The National Congress of Paraguay in Asunción recently served as the host for a landmark initiative confronting global antisemitism and educating the public on contemporary hate speech. On June 25, 2026, the Combat Antisemitism Movement launched its highly acclaimed traveling art exhibition, titled "No Discriminarás," in the legislative library's reading room. Co-hosted by the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay, Raúl Latorre, the opening ceremony drew more than one hundred lawmakers, foreign diplomats, civil society leaders, and Jewish community representatives. This high-profile gathering underscored Paraguay's emerging leadership in South America as a staunch defender of religious liberty and a vocal ally of Israel.
Strengthening South American Resistance Against Jew-Hatred
The "No Discriminarás" exhibition, which translates directly to "Thou Shall Not Discriminate," represents a unique artistic effort to translate complex geopolitical and historical concepts into accessible educational tools. Created by the renowned Argentine artist Adrián Franco, widely known by his pseudonym "Pati," the collection features a series of illustrative sketches depicting the diverse manifestations of modern antisemitism. These visuals are systematically structured around the eleven working examples of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Over the past three years, the exhibition has toured major regional capitals, including Buenos Aires, Santiago, Montevideo, Quito, and Panama City, steadily building a grass-roots and institutional defense against intolerance.
Paraguay's deep-rooted friendship with the Jewish people and the State of Israel has grown exceptionally strong in recent years. In December 2024, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña fulfilled a historic pledge by officially reopening his country’s embassy in Jerusalem, becoming one of the few global nations to do so. This move was celebrated internationally as a momentous diplomatic triumph, emphasizing the bilateral security, agricultural, and cultural ties between Asunción and Jerusalem. By hosting this national exhibition in the very heart of its legislature, Paraguay has reaffirmed that its solidarity with Israel is not merely diplomatic but deeply woven into its legislative and civic identity.
Key Institutional Milestones
- The "No Discriminarás" exhibition was officially inaugurated on June 25, 2026, and remained open to the public in the Library of the National Congress of Paraguay until July 3, 2026.
- The artwork specifically targets contemporary forms of discrimination, illustrating the eleven detailed examples of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition, which remains the global standard for identifying antisemitic rhetoric.
- Paraguay's legislative leadership explicitly declared its allegiance, with Chamber of Deputies President Raúl Latorre emphasizing that the nation's commitment to standing beside the Jewish state is firm, clear, and irrevocable.
Exposing and Deconstructing Contemporary Antisemitism
In an era characterized by a surge in digital disinformation and extremist rhetoric, educational programs that visually decode antisemitism are increasingly vital. As explained by Shay Salamon, the Executive Director of Latin American Affairs for the Combat Antisemitism Movement, Jew-hatred must be confronted before it becomes normalized within mainstream civic structures. By utilizing "Pati’s" engaging sketches, the exhibition bridges the gap between complex legal definitions and public understanding. This method deconstructs dangerous conspiracy theories, Holocaust denial, and delegitimization campaigns targeting Israel, presenting them in a highly digestible format for visitors.
The initiative highlights the strategic value of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as an indispensable framework for legislative action and civic awareness. Without a clear and universally accepted definition, local governments frequently struggle to identify and address the nuanced and often masked expressions of modern Jew-hatred. The exhibition acts as a physical manifest of this definition, encouraging lawmakers to formalize these standards into national law. By displaying these concepts within the National Congress, the organizers have effectively placed the fight against antisemitism at the center of Paraguay’s legislative agenda.
The Broader Geopolitical Implications for South America
The strong stance taken by Paraguay’s government serves as a powerful model for other Latin American countries, many of which face growing challenges regarding extremist infiltration. By actively partnering with the Combat Antisemitism Movement, Paraguay is helping to establish a regional coalition dedicated to defending democratic values and combating systemic bias. This proactive diplomacy directly counters the hostile narratives promoted by radical state actors and their proxies who seek to destabilize Western alliances in the Western Hemisphere. The open commitment to Israel displayed by Paraguayan leadership signals a steadfast refusal to yield to international pressure or antisemitic trends.
Ultimately, this landmark event underscores why Paraguay’s unique role matters so deeply to the broader global defense of the Jewish people and democratic ideals. As documented by the American Jewish Committee, Paraguay’s historic votes in international forums and its bold embassy relocation reflect an unwavering moral clarity. By rejecting false moral equivalencies and directly tackling prejudice, Paraguay showcases how democratic sovereign nations can successfully resist the tide of contemporary antisemitism. This ongoing partnership guarantees that the Jewish community in South America will continue to find a secure, respected, and highly valued home in Paraguay.