Massive pro-Israel rally draws tens of thousands in Peruvian capital

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Lima on Monday in a massive pro-Israel demonstration, denouncing antisemitism and expressing support for the Jewish state.

The rally was organized by the Germany-based March of Life movement in partnership with the Worldwide Missionary Movement, with support from local Jewish and Christian organizations.

Israeli Ambassador to Peru Gali Dagan addressed the gathering, highlighting the global rise in antisemitism since the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, massacre in Israel.

“Since the massacre of Oct. 7, 2023, when Palestinian Hamas terrorists brutally murdered 1,200 Israeli men, women, elderly, and children and kidnapped 251 people to Gaza, we have witnessed an alarming escalation of manifestations of antisemitism in different parts of the world.”

Dagan expressed gratitude to the thousands who gathered in Lima to oppose antisemitism. He also highlighted the actions of Peruvian diplomats José Gambetta and José Barreto, who helped European Jews escape the Holocaust by providing them with passports and visas to Peru.

“The memory of the Holocaust demands consistency from us: We cannot remain indifferent when intolerance and antisemitism manifest themselves again,” he added. “Express your support for Israel on social media, share information, stand up for the truth, and speak out against antisemitism. Every message counts. The best response to hate speech is a firm, courageous, and supportive voice.”

Dagan also expressed “sincere gratitude” to the Peruvian government for its recent decision to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.

The definition includes Holocaust denial and examples of contemporary antisemitism targeting Israel, including demonizing the Jewish state and denying its right to exist. Although adopted by numerous governments worldwide, the definition continues to face challenges in some countries.

The rally comes as several Latin American governments have sought to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with Israel. In recent months, a number of newly elected right-of-center administrations have moved to reverse policies pursued by their more left-leaning predecessors, expanding cooperation with Jerusalem in areas including trade, technology, security and defense.

Earlier in 2026, Argentine President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed an agreement known as the “Isaac Accords,” significantly expanding existing trade and diplomatic ties while establishing new areas of cooperation.

The agreement includes technology, security, intelligence sharing, innovation and economic development. Several other Latin American countries have expressed interest in joining.

Israel and several countries in the region also share concerns about Iran's growing influence and the activities of its proxy Hezbollah. The Iranian-backed terror organization has an established presence in parts of Latin America, where it has been linked to criminal networks and recruitment efforts involving drug cartel members.

Brazil, however, remains an exception to the broader trend of improving relations between Israel and Latin American governments.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has long been a vocal critic of Israel and has supported South Africa's efforts to pursue legal action against the Jewish state at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as well as critical resolutions at the United Nations.