(Nov. 5, 2024 / JNS) Argentine President Javier Milei on Monday officially appointed Geraldo Werthein, a Jewish businessman and former ambassador to the United States, as the country’s foreign minister.

Werthein is a former Argentine ambassador to the United States whose Jewish ancestors escaped persecution in Russia in the early years of the 20th century. He took office at an inauguration ceremony at the Buenos Aires headquarters of the Argentine Foreign Ministry, known as the Cancillería.

Unusually for the predominantly Catholic country, the inauguration featured a Torah, on which Werthein swore to uphold his position faithfully. In another deviation from protocol, Milei quoted from the weekly Torah portion, or Parsha, using the Hebrew term in his short speech.

Flanked by soldiers in ceremonial uniforms, Milei faced a visibly emotional Werthein, and asked him whether he swore on the Torah to carry out this patriotic mission. Werthein placed his hand over a copy of the Torah and said “I promise.” The two men embraced for several seconds as the audience applauded.

Werthein, 68, is a former telecommunications businessman whose family is one of the most influential in the country. He is also a veterinarian. Jews have previously served as senior cabinet ministers in Argentina, including former foreign minister Héctor Timerman in 2010-2015.

Acknowledging the unusual characteristics of the inauguration, Milei said: “Since today we have moved away from the conventional and traditional format and the oath was taken on the Torah, I thought it pertinent to speak about the weekly Parsha,” said the president, referencing Parashat Lech Lecha.

 “The forces of heaven are sending you signals, Gerardo. It speaks of the beginnings of Abraham’s travels around the world, spreading the messages of the creator. God tells him that he will have a lot of influence on the nations of the world and gave him an important responsibility to bring the messages of the Torah, of life and of freedom to the entire world. Success and blessings,” said Milei.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called this “a touching gesture” that reflects Milei’s “profound and genuine connection to the Jewish people and the State of Israel.” In a tweet on X Tuesday, Katz added: “We value President Milei’s commitment to the friendship between our peoples, and I want to wish Foreign Minister Werthein much success. I am confident that together we will strengthen the ties between our two countries.”

Milei is a right-wing populist who has vowed to overhaul Argentina’s ailing economy following decades of nepotist center-right and center-left administrations. He has also promised to revolutionize Argentina’s foreign relations, regarding which the Cancillería has often mirrored the policies of some of Argentina’s socialist neighbors.

The Argentine president is not Jewish but has spoken often about his spiritual connection to Judaism. He has said that Argentina’s key allies are the United States and Israel.