Israel Has Friends in Unexpected Places

Teresa Neumann : Mar 12, 2010
Malkah Fleisher - Israel National News

"I say with great honor and joy: I will always support Israel, guardian of the world's capital, Jerusalem."

(Israel)—Here's a quiz for you: Which country other than Israel has had two Jewish presidents in the 1900s?

Answer: Panama.

Which president recently traveled to Israel to meet with President Shimon Peres and "heaped praise" on the nation?

Answer: Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli.

In a recent Israel National News report, Martinelli was quoted as saying he was proud that his government includes three Jewish ministers among various other Jewish government officials, as well as a thriving Jewish community.

"The Jewish heart is the same as Panama's heart," he said. "As a citizen of Panama, I say with great honor and joy: I will always support Israel, guardian of the world's capital, Jerusalem. I came to Israel to learn from your success, and I have no doubt that there is much to learn. I am sure Israel and Panama have a strong and bright future in all our joint efforts."

President Martinelli also visited the Kotel, known as the Western Wall of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. He was reportedly accompanied by Vice President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela and Rabbi of the Kotel and the Holy Places Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, as well as heads of the Panamanian Jewish community. The report notes that at the site President Martinelli said he understood the Jewish tie to the Land of Israel and the "glorious past of the Jewish people."