Yesterday, Argentina’s President Javier Milei officially appointed Gerardo Werthein as the new Foreign Minister. Werthein, who is Jewish, took his oath of office on a Chumash.
After the ceremony, President Milei offered his congratulations, drawing inspiration from this week’s Parsha, Parshas Lech Lecha. He shared, “This week’s Parsha speaks of Abraham’s journey and mission, reminding us, ‘Gerardo, you are now sent with the strength of heaven.’ It highlights Abraham’s travels, carrying a divine message to all nations.”
Milei emphasized the importance of Abraham’s legacy, noting how he was entrusted with spreading the values of life and freedom. Concluding his message, Milei invoked a blessing often shared by the Rebbe, expressing, “May you have blessings and success in your new role.”
Milei has an absolute love for the Jewish people and Israel and has expressed his desire to convert after his role as president is completed.
Watch the incredible exchange below:
Today, the President of Argentina @JMilei swore in the new Foreign Minister, Gerardo Werthein.
Werthein, who is Jewish, took the oath on a Chumash the five books of Moses, the written Torah.
President Milei then congratulated him and addressed the lesson we learn from this… pic.twitter.com/X4F0CHBnvt
— Avraham Berkowitz (@GlobalRabbi) November 5, 2024
FULL SPEECH (Rough translation): President Miele vort –
“It’s very meaningful that the oath was made on the Torah, especially in the week of the parashah Lech Lecha. This parashah marks the beginning of Abraham’s journey, who, under Divine command, leaves his homeland and embarks on a path of purpose and mission. Just like Abraham, who was given the responsibility to spread the message of the Creator and bring light and guidance to the nations, this oath also carries a deep message: a call to take on a role of influence and leadership, bringing the values of the Torah and the principles of life and freedom to others.
Abraham’s journey wasn’t only physical but also spiritual, connecting him with other nations, where his influence and values impacted many. May Gerardo receive these blessings, achieving success in his own “journeys,” becoming a channel for positive influence and transmitting the essence of the Torah in his surroundings. May Hashem grant him strength and clarity to fulfill this sacred mission, and may he be a source of blessing and light to those around him. Amen!”
