned with deep sadness of the death of our fellow citizen Dan Elkayam in the antisemitism terrorist attack in Sydney," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote. "My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and I extend to them the full solidarity of the nation."

Peter Meagher

Peter Meagher completed 34 years of service with the NSW Police Force before retiring with the rank of detective sergeant. He volunteered as a first-grade manager for Randwick Rugby. The club mourned the devastating loss of "Marzo" in a statement, saying, "He was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby… He spent so long in the dangerous front line as a police officer and was struck down in retirement while taking photos … Rest in Peace 'Marzo'. We all love you and will miss you greatly. We are devastated." Meagher worked as a freelance photographer at Sunday's Hanukkah event.

"Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Peter. He was a cherished brother, husband, and uncle whose kindness, generosity, and love touched everyone who knew him. Our lives have been changed forever," his family said.

Tibor Weitzen

Tibor Weitzen, 78, was a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who perished while protecting his family members from the gunfire. He immigrated to Australia from Israel in 1988, and his relatives characterized him as vibrant and full of vitality.

"My grandfather was truly the best you could ask for," his granddaughter, Leor, said. "He was so proud of us … and loved us more than life itself. He only saw the best in people and will be dearly missed." 

"He was the congregation's beloved 'candyman' who brought joy and smiles to everyone," Chabad's statement read.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman survived the Holocaust as a child, struggling through a brutal Siberian winter alongside his mother and younger brother to survive. Following the war's conclusion, he departed Ukraine for Australia to pursue a career in civil engineering. His children and grandchildren also attended the Bondi Hanukkah celebrations. Alexander's wife, Larissa, stated her husband of 57 years was murdered while attempting to shield her from gunfire.

"He died shielding her from the gunman's bullets," Chabad's statement read. "In addition to his wife, he leaves behind two children and 11 grandchildren."

Edith Brutman

Edith Brutman was a cherished figure within Sydney's Jewish community. "Our beloved Edith was a woman of integrity who chose humanity every day," her family shared. "She met prejudice with principle, and division with service. Our family mourns her deeply, but we ask that her life, not the senseless violence that took it, be what endures. We hope her memory calls us as a nation back to decency, courage, and peace."

Marika Pogany

Marika Pogany volunteered to transport kosher meals for COA, an organization serving Jewish seniors. "She lifted the room simply by being in it," the organization shared in a statement. "She asked for nothing and gave everything...She took the time to know every person on her route. She chatted. She listened. She noticed the small things. She changed light bulbs, literally bringing light into people's homes. Her joy and spirit carried people through their week and through their loneliness...We are shattered by her loss. Marika gave real love to this community, and her impact runs deep."

Boris Tetleroyd

The fatal shooting of Boris Tetleroyd occurred while he attended Hanukkah by the Sea alongside his son, Yakov. While Yakov sustained gunshot wounds and continues receiving treatment for severe injuries, his father succumbed to his wounds. Boris, a Soviet immigrant, is described as a loving and devoted father.

A fundraising campaign was established by his niece, who described the family's mourning over his "sudden and violent" death. "Our family is facing an unimaginable tragedy after the sudden loss of Boris Tetleroyd in the Bondi attack," his niece, Leia Roitour, said. "He was a loving husband and father, and his absence has left a void that words cannot express. My aunt is now navigating life as a widow, and my cousin is recovering in the hospital from injuries sustained during the attack."

Online social media profiles reveal Tetleroyd's passion for nature, where he documented wildlife encounters from his hiking excursions.

Reuven Morrison

Reuven Morrison was a businessman who escaped the Soviet Union as a teenager in the 1970s and built his life in Bondi. Following a 2024 terror attack on a Melbourne synagogue, he informed the ABC he had become constantly alert, and expected Australia would offer Jews security.

