Ties with Israel

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.

Rabbi leaders along with Dr. William Soto Santiago and Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos at the Pre-Opening Dinner of the World Congress of Rabbis, 2016

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.

Rabbi leaders along with Dr. William Soto Santiago and Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos at the Opening Dinner of the World Congress of Rabbis, 2016

World Congress of Rabbis, 2016

International Congress of Rabbis, 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.

Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos along with Rabbi Moshe Doron and Rabbi Michael Malkieli

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, Director of the Strauss-Amiel and Baran-Amiel Institute, researcher of Jewish communities and Judge of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel Conversion Court
Visit to the Ohr Torah Machanaim Yeshiva - Majanaim, Kibbutz Migdal Oz
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
With Deputy Rabbi Mijael Maljieli, Minister of Religious Affairs of Israel
With members of the Knesset at the Jerusalem Parliament building
With Moshe Leon, Mayor of Jerusalem, and Rabbi Moshe Bakshi Doron
With prominent rabbis on a visit to Yesod HaTorah Yeshiva in Jerusalem
With Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish, Ambassador of Argentina in Israel
With Ezra Cohen, Ambassador of Panama in Israel
With Deputy Benny Gantz, Lieutenant General (retired) and former Minister of Defense