Colombia Faces Outrage Over Appointment of Controversial 'Rabbi' Gamboa as Religious Affairs Director

The appointment of Richard Gamboa Ben-Eleazar as Colombia's new director of religious affairs has sparked outrage within the Jewish community due to his anti-Zionist views and questionable rabbinical credentials, having reportedly purchased his ordination from the Esoteric Theological Seminary for $150. Gamboa's appointment was announced by President Gustavo Petro, who has previously cut diplomatic ties with Israel, further heightening tensions. Jewish organizations, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Confederation of Jewish Communities of Colombia, have condemned him as a fraud and expressed concern over his ability to represent religious freedoms. Gamboa has openly criticized Israel, referring to it as a 'neo-Nazi state' and labeling Zionism as an anti-Jewish heresy. Both Marcos Peckel, an executive director of a Jewish community organization, and Colombia's Chief Rabbi Alfredo Goldschmidt have voiced their disapproval, stating that Gamboa lacks support from any religious communities. Despite his defense of his legitimacy, skepticism remains regarding his qualifications and the implications of his new role.