A group of Uruguayan Jews have urged the government to immediately cut off diplomacy, commercial and military ties with Israel, and accusing Palestinians of committing genocide against Gaza’s Palestinians.
As reported on Wednesday by Uruguayan outlet discussions, the petition was launched online and later delivered to the Presidential Office in Montevid – led by activist Monnica Wozislouski, drawing more than 350 signatures from citizens identified as Jewish Uruguayans.
“We will move away from Israel’s criminal policy,” the letter declares, calling the phrase “never again,” emphasizing that mass violence should not be tolerated against people.
The letter calls on Uruguay to “act in accordance with the judgments of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice,” both investigating Israel’s actions in Gaza. “The values of life and humanity must surpass the market,” he said, urging a halt to arms and a trade deal with Israel.
The timing is important. Earlier this month, the UN Human Rights Commission concluded that Israeli campaign in Gaza would amount to genocide and would intensify international pressure after South African lawsuits at the ICJ and ongoing ICC investigations.
President Yamandu Orsi has criticised Israel’s military action at the UN but has not shown any intention to cut ties. The government has so far kept silent about the petition.
What sets this appeal apart is the author’s identity. The Uruguayan Jews explicitly reject Israeli policies in the name of Jewish values. They argue that supporting the rights of Palestinians to life is consistent with remembering historical persecution.
It remains uncertain whether their demands will be converted into policy changes, but the petition adds Uruguayan Jewish opponents to the growing international chorus that calls for the government to hold Israel accountable.