In an interview with ILTV, his daughter recounted her father's heroism, throwing bricks at one of the terrorists to try and stop him. "My dear father was shot dead for being Jewish," his daughter, Sheina, said in pain. "He had jumped up the second the shooting started. He managed to throw bricks, he was screaming at the terrorist, and protecting his community," she added. "If there was a way for him to go on this earth, it will be fighting a terrorist."

"Most beautiful, generous man who had a gorgeous smile that would light up the room. He built a life here in Australia for his family and was an active member and generous contributor to both Melbourne and Sydney Jewish communities," Rabbi Gabi Kaltman said.

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39, was the secretary at the Sydney Beth Din and chief operating officer of Chabad of Bondi. He died alongside Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi, who served as emcee that night. The two men had collaborated for years, and their wives had been close friends since high school, according to Chabad. They served the community together and were killed together.

"When something needed to get done, it was Yaakov," family friend Avremi Jospeh said. "From the big-ticket items to simply taking out the trash —he did it all with his full heart and soul... I used to ask him, 'What time do you come home for dinner?' He said, 'I come home at around 8 p.m. every night.' He was completely given over to the community."

Adam Smyth

Adam Smyth, 50, a father of four and devoted husband to Katrina, was killed in the devastating attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening. The couple was walking along the beach when the shooting occurred.

Family members described their grief as beyond words, struggling to comprehend the tragic loss. They remembered Adam as someone who lived life to the fullest alongside Katrina, sharing a deep love for family, friends, travel, and sports, even when their team loyalties diverged.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Adam was a devoted supporter of Liverpool FC in the English Premier League, the Sydney Swans in the AFL, and the Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL. He also cherished his pets deeply.

Those who knew him described Adam as a generous and kind-hearted individual whose presence was irreplaceable. His family closed their tribute with the famous words of the Liverpool anthem, "You'll never walk alone" (YNWA), reflecting both his love for the club and the enduring bond they shared with him.

The list will be updated as more names are released.

The post The stories of 15 Jewish victims of Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Video: The Gurmans fight the terrorist / Credit: Social media/X

Family members confirmed Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, as the individuals after providing a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald. Relatives stated: "We are heartbroken by the sudden and senseless loss of our beloved Boris and Sofia Gurman," according to The Guardian.

They added: "They had been married for 34 years, with their 35th wedding anniversary approaching in January. We were looking forward to celebrating Sofia's 62nd birthday on Wednesday 17th of December," The Guardian reported.

Dashboard camera video uploaded to Rednote documented Boris – dressed in purple – tackling shooter Sajid Akram along Campbell Parade as the gunman exited a vehicle displaying an Islamic State banner, according to The Guardian.

These were Boris and Sofia Gurman - murdered in the Sydney massacre. In the face of terror, Boris showed extraordinary courage and disarmed one of the jihadists, trying to save others.

In life and in death, they were not separated pic.twitter.com/Fhbw2BoNsf

— נועה מגיד | Noa magid (@NoaMagid) December 16, 2025

The footage captures Boris forcing Akram down and wresting a firearm from his possession while Sofia participated in the struggle, The Guardian reported.

A Sydney resident whose camera inadvertently recorded the encounter shared the material with a Mandarin caption stating: "Such civilian heroes shouldn't be forgotten," according to The Guardian. Her post continued: "I'm truly heartbroken," The Guardian reported.

Later drone imagery shows the couple lying motionless side by side on the sidewalk. Family members characterized Boris as "a retired mechanic, known for his generosity, quiet strength and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need. Sofia worked at Australia Post and was deeply loved by her colleagues and community," The Guardian reported.

The statement continued: "Bondi locals, together they lived honest, hardworking lives and treated everyone they met with kindness, warmth and respect. Boris and Sofia were devoted to their family and to each other. They were the heart of our family, and their absence has left an immeasurable void," according to The Guardian.

Relatives additionally praised the couple's valor when facing the attacker, The Guardian reported. "In recent days, we have become aware of footage showing Boris, with Sofia by his side, courageously attempting to disarm an attacker in an effort to protect others," family members stated. They added: "While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness. This encapsulates who Boris and Sofia were – people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others," The Guardian reported.

