Considering a nation’s unwavering support for another, think of Guatemala and Israel. The Embassy of Guatemala in Jerusalem stands as a testament to this enduring friendship. It also highlights Guatemala’s unique place in history.
Guatemala’s bond with Israel dates back to pivotal moments. In 1947, Guatemala was among the first nations to vote for the creation of Israel as a Jewish state. This happened through the United Nations Resolution 181. Jorge García Granados, Guatemala’s ambassador to the UN, played a key role in this decision. He was a member of the UNSCOP.
In 1955, Guatemala made history again. It was the first country to open an embassy in Jerusalem. The following year, Israel reciprocated by opening its embassy in Guatemala City. Jorge García Granados became the first Guatemalan ambassador to Israel.
The relationship deepened over the years through various collaborations. In 1958, Israel established MASHAV. It is the Israeli Agency for International Development Cooperation. In 1959, Golda Meir visited Guatemala. She was the founder and foreign minister of Israel. In 1962, Guatemala was among the first countries to receive support from MASHAV. This support included scholarships for agricultural studies in Israel.
Guatemala and Israel signed a Cultural Exchange Treaty in 1961. This treaty promoted cultural, educational, and scientific exchanges. In 1972, the two countries abolished visa requirements. This made travel easier for their citizens.
However, in 1980, Guatemala moved its embassy to Tel Aviv. This move was due to international pressure. It followed United Nations Security Council Resolution 478. Despite this, the relationship remained strong. In 1982, Guatemala and Israel signed a Trade Agreement and Economic Cooperation treaty.
In recent years, the bond has only strengthened. In 2006, Guatemala and Israel signed an agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments. In 2017, the Guatemala-Israel Parliamentary Friendship League was established. In May 2018, Guatemala decided to move its embassy back to Jerusalem.
The current President of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo, has personal ties to Israel. His father, Juan José Arévalo, served as Guatemala’s ambassador to Israel. Bernardo himself studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He earned a degree in sociology. From 1984 to 1986, he served as the first secretary and consul at the Guatemalan embassy in Israel.
Guatemala and Israel have a Free Trade Agreement since 2024. This agreement further enhances their economic ties.
Israel has provided significant aid to Guatemala through MASHAV. Since 1962, Guatemala has been a major recipient of this aid. Thousands of scholarships have been granted to Guatemalan professionals. These scholarships covered fields like health, education, and sustainable development. After the Fuego volcano eruption in 2018, Israel donated houses to affected families. They also sent a team of doctors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Israel donated vaccines to Guatemala.
IsraAID, an Israeli NGO founded in 2001, is also active in Guatemala. They provide assistance after natural disasters. Heroes for Life, another Israeli NGO, has been active in Guatemala since 2017.
As you stand before the Embassy of Guatemala in Jerusalem, remember the deep-rooted connection between these two nations. It is a story of mutual support and shared values. It spans decades of collaboration. The embassy symbolizes Guatemala’s commitment to Israel. It also highlights the enduring friendship. It is built on shared history and a vision for the future.