Speaking at Miami synagogue, Argentina's Javier Milei reveals he has Jewish heritage

• Published date: 12 April 2024
• Author: JUAN MELAMED/JTA
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Milei made the revelation while speaking Wednesday night at the Shul of Bal Harbor, a large Chabad synagogue in the Miami area that was honoring the right-wing politician as an "International Ambassador of Light" in part because of his support for Israel, which makes him stand out among Latin American leaders and is a departure from his predecessor's stance

"My grandfather was truly a great influence. … I used to learn values from him and learned a lot," Milei said, speaking in Spanish with a simultaneous translation. "The most interesting thing is that, shortly before he passed away he discovered that he was Jewish. He didn't know but someone told him, 'Your mother was Jewish, so you are Jewish.'"

He continued, "So all the values that I received from him came from Judaism."

The revelation was the latest Jewish development for Milei, extending a record that has included visiting the grave of the last Chabad-Lubavitch rabbi in New York; traveling to Israel and praying at the Western Wall; and appointing his own rabbi to be Argentina's ambassador to Israel. Milei has said that he wants to convert to Judaism but sees the duties of the presidency as incompatible with Jewish observance.

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The Shul of Bal Harbour's sold-out annual dinner honored Milei alongside his sister and advisor Karina Milei for "their unwavering dedication to spreading freedom, hope and positivity in the face of darkness," according to the invitation distributed by the synagogue. It added, "Their tireless efforts for Israel and the global community have been a shining beacon, inspiring a brighter, more compassionate world."

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