Luis Abinader
Luis Abinader is the President of the Dominican Republic, known for his pro-Israel stance and efforts to combat antisemitism in Latin America. Under his leadership, the Dominican Republic has deepened its strategic and cultural ties with the Jewish world, including the formal adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
Luis Abinader, serving as the President of the Dominican Republic, has emerged as a significant ally of Israel and the Jewish community in the Caribbean and Latin American region. His administration has consistently signaled a commitment to historical memory and security-first diplomacy, aligning with democratic values and countering extremist influences in the Western Hemisphere.
In August 2026, Abinader solidified this position by hosting the largest Latin American conference against antisemitism in Santo Domingo. During the event, which drew over 70 leaders and nearly 50 legislators from 19 countries, Abinader announced two landmark initiatives: the formal adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism and the establishment of the nation's first museum dedicated to Jewish heritage. These moves are seen as a rejection of the rising tide of anti-Israel sentiment in parts of Latin America and a reaffirmation of the Dominican Republic's unique history as a haven for Jewish refugees during the 20th century.
Abinader’s foreign policy often mirrors a pragmatic and security-oriented approach, maintaining strong ties with the United States while positioning his country as a regional leader in moral clarity regarding the Middle East. By adopting the IHRA definition, his government provides a clear legal and educational framework to identify and combat modern antisemitism, including its manifestation as anti-Zionism. His leadership continues to foster an environment where Jewish life and Israeli partnership are viewed as integral to the Dominican Republic's national resilience and international standing.