JNS
"Argentina is the country with the least antisemitism in the Americas," says DAIA president Mauro Berenstein.
Mauro Berenstein, president of the umbrella organization of Argentinian Jewry, DAIA (Delegación de Asociaciones Israelitas Argentinas), was deeply affected by a meeting President Javier Milei and his delegation held on Wednesday with hostage families.
Seven Argentinian Israelis were among the hostages abducted on Oct. 7, 2023, two of whom—brothers Ariel and David Cunio—remain in Hamas captivity with 51 others, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Asked what his message was to the families, Berenstein told JNS in an exclusive interview on Thursday, "You are not alone. We see you. We hear you. We will not rest until every hostage is brought home."
Milei, who received the Genesis Prize in Jerusalem on Thursday in recognition of his steadfast support for Israel and the Jewish people, announced in the Knesset on Wednesday that Argentina would relocate its embassy to Jerusalem next year.
Berenstein, a successful businessman and respected community leader, was elected president of DAIA in November 2024, after serving as president of the Federation of Jewish Schools of Argentina and as president of Bialik School of Devoto. Argentina's Jewish population is estimated to number around 200,000 people, making it the largest Jewish community in Latin America.
He said being part of Milei's delegation to Israel this week had been "a unique experience."
"It's a great privilege for the Jewish community in Argentina to have a president with absolute conviction in the support of the State of Israel and Jewish culture," Berenstein said. "His values of respect for democracy, free thought and a resounding 'No' to terrorism allow us to spread our message."
Asked what he considered the highlight of his trip, Berenstein said, "The highlights were the unconditional support for the struggle for the liberation of the hostages, the reinforcement of democratic and liberal values in the Middle East and the announcement that next year Argentina will move its embassy to Jerusalem."
He added, "I also want to tell you that, together with the families of the kidnapped victims and President Milei, we have inaugurated a monument to pay tribute to the kidnapped victims. This is a symbol we must uphold until the last of the kidnapped victims return home."
Antisemitism in Argentina
Regarding the rise of antisemitism since the Hamas assault on Oct. 7, 2025, Berenstein said, "Since October 7, antisemitism has unfortunately increased worldwide. Argentina was no exception. However, it's worth noting that in Argentina, the greatest antisemitic displays are seen on social media."
He continued: "That's why we are convinced that we must strengthen our work in education, not only formally but also on social media. We must explain what it means to support a terrorist group whose ideology is the destruction of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. We must raise awareness among all those who support these groups that they are supporting a murderous and terrorist group."
He credited Milei for the current low level of antisemitism in Argentina.
"The Argentine president has an excellent relationship with the Argentine Jewish community," Berenstein told JNS. "He supports our main mission, which is the fight against antisemitism. We believe this is one of the reasons why Argentina is the country with the least antisemitism in the Americas."
Asked if he had a message to Israel and Diaspora Jewry, Berenstein said, "My message is that we must continue working on education and communication, generating content on social media that explains that a terrorist movement is never the solution and supporting groups that worship death is not an option."
At the end of the interview, Berenstein stressed how vital it is that the entire world continues to demand the release of the hostages and press leaders to speak out and declare Hamas what it is: a terrorist movement.
"We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the barbaric actions of Hamas and demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," he said. "Each day they remain in captivity is a stain on humanity’s conscience."
Berenstein concluded with a passionate plea: "As the representative institution of the Jewish community in Argentina, DAIA reaffirms its commitment to truth, justice and human dignity. We urge the international community to raise its voice, not just in words, but in action—because silence in the face of terror is complicity."
