Israeli Aid Opens Venezuela Diplomatic Channel

Israel's earthquake-aid mission to Venezuela has opened a rare diplomatic channel after 17 years without formal relations. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil spoke by phone with mission head Yoed Magen, Israel's ambassador-designate to Mexico and Venezuela file holder, after Delcy Rodriguez publicly thanked the Israeli experts. Rabbi Yitzhak Cohen, Venezuela's chief rabbi, said he proposed the Israeli mission and called it a first step toward warmer ties. Israeli rescue skill, diaspora trust and Jewish responsibility are creating openings even where anti-Israel diplomacy once prevailed.