The statement concluded: "We are deeply grateful for the love, compassion and support that has been shown to our family during this unimaginable time. From here, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve," according to The Guardian.

The Gurmans number among 15 fatalities from the Bondi beach terror attack. Most casualties were participating in Hanukkah's opening day when gunfire began, representing Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996's Port Arthur tragedy, according to The Guardian.

Thirty-eight additional people sustained injuries, with 24 – including two officers – remaining hospitalized Tuesday afternoon, The Guardian reported.

Six Australia Post coworkers visited Bondi Pavilion Tuesday afternoon honoring Sofia, with one colleague declining identification while confirming years working together, according to The Guardian. All arrived uniformed, placing individual white roses and a card, The Guardian reported. One coworker stated: "It's very tragic and seeing this video made us realise just how brave she and her husband was," according to The Guardian.

Multiple bystanders have received widespread recognition for confronting danger attempting to halt the attackers. Among them is Ahmed al-Ahmed, acknowledged by prime minister Anthony Albanese and US president Donald Trump for charging toward Akram, jumping onto him and seizing the weapon, according to The Guardian.

Ahmed remains critically injured but stable at St George hospital after sustaining four to five shoulder gunshot wounds during the encounter, his parents confirmed to The Guardian. Reuven Morrison's daughter identified her father as the individual observed throwing an object in widely distributed footage, The Guardian reported.

Sheina Gutnick told CBS News Tuesday: "If there was one way for him to go on this earth, it would be fighting a terrorist. There was no other way he would be taken from us. He went down fighting, protecting the people he loved most," according to The Guardian. Authorities fatally shot Sajid Akram, while his son Naveed remains hospitalized under surveillance, The Guardian reported.

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The disclosure follows ABC's documentation of extensive connections between 24-year-old Naveed Akram and Australia's pro-Islamic State network, including associations with extremist cleric Wisam Haddad and imprisoned youth recruiter Youssef Uweinat, according to ABC.

Legal counsel for Haddad stated he "vehemently denies any knowledge of or involvement in the shootings that took place at Bondi Beach," ABC reported. Authorities are examining the Akrams' links to international jihadist networks after establishing their early November arrival in Manila, case-briefed officials disclosed to ABC.

The duo subsequently journeyed to the southern Philippines for terrorist training, a senior counter-terrorism official confirmed anonymously to ABC. Late November marked their return to Australia – mere weeks before Sunday's beachfront slaughter, officials told ABC.

Since the early 1990s, the Philippines has functioned as a terrorist hub, hosting training facilities relocated from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border to southern Mindanao, ABC reported. Security sources have withheld specific location and movement details regarding the pair's time in the southern Philippines, according to ABC.

ASIO, the nation's intelligence service, investigated Naveed Akram in 2019 over his Sydney-based IS terrorist cell associations, ABC revealed Monday.

Ahmed, you are an Australian hero.

You put yourself at risk to save others, running towards danger on Bondi Beach and disarming a terrorist.

In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians. And that's exactly what we saw on Sunday night.

On behalf of every Australian, I… pic.twitter.com/mAoObU3TZD

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 16, 2025

The then-18-year-old displayed "indications of intent" and concerning connections prompting ASIO's 2019 investigation, though additional scrutiny was deemed unwarranted then, a senior security source told ABC. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese informed the 7.30 program Monday evening that ASIO's six-month probe uncovered "no evidence" of radicalization in either father or son, ABC reported.

Neither man appeared on terrorism watchlists before the assault, and licensed gun owner Sajid Akram encountered no legal barriers to firearm possession, according to ABC.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, questioned on Radio National today about whether the Philippines travel alerted national security agencies, provided no direct answer, ABC reported. Burke observed that following ASIO's 2019 inquiry, "there was a radical change in the risk profile of that individual," according to ABC.

