Argentina apologizes for violent demonstration in front of Israeli embassy

BUENOS AIRES (JTA) — Argentina’s government condemned violence that occurred during an anti-Israel demonstration outside the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires.

“These actions, carried out by minority sectors, do not represent the true desire of our people to live in peace and without violence” said a statement issued Wednesday by the Argentine foreign ministry.

Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timerman spoke with Israel’s ambassador to Argentina, Dorit Shavit, to express sadness over the demonstration.

On Wednesday afternoon, leftist groups held a demonstration outside the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, during which they burned an Israeli flag and clashed with police. The organizing group, Quebracho, has performed violent acts in the past against the Israeli embassy.

On Thursday, the main organizations of Argentina’s Jewish community were scheduled to rally in Buenos Aires “in favor of peace, in favor of Israel and against terrorism.” The demonstration is organized by the Jewish political umbrella DAIA; AMIA – the Jewish center of Buenos Aires; the World Zionist Organization and the Federation of Maccabean Sports Clubs.

In the coming days, Timerman, who is Jewish, will receive Israel’s ambassador to express regrets about Wednesday’s demonstration.