BUENOS AIRES — Argentine President Javier Milei delivered a keynote speech at a Chabad-Lubavitch event in Argentina. The event marked the 32nd anniversary of the death of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, where Milei spoke to a crowd of 1,800 people.
Milei's address focused on Jewish religious texts and quoted the Torah as the foundation for his economic views. Milei stated that his speech was based on the epilogue of an upcoming book, "Morality as State Policy," in which he argues that capitalism was invented by "the Creator" to bring paradise to earth through work. Milei stated, "The conclusion I have reached is simple in its formulation and profound in its consequences: When one embraces Judeo-Christian values, spiritual and material life become aligned and resonate on the same wavelength."
Milei, who was elected president in 2023, identifies as an anarcho-capitalist and has made support for Israel a central part of his political agenda. The head of Chabad in Argentina, Tzvi Grunblatt, stated, "I appreciate that the president chose to attend and speak at the Tribute to the Rebbe. He is doing so from a deeply personal place. I also think it is healthy for him to have this spiritual side." Alicia Osipovich, a sign-language interpreter, added, "I’m proud and deeply moved to have a president like him. At the same time, I have some concerns. As a Jew, I am proud, but I also feel some concern about the increased public exposure of Judaism these days."
Milei has previously visited Schneerson's grave in New York City and made pilgrimages to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. He presented a photograph of Schneerson as a gift to Benjamin Netanyahu. In 2024, Milei was honored at a Chabad synagogue in Miami, where he stated his belief in having Jewish heritage. He has also stated his intention to convert to Judaism after leaving office, explaining that he views Jewish practices such as Shabbat observance as incompatible with presidential duties.
The Argentine government has invited European Jews concerned about rising antisemitism to consider relocating to Argentina. The Argentine Jewish organization DAIA has reported an increase in antisemitic incidents in recent years, primarily online. A 2025 worldwide antisemitism report by Tel Aviv University indicated that the rate of antisemitic incidents in Argentina was lower than in many other countries with sizable Jewish populations. Yosef Chaim Ohana, a survivor of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, provided testimony at the event, followed by remarks from his father, Avi Ohana. Milei hosted Yosef Chaim Ohana, Avi Ohana, and Rabbi Tzvi Grunblatt at the Casa Rosada presidential palace. Dozens of Argentine nationals were killed or taken hostage during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. An Israeli national who previously worked at the Israeli embassy in Argentina was recently killed in an attack on a moshav in central Israel.