Jewish community honors victims of terrorism, Holocaust

Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Consul General of Israel in Miami, was in Puerto Rico on Sunday to honor the victims of terrorism in an event marking Holocaust Remembrance Day. Among those attending the event was a survivor of the Lod Airport massacre, a terrorist attack that occurred in Tel Aviv on May 30, 1972. Twenty-six victims, including 17 Christian pilgrims from Puerto Rico, died in the attack.

By The Star Staff

Diego Mendelbaum, the director of the Miramar Jewish Community Center, on Sunday welcomed Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Consul General of Israel in Miami, to honor the victims of terrorism, coinciding with Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Attending the event was a survivor of the Lod Airport massacre, a terrorist attack that occurred on May 30, 1972. During the attack, three terrorists from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine targeted Lod Airport (now Ben Gurion International Airport) near Tel Aviv, resulting in 26 fatalities and 78 injuries. Two of the attackers were killed, while the third, Kōzō Okamoto, was captured after being wounded. On that day, a group of Puerto Ricans was at the airport as part of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. They were waiting to claim their luggage when the attack began.

Consul General Elbaz-Starinsky previously headed the Training Department at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was responsible for vocational training, mid-career enrichment, and the retraining of the ministry’s 1,200 employees. He was recognized with an Award of Excellence for developing a new process to recruit and train the prestigious class of diplomatic cadets each year. Additionally, he represented Israel at various international forums and conferences, particularly in debates related to arms control within international organizations.

“Puerto Rico is a country we greatly appreciate for its democratic values and for having a hardworking, enthusiastic, and cooperative Jewish community in all areas,” Elbaz-Starinsky said. “This community made significant contributions after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in towns like Loíza and Morovis. That spirit of collaboration and respect is deeply valued, and we will continue to nurture it for future generations. To all families of the victims of terrorism, we extend our respect and commitment to never forget them.”

Verónica Ferraiouli Hormedo, Puerto Rico’s designated secretary of state, also participated in the meeting, delivering a message from Gov. Jenniffer González Colón.

“It is always a pleasure to welcome Consul Elbaz, who has been familiar with Puerto Rico since he officially took office in July 2021,” Mendelbaum said. “A career diplomat since 2006, he is dedicated to building partnerships and coalitions for Israel with the people and governments of Florida, Kansas, Missouri and Puerto Rico.”

Elbaz-Starinsky focuses on strengthening relationships in politics, innovation and technology, trade and business, tourism, academia, media, and culture. He actively engages with Florida’s large and influential Jewish and Israeli communities to promote interfaith cooperation and combat antisemitism and racism.

“As part of our efforts, we promote education about the historical reality of the Holocaust because new generations must ensure that such atrocities are never repeated,” Mendelbaum said. “Six million people were murdered, including Jews, Romani individuals, disabled individuals, and homosexuals. In the fight against antisemitism and racism, we call on all people of goodwill to join us.”