Two Islamic State flags discovered in the Akrams' Bondi Beach vehicle led investigators to conclude the pair had pledged allegiance to the terrorist group, ABC disclosed Monday.

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Holiday foods: Hanukkah is associated with foods fried in oil – sufganiyot (jelly donuts) with various fillings and levivot (potato pancakes). In recent years, innovative recipes have driven social media trends. In our food section, you'll find all the hottest trends and recipes to make your holiday special.

The post Third night of Hanukkah 2025: Everything you need to know appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Ayayu Belete, a City of David worker who discovered the pendant, described the moment of finding it. "One day while I was digging inside an ancient structure, I suddenly saw something different, gray, among the stones," Belete recounted, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority. "I picked up the object out and saw that it was a pendant with a menorah on it. I immediately showed the find to Esther Rakow-Mellet, the area director, and she said it was an especially rare find. I was deeply moved and excited!"

Historical records indicate Jews faced prohibitions against entering Jerusalem during Byzantine rule, complicating the interpretation of menorah-decorated artifacts found in the city. Researchers question whether such finds represent random occurrences or belonged to Jews who came to Jerusalem for commerce, administrative purposes, or clandestine pilgrimages under unofficial circumstances, according to the report.

The post 1,300-year-old menorah pendant discovered at Temple Mount appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

"As a rabbi in Sydney, I implore you not to betray the Jewish people and not God Himself," Rabbi Schlanger wrote. "This land was given by God to Abraham, then to his son Isaac, and then to Jacob, to be the eternal homeland of the Jewish people. Throughout history, Jews have been torn from their land again and again by leaders who are now remembered with contempt in the pages of history."

The rabbi wrote the letter following Australia's recognition of a Palestinian state and amid rising antisemitism in the country. "Today, you have an opportunity to stand on the side of truth and justice," he continued. "By reversing this act of betrayal, you will not only honor the Jewish people and our heritage, but also stand with the word of God. If you choose this path, you will be welcomed home with open arms and even a warm Shabbat meal. I bless you in advance for having the courage to do what is right and to stand firm against this act of apostasy. In hope and prayer, Rabbi Eli Schlanger."

Rabbi Eliyahu Schlanger, a Chabad emissary (שליח – a rabbi sent to serve Jewish communities worldwide) in Sydney, had recently celebrated the birth of his son. He had been responsible for a commemoration project for those killed in the Meron disaster and organized a memorial evening for emissaries murdered in recent years, including the Holtzberg couple from Mumbai and Rabbi Kogan from Dubai. According to Chabad, he did much to commemorate the victims of the October 7 massacre, and the security of the Jewish people was foremost on his mind. "The bullets of the vile murderers reached him at an event he organized for thousands of Jews – but no bullet can reach the enormous light he spread. He was an angel who took to heart the loss of Jews everywhere."

Shimmy Segal, Chabad spokesman, said, "This is a very difficult day. I knew Rabbi Eli, a very dear man who just weeks ago celebrated his son's brit milah (Jewish circumcision ceremony). This is a difficult situation to digest. This tragic and unexpected event occurred on the first day of Hanukkah (the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights) at a massive Chabad event, to our understanding, attended by more than 2,000 people. Eli, whom I knew personally, was one of the central emissaries in Sydney and the organizer of this event."

Segal added, "It's very difficult to speak about Eli in the past tense. He was a living man, full of energy, who led the community and was a good friend. He was a guy with a constant smile, an accessible person you could always turn to, and a father to a wonderful family. His character was revealed in full force when he visited Israel just days after October 7. He came on his own initiative to strengthen others, which speaks to a person who thinks only about how he can help others. Eli used to say a phrase that now takes on a chilling meaning: 'The whole world comes to darken – we come to illuminate.'"

The post Murdered Sydney rabbi's plea on antisemitism to Australian PM revealed appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Holiday foods: Hanukkah is associated with foods fried in oil – sufganiyot (jelly donuts) with various fillings and levivot (potato pancakes). In recent years, innovative recipes have driven social media trends. In our food section, you'll find all the hottest trends and recipes to make your holiday special.

The post Hanukkah 2025: Everything you need to know appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Video: Member of the public overpowers terrorist / Credit: Social media

"A few months ago, I wrote a letter to the Australian prime minister," Netanyahu said. "I said that their policy adds fuel to the antisemitic fire and encourages the Jew-hatred running rampant in Australia's streets. Antisemitism is a cancer, and it spreads when leaders are silent. They must replace weakness with strength. That did not happen in Australia, and something terrible occurred there today – cold-blooded murder. The death toll is unfortunately rising by the moment."

Netanyahu continued, "We saw the evil, and we saw Jewish heroism at its peak. On my way here, I watched a video of a Jewish man tackling one of the murderers, wrestling the weapon away, and saving who knows how many lives."

Breaking Exclusive by @SharriMarkson

Watch the video and read the letter sent by Netanyahu below.

A diplomatic row has erupted between Israel and Australia, and PM Netanyahu has sent a stinging letter to PM Albanese. In the letter he writes:

"I am concerned by the… pic.twitter.com/O6GIQL6khs

— Chaya's Clan (@ChayasClan) August 19, 2025

The Israeli leader's correspondence, leaked to Sky News Australia Australia and dated August 17, 2025, explicitly charges Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with "pouring fuel on this antisemitic fire" via Palestinian state recognition advocacy. Netanyahu contends such diplomatic positioning "rewards Hamas terror, hardens Hamas's refusal to free the hostages" while actively "emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking your streets." Netanyahu called Albanese a "weak politician."

The correspondence establishes September 23, 2025 – coinciding with the Jewish new year of Rosh Hashanah – as Netanyahu's deadline for transformative Australian action against antisemitic escalation, Sky News Australia confirmed. The Israeli premier demanded Albanese "replace weakness with action" and "appeasement with resolve" through concrete policy initiatives addressing the crisis.

The post Netanyahu: Australia enabled Hanukkah 'antisemitism cancer' appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Social media erupted first with furious posts. "Remove this symbol of death from here," Senator Ivan Moreira Barros, representing the Los Lagos region where Puerto Montt serves as capital, declared on X. He also addressed Chilean President Gabriel Boric directly, stating "You support Palestinian rights in the face of genocide, so make sure this happens."

Following the digital campaign came physical action. Unidentified vandals sprayed the menorah with red paint, scrawled "murderers" across it in bold letters and damaged its foundation.

Only a handful confronted this cowardly vandalism and blatant antisemitism. The nation's Jewish community filed protests while Israeli Ambassador to Chile Gil Artzyeli issued condemnation statements targeting Moreira Barros and other politicians participating in the incitement campaign – yet among Chilean politicians, virtually only Rodrigo Wainraihgt, Puerto Montt's mayor elected merely two months prior, openly opposed these manifestations of hatred and bigotry.

"I clearly supported Jews' right to celebrate Hanukkah peacefully and quietly, which is why I sharply criticized this act and those responsible for it," Wainraihgt told Israel Hayom during his current visit to Israel as part of a Latin American mayors' delegation that also attended the "Muniexpo 2025" local government conference.

Following the menorah vandalism episode, leftist forces in his city and nation have branded Wainraihgt an "Israel supporter," labeling him "pro-Zionist," "genocide supporter," "friend of the Jews" and worse. "I'm neither pro-Israeli nor pro-Palestinian," he stated. "I consider myself neutral. Unlike others, I listen to both sides before forming opinions about a country I don't truly know and a problem where I lack expertise. This is precisely why I wanted to come here and witness reality firsthand."

Wainraihgt faced intense criticism for his decision to tour Israel (he was the sole Chilean accepting the invitation), yet he remains undeterred. "There were numerous personal attacks from various people on social media, but I'm acting for my city's benefit and my people's welfare. For this purpose I remain courageous and unmoved by those who merely sit on the sidelines and criticize."

In 2025 Chile, even neutrality constitutes taking sides. Under Boric's populist leftist leadership, the nation has embraced aggressive anti-Israel policies. In early June, the president announced withdrawing the country's military attachés from Israel, considering military import suspensions, supporting legal proceedings against Israel in The Hague, backing arms embargoes and banning imports from Judea and Samaria. Previously, he recalled Chile's ambassador from Israel, effectively reducing diplomatic relations between the nations to near-complete suspension.

"The president repeatedly claims there's 'genocide' in Gaza while ignoring Hamas's actions, a murderous terror organization seeking not only Israel's elimination but the entire Western world's destruction," Wainraihgt, a Renovación Nacional (National Renewal) party member from Chile's center-Right, expressed regarding Boric. "He ignores the murders, rapes and Israeli suffering. Through his statements and actions he severely damaged relations between two countries that previously maintained very friendly ties based on extensive technological, military and academic cooperation."

"I hope our next president will restore Chile-Israel relations," Wainraihgt stated. The country anticipates general elections in November 2025. Constitutional restrictions prevent Boric from seeking another term, while his support ratings have plummeted following progressive social and economic policies. The Gaza war won't dominate the presidential campaign, yet regardless of the next president's identity, Israel will likely remain a target of government criticism.

A primary factor is Chile's Palestinian minority's political influence, numbering approximately 500,000 people (from roughly 20 million nationally) – the highest Palestinian concentration outside the Arab world. This large, vocal and assertive minority significantly impacts the young South American democracy's internal politics.

Major Chilean cities have witnessed numerous turbulent anti-Israel demonstrations, both before October 7 and especially following the Hamas massacre. Anti-Israel rhetoric is extreme, aggressive and deliberately conflates "Israel," "Zionism," "Jews," "imperialism," "occupation," "genocide" and other code words that Latin America's extreme left frequently employs to inflame emotions.

The Palestino soccer club from the country's premier league exemplifies this phenomenon, transforming every match into a public anti-Israel display, including featuring a "liberated Palestine" map on players' jerseys – replacing the number 1.

The combination of Palestinian lobby activities with Marxist and anti-American ideology that has consistently flourished in Chile, both before and after Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship, created an explosive mixture making Boric's administration the continent's most extreme symbol of anti-Israeli policy.

"The Palestinian community contains an extreme minority wanting to drag us into confrontation with Israel," Wainraihgt acknowledged. "But we cannot permit this. We must not abandon dialogue and joint efforts. I hope post-election Chile will renew good relations with Israel, which are important and stronger than any single president's politics."

Wainraihgt described how alongside his visit's human dimension, including touring the Nova memorial site and kibbutzim severely damaged on October 7 ("As a father of three children, my emotions were overwhelming. I witnessed bloodstains where they murdered a father before his children's eyes and heard testimonies about the horrific acts innocent young people endured who simply wanted to dance"), his primary objective involves establishing connections with Israeli companies and organizations to help his city advance technologically.

"We have much to learn from Israel," he said. "You possess extensive knowledge, tools and experience in technological and innovative initiatives that transformed and improved your economy and society. This inspires admiration. Puerto Montt and the Los Lagos region host major industries like salmon exports, but we want to advance other important sectors too, requiring us to embrace innovation concepts, advanced academic research and current technology. Without these elements we cannot truly progress."

"I believe shared interests can bridge any dispute," he added. "From the Israeli side I observed tremendous willingness to help and cooperate, despite the problematic situation between our governments. I'm departing with an extensive list of contacts and experts who offered assistance – this alone provides reason for optimism. If state-level problems exist, then local government and citizen levels can restore relations. This approach can repair what was nearly broken – and I hope during my next visit here, peace will return, the world will address extreme groups like Hamas, and genuine coexistence will emerge. Until then, I hope my city advances and Chile returns to normalcy."

The post Chilean mayor defies most anti-Israel South American nation to visit Israel appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.