Argentina’s New Foreign Minister Takes Oath on the Torah

In a historic and symbolic ceremony, Argentine President Javier Milei swore in Gerardo Werthein, a Jewish businessman and former ambassador, as Argentina's new foreign minister on Monday. Departing from Argentina’s Catholic traditions, Werthein took his oath with his hand on a Torah, emphasizing a unique connection to Jewish heritage and signaling a shift in Argentina’s foreign policy outlook.

The ceremony took place at Buenos Aires’s Foreign Ministry headquarters, known as the Cancillería, and saw Werthein visibly moved as he swore “I promise” on the Torah in response to Milei’s question. In a further departure from protocol, Milei quoted from the weekly Torah portion, or Parsha, saying, “Since today we have moved away from the conventional format… I thought it pertinent to speak about the weekly Parsha.” Reflecting on Parashat Lech Lecha, Milei drew