Ties with Israel

Driven by a profound love for the Holy Land and the knowledge acquired by studying the Sacred Scriptures, Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos has been committed to strengthening ties with Israel and taking concrete actions that affirm its identity as a nation and its place on the world stage.

In 2016, he held the World Congress of Rabbis “For A Better World and the 7 Precepts of Noah,” in Buenos Aires, Argentina, alongside Dr. William Soto Santiago. With the blessing of the former Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel, Eliyahu Bakshi Doron, and the endorsement of other prominent religious leaders, as well as the support of the Knesset, esteemed rabbis from around the world participated in the convention.

Congreso Mundial de Rabinos, 2016

Congreso Mundial de Rabinos, 2024

After a period of ongoing engagement with various leaders, the International Congress of Rabbis convened once again in May 2024, in the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, where rabbis from around the world gathered to study the Torah.

As a result of his years of dedicated work and the strong relationship of trust he has cultivated with the leaders of the State of Israel, Dr. Pérez Matos has recently been received on several occasions—not only by prominent rabbis in religious circles, but also within the military sphere.

In response to the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, he visited the affected areas alongside senior military officials, witnessing firsthand the ongoing security challenges faced by the nation, the resilience of its people, and—above all—the profound anguish of the hostages’ families in the wake of the massacre and the inhumane conditions to which their loved ones are subjected.

Visit to the educational institution Petachya in the city of Bnei Brak (June 2025), which was affected by missile parts falling in the area, where about 300 children and adolescents with special needs study

Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos channels all his efforts in support of Israel through the Kingdom of Peace and Justice Center, an institution he founded and leads to advance ongoing global initiatives in support of the State of Israel.

Meeting with the Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel, David Yosef

Meeting with Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, Kalman Ber

Rabbi Eliahu Birnbaum, Judge of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel Conversion Court

Speaker of the Knesset, Amir Ohana

In the political sphere, he frequently visits the Knesset to meet with ministers, members of parliament, and ambassadors, working to advance initiatives in support of Israel. With both short- and long-term goals in mind, his presence in the country is seen as that of a trusted friend, and every encounter carries a sense of familiarity, further deepening these important relationships.

Rabbi Erez Malul, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset and other members of the Israeli Parliament

Minister of Religious Affairs of Israel, Rabbi Michael Malkieli

Members of the Knesset

Rabbi Moshe Doron and the Mayor of Jerusalem, Israel, Moshe Lion

Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos and rabbi leaders visiting the Yesod HaTorah Yeshiva, Jerusalem, Israel

Ambassador of Argentina in Israel, Rabbi Axel Wahnish

Ambassador of Panama in Israel, Ezra Cohen

Benny Gantz, member of the Knesset