The relationship between Latin American countries and Israel is strategically important. While there have historically been challenges due to anti-Israel sentiments in countries led by leftist governments, there have recently been some shifts that offer hope for increased collaboration, including renewed diplomatic engagement, trade and security agreements, and coordinated efforts to fight antisemitism. Beginning in the summer of 2025, The Genesis Prize Foundation, under the leadership of Stan Polovets, initiated programs aimed at fostering improved relations and dialogue in honor of its 2025 Genesis Prize Laureate, President of Argentina Javier Milei. In 2025, Argentine President Javier Milei was selected as the Genesis Prize laureate. In announcing the decision, Stan Polovets noted that Mileiis the first sitting head of state to receive the award, citing his unequivocal public support for Israel and his commitment to pursuing justice for Jewish victims of terror. Since October 7, 2025, Milei has emerged as one of Israel’s most vocal supporters on the global stage. Polovets emphasized Milei’s willingness to stand with Israel at a time when many leaders were openly critical of Israel or remained silent.
After receiving the award, Milei spelled out his vision for the Isaac Accords, an initiative designed to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Israel and Latin American nations. Modeled on the Abraham Accords, which dramatically improved relations between Israel and several Arab countries, the framework aims to encourage cooperation in areas such as technology, security, and economic development.
Importantly, with $1 million in seed funding, The Genesis Prize Foundation (GPF) created the non-profit American Friends of Isaac Accords (AFOIA) in July 2025. AFOIA’s mission is to a.
Over the past two months, there has been significant progress. In December 2025, Israel and Bolivia formally restored diplomatic relations after a two-year hiatus, with both governments signaling a renewed commitment to cooperation. Bolivia also announced it would lift visa requirements for Israeli travelers, while Ecuador expanded its diplomatic presence in Israel’s capital city. Earlier in the year, Paraguay’s president, Santiago Peña, reiterated its support for Israel by visiting Israel to celebrate the relocation of Paraguay’s embassy to Jerusalem, and Costa Rica signed a free trade agreement with the Jewish state, underscoring growing engagement across parts of the region.
Israeli officials described these developments as indicative of broader momentum in Latin America, pointing to expanding cooperation across diplomatic, economic, and cultural spheres.
The decision to honor President Milei reflects The Genesis Prize Foundation’s broader mission of recognizing individuals who support Israel and whose leadership inspires others to act. Under Stan Polovets’ chairmanship, the foundation has evolved beyond a traditional awards body into a platform for philanthropic action, supporting initiatives that provide humanitarian aid, strengthen Israel, and reinforce Jewish pride. Since its inception, The Genesis Prize Foundation has been responsible for more than $52 million in grants to over 230 nonprofit organizations across 32 countries. Polovets has described the prize’s philosophy as “a disruptive approach that can bring new, creative ideas to the surface.”
Despite positive momentum in parts of Latin America, the region remains politically divided. Left-leaning governments in Brazil, Mexico and Colombia have adopted increasingly critical positions toward Israel, with Colombia severing diplomatic ties in May 2024. These divisions have contributed to a polarized regional environment, with countries aligning along pro-Palestinian lines.
Within this context, the Genesis Prize Foundation’s engagement emphasizes dialogue and partnership across governmental, philanthropic, and civil-society sectors, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to engaging constructively with stakeholders working to strengthen Israel–Latin America relations while addressing the scourge of antisemitism.
AFOIA’s engagement was underscored by the recent participation of Ambassador Fitz Haney, Managing Director for Latin America at The Genesis Prize Foundation, at three major conferences held in Washington, D.C., and Miami, Florida. Representing AFOIA, Ambassador Haney attended the Jerusalem Post Washington Conference 2025, the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) Chairman’s Conference, and the Israel American Council (IAC) Conference,which addressed Israel’s diplomatic priorities, regional security, and the global response to rising antisemitism. IAF received a grant from GPF this year in support of a Latin American Chairman’s Conference scheduled for April 2026. The Jerusalem Post Washington Conference, held on December 11, 2025, convened senior U.S. and Israeli officials, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss post-October 7 security challenges, escalating antisemitism, and new diplomatic openings. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar highlighted Israel’s renewed ties with Bolivia as the beginning of “a new wave in Latin America,” while World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder warned of a “full-scale assault on truth, on democracy, and on the safety of Jewish people everywhere.”
The Israel Allies Foundation’s annual Chairman’s Conference brought together lawmakers, faith leaders, and policy experts from more than 30 countries. The three-day gathering focused on international legislative cooperation, regional security, and strategies to combat antisemitism. According to IAF President Josh Reinstein, the conference served as a forum where parliamentary allies of Israel “coordinate, exchange ideas, and strengthen the faith-based bonds that unite us.” Speakers included U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi of Iran, with discussions centered on diplomatic, economic, and legislative cooperation between Israel and democratic partners worldwide.
The Israel-American Council’s national conference in Hollywood, Florida brought together four thousand Israeli-American leaders, activists, and policymakers in a show of unity and influence. The gathering centered on confronting rising antisemitism, strengthening bipartisan support for Israel, and mobilizing the Israeli-American community as a civic force. Speakers included Dr. Miriam Adelson, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Steve Witkoff, and U.S. Rep. Debbi Wasserman Schultz, alongside senior Israeli and U.S. officials, underscoring the conference’s emphasis on cross-party leadership, democratic values, and the enduring U.S.–Israel alliance.
The renewed bilateral engagements suggest that Latin America may be on the verge of deepening partnerships with Israel. Argentina’s foreign minister is expected to visit Israel in early 2026 to advance discussions around the Isaac Accords’ operational framework, with the potential for broader regional participation.
As Polovets has noted, meaningful progress depends on collaboration across sectors. That principle continues to guide The Genesis Prize Foundation’s work in Latin America, where partnerships are increasingly central to advancing shared interests in democracy, security, and the well-being of Jewish communities throughout the hemisphere.