Uruguay’s Vice President Hosts

By COLlive reporter

Vice President of Uruguay Danilo Astori received a delegation from Beit Jabad Uruguay headed by Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov in honor of the holiday of Chanukah on Tuesday.

The economist met with the Jewish group by the request of the modest President of Uruguay Jose Mujica.

A few days earlier, the President’s office wrote that the President would greet Shemtov “with his highest esteem and through him the whole community on the occasion of the Jewish holiday of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights.”

It said that “The President congratulates the Jewish community in our country for such an important celebration, wishing them the greatest of success.”

At the meeting in Montevideo with Astori, a silver menorah was presented to him along with the Spanish books that Rabbi Shemtov wrote about Jewish identity and assimilation.

“The messages of the holiday and the candelabra are universal and transcend religious, political and national differences,” said the Chabad Shliach who was flanked by his wife, Rochi Shemtov, their son Rabbi Mendel Shemtov and 2 members of the community.

He said the candles “serve to inspire everyone, without distinction.”

In response, the Vice President stressed the fact that the secular nature of Uruguay does not imply negating religion.

“To the contrary, it provides absolute freedom to practice religion and contribute to the benefit of society in general,” Astori said.

During the meeting, Rabbi Shemtov updated the Vice President about the activities of Chabad, and shared ideas to advance the quality of life for all Uruguayans.