The President of the Senate in Paraguay receives Askenazi Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger

The Chief Rabbi of Israel, Yona Metzger, arrived in Paraguay invited by Amisrael and Vice Minister of Worship of the Ministry of Education and Culture, for the First International Congress of Values "Dignified Life and Education". In the morning, the Chief Rabbi and his entourage, Dr. William Soto and Amisrael’s International Directive were received by Dr. Miguel Carrizosa, president of the Senate.

Dr. William Soto, International Director of Amisrael and the Grand Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger received special awards from Dr. Miguel Carrizosa

The interview was marked by an exchange of ideas and experiences between two different cultures, traditions and customs. However, these differences were obscured by their shared aspirations and values, such as the need for a culture of peace implemented in the midst of society.
 
Education, technology, history and peace were topics discussed from different perspectives. It was not just a formal meeting; the meeting became one of fraternity between political and spiritual leaders of two nations that, despite being far apart geographically, are marked by a history of friendship.

Dr. Carrizosa, on behalf of President of the Senate, gave special awards to the Chief Rabbi Yona Metzguer, Dr. William Soto and Rabbi Eliahu Birnbaum, judge of the Rabbinical Court of Israel, as a token of friendship from the Paraguayan people. He expressed his admiration for the perseverance and tenacity of Israel, because, despite the difficulties and struggles, they have always preserved their identity and territory.

The President of the Senate, Dr. Miguel Carrizosa, expressed his desire that the people of Israel reach the much desired peace

"Be welcome to our land, we are grateful for your visit and for sharing with us some of your wisdom. You are in our hearts" Carrizosa said when gifting the Chief Rabbi of Israel with a souvenir representative of Paraguay.

In his speech, Rabbi Metzger said "We are very pleased to be here, we hope to strengthen our ties of friendship with this nation and we appreciate the love and care with which we have been received."
In her turn, Dr. Kélita Machado, Administrative Director of Amisrael, invited to the President of the Senate to participate in the Jerusalem International Conference to be held in June 2010. It’s important to highlight that this is a historic meeting because it is the first time a chief rabbi of Israel visits the Guarani land.

Text: Gabriela Lara
Photographs: Raquel Tillería
English Version: Patricia Mamede

(From right to left) Dr. Salomao Cunha, Dr. Kelita Machado, Rabbi Eliahu Birnbaum, Dr. William Soto, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, Yona Metzger, President of the Senate, Miguel Carrizosa, and Max Haber, Israeli honorary consul in Paraguay and member of the Jewish community

Chief Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger, Rabbi Eliahu Birnbaum and Dr. William Soto met with the President of the Senate of Paraguay

The Chief Rabbi of Israel expressed his appreciation for the reception of the Paraguayan authorities

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