Unholy: Two Jews on the News Unholy Around the Globe: Being Jewish in Buenos Aires with Pablo Mendez Shiff
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Aug 21, 2025 Pablo Mendez Shiff, an Argentine writer and journalist known for his insightful commentary, discusses the unique aspects of Jewish life in Buenos Aires. He dives into Argentina's complex stance on Israel and the challenges faced by the local Jewish community amid rising antisemitism. Their conversation highlights the community's resilience and rich cultural history, as well as the impact of political dynamics on Jewish identity. Plus, they touch on the optimism brought by initiatives like a kosher cafe that employs disabled youth.
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Size And Integration Of Argentine Jews
- Argentina hosts roughly 200,000 Jews, making it one of the world's largest Jewish communities.
- The community is highly visible and integrated into Argentine public life and culture.
Everyday Jewish Visibility In Buenos Aires
- Pablo notes Argentina sometimes displays Jewish life openly, like kippot seen on the street and Jewish food in bakeries.
- He cites cultural signs such as a Hebrew-titled film playing nationally without vandalism as evidence.
Antisemitism Less Visible In Argentina
- Antisemitism exists in Argentina but is less visible and less intense than in parts of Europe or the U.S.
- Pablo attributes this partly to deep historical integration and legal recognition of Jewish life since the 19th century.