A mezuzah went up at the entrance to Colombia’s new embassy in Jerusalem on October 14. Behind the ceremony lay another possible diplomatic shift: Bogotá is considering joining the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
Israeli Ambassador Vivian Aisen disclosed the discussions to The Media Line’s Gabriel Colodro, saying the countries’ foreign ministers raised the possibility during talks in Jerusalem. Colombia adopted the alliance’s working definition of antisemitism in 2022 but has not applied to join. Membership would require first gaining observer status.
The embassy makes Colombia the 10th country with a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem and the fourth from Latin America. Under President Abelardo de la Espriella, Bogotá has reversed course from former President Gustavo Petro, who severed relations with Israel in 2024 over the war in Gaza. Ambassadors have returned, reciprocal visa requirements have ended, a ban on coal exports to Israel has been lifted, and implementation of a free trade agreement has resumed.
The reversal extends to international institutions. Colombia withdrew its intervention in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, although the case itself continues. It has also requested to leave the Hague Group, a coalition coordinating measures against Israel. Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar announced plans for a national initiative against antisemitism.
Not everyone welcomed the embassy move. Palestinian officials and Jordan objected, citing Jerusalem’s disputed status. Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as their future capital. Thousands also demonstrated in Colombia against de la Espriella’s domestic policies, with some opposing his renewed partnership with Israel.
The diplomacy carries a personal dimension. Aisen described antisemitic conspiracy theories directed at Israeli rescue personnel deployed after Colombia’s devastating August earthquake, yet said she had received a warm welcome from many Colombians.
Colodro also spoke with Jewish community leader Marcos Peckel, whose concern reaches beyond this administration. His perspective, and Aisen’s account of the political hostility surrounding Israel, offer a closer look at the challenges accompanying this dramatic diplomatic reversal.
“These changes have to outlast governments,” Peckel said.