PARAGUAY: HOSTILITIES IN MIDDLE EAST RAISE JEWISH

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASUNCION 000748 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/20/2016 TAGS: PHUM PGOV PINR PTER SUBJECT: PARAGUAY: HOSTILITIES IN MIDDLE EAST RAISE JEWISH COMMUNITY CONCERNS ABOUT SAFETY Classified By: A/POL Sterling Tilley. Reason: 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: The confrontation of hostilities in the Middle East has raised concerns among the Jewish population and heightened security awareness. On 7/17, the A/POL met with Jack Fleischman, Dr. Enrique Cegla and Ricardo Abraham, member of the B'nai B'rith Paraguay executive committee, to discuss their concerns of security and threatening reports. There have been no large protests in Paraguay but the situation is tense. Paraguay's most eastern city, Ciudad del Este, is home to an estimated 25,000 Lebanese and other Arab ethnic groups. There are reports that some 200 to 300 Paraguayan families of Lebanese descent were on vacation in Southern Lebanon when hostilities began. On 7/19, there was a protest of some 2,000 to 3,000 persons in the Tri-Border Area city of Foz do Iguazu, Brazil. In addition, an ecumenical service for peace was organized by Fares Eid, the Lebanese Ambassador to Paraguay. End Summary. -------------- Jewish Leaders Visibly Shaken -------------- ¶2. (C) On 7/17, A/POL met with representatives of the B'nai B'rith Paraguay executive committee to discuss their concerns over safety for the Jewish community in light of Israel's response to Hezbollah and Hamas attacks on and kidnappings of Israeli soldiers. The members of the committee include President Jack Fleischman, Security Chief Dr. Enrique Cegla and Ricardo Abraham. The executive committee members seemed very anxious throughout the two-hour meeting due to news reports and other sources indicating the possible deterioration of security. They said they intend to request additional security support from Minister of Interior Rogelio Benitez in the coming days. (NOTE: Israeli Consul Max Haber is currently in Israel. End Note.) ¶3. (C) Fleischman and Abraham identified www.yagua.com (see chat rooms under sub head political) as a common place to view comments by islamic radicals threatening harm throughout Latin America and Parguay, specifically focusing on the Jewish community in Ciudad del Este (CDE) and Asuncion. One message even identified a Jewish-owned store and its owner located in CDE. ¶4. (C) Cegla said that Paraguayan, Brazilian, Uruguayan and Argentine union groups and landless groups had started showing support for the Palestinians and Lebanese, and large demonstrations are expected in the region. NOTE: There are estimates of more than 25,000 persons of Lebanese and other Arab ethnic group origins living in CDE. End Note. ¶5. (U) On 7/19, approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people attended a generally peaceful protest in Foz do Iguazu, Brazil, according to embassy sources. The speakers characterized the Israeli response as a "massacre of the civilian population". Also, Lebanese Ambassador to Paraguay Fares Eid criticized "Israel's massive aggression and use of sophisticated weapons against a civilian population." Eid mentioned that the current conflict has displaced a half million people, killed 220 and injured more than 690. He also spearheaded a non-denominational prayer service in memory of "the victims of genocide" at the Cristo Rey Church in Asuncion. -------------- Addressing Security Concerns -------------- ¶6. (C) On 7/20, Security Chief Cegla told A/POL that he had raised the security posture and notified the families to be cautious. He also said he is increasing security at the synagogues and other facilities. ¶7. (C) Also on 7/20, Cegla met with Subcommissioner Victor Balbuena of the Anti-Terrorist Unit (SEPRINTE). Cegla indicated that Balbuena said the GOP is monitoring the situation and will keep the communication between them open. Balbuena also indicated that his unit will provide the support necessary for the Jewish community. (NOTE: Balbuena works with the Embassy on numerous anti-terrorism issues. End Note.) ¶8. (C) COMMENT: The Jewish community's concern for their safety is valid and there are some indications that terrorist supporters are present in Paraguay. However, there have been no large protests in Paraguay and the security situation has not shown signs of deterioration at this point. The Second Congress of Social Organizations plans to hold demonstrations and marches on 7/21, 7/22 and 7/23 in CDE. The escalation of hostilities along the Israeli and Lebanese border has resulted in a strong possibility of large public demonstrations, which may turn violent anti-Semitic or anti-American in nature. Post will continue to monitor the security conditions, specifically in CDE and Asuncion. End Comment. CASON