In a powerful demonstration of cross-cultural solidarity against hatred, Shay Salamon, the Executive Director of Latin American Affairs for the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), arrived in Washington, D.C., for a series of high-level diplomatic and civic meetings. His visit came at a time of unprecedented global surges in antisemitism, highlighting the critical need for robust, proactive alliances between Jewish communities and other ethnic and religious groups. By engaging with national faith leaders, federal departments, and international diplomats, Salamon sought to forge a unified front against bigotry. This multifaceted outreach highlights how local advocacy must merge with international cooperation to dismantle systematic prejudice and defend core democratic values.
The Rise of Hispanic-Jewish Partnerships
The centerpiece of Salamon’s visit was his address to the annual national conference of the National Hispanic Pastors Alliance (NAHPA) held in the capital. Speaking to a diverse audience of clergy members, community influencers, and civil leaders from across the United States, Salamon delivered an urgent call to action. He urged the Hispanic faith community to confront antisemitism directly, take institutional responsibility, and refuse to remain silent in the face of growing intolerance. This partnership reflects a deeper historical connection, as Hispanic and Jewish communities share foundational values that support religious liberty and mutual respect.
By building this bridge, CAM en Español and NAHPA have established a vital axis of cooperation that reaches millions of families across the Americas. During the visit, NAHPA Founder and CEO Pastor Carlos Duran was recognized for his unwavering commitment to linking the Hispanic community with the Jewish people and the State of Israel. This strategic alliance is particularly crucial as extremist networks seek to exploit minority groups to disseminate anti-Western and antisemitic propaganda. Engaging faith leaders directly at the pulpit ensures that tolerance is actively preached, neutralizing hateful rhetoric before it can take root in local communities.
Documented Achievements of the Advocacy Mission
- During the NAHPA conference, Salamon officially launched the "One Nation Under God" campaign, an initiative aimed at defending religious freedom and celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2027.
- To deepen government relationships, Salamon conducted a series of high-level meetings, including an official sit-down with Jennifer Korn, Deputy Assistant to the President and Faith Director at the White House Faith Office.
- The advocacy effort also targeted international bodies, featuring strategic sessions with Claudia González, Director of the Department of Access to Rights at the Organization of American States (OAS), and Fernando Lottenberg, OAS Commissioner for Monitoring and Combating Antisemitism.
Analyzing the Impact of Multilateral Engagement
The diplomatic offensive in Washington was designed to secure institutional commitments at the highest levels of governance and international law. Meeting with White House Faith Office Director Jennifer Korn provided an essential opportunity to align domestic policy initiatives with global human rights standards. These discussions centered on implementing effective mechanisms to monitor hate speech and protect minority religious assemblies from violent attacks. Such cooperation illustrates that combating antisemitism is not merely a Jewish concern, but a fundamental pillar of national security and social cohesion.
Equally critical were Salamon's deliberations at the Organization of American States, where he coordinated directly with Claudia González and OAS Commissioner Fernando Lottenberg. The conversations yielded concrete proposals for joint initiatives designed to educate lawmakers and civil organizations across Latin America on the dangers of Jew-hatred. This international cooperation relies heavily on the integration of established legal tools, particularly the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism. By anchoring these programs in multilateral organizations, CAM ensures that its educational curriculum has the backing of regional democratic frameworks. Analysts can review the complete timeline and strategic details in the official CAM report on the Washington mission.
Broader Implications for Global Combat Against Hatred
The Washington meetings did not occur in a vacuum; rather, they represented a direct extension of CAM’s extensive regional push throughout Latin America. Just two weeks prior, at the sixth annual Latin American Forum Against Antisemitism in Santo Domingo, Dominican President Luis Abinader announced his country's official adoption of the IHRA definition. This landmark decision highlights the growing regional momentum, with countries like Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay actively participating in CAM's educational campaigns. These joint efforts showcase how coordinated regional policies can effectively isolate extremist groups and suppress systemic intolerance.
To ensure that these regional adoptions translate into tangible grassroots change, CAM has pioneered targeted educational programs that foster interfaith dialogue and historical awareness. Central to this strategy is the newly launched "One Nation Under God" campaign, which invites Christian and Jewish congregations to sign a joint pledge reaffirming their shared Judeo-Christian heritage. Clergy are encouraged to participate by visiting the One Nation Under God initiative platform to join this nationwide day of brotherhood. This systematic, bottom-up approach is designed to inoculate communities against the toxic spread of conspiracy theories and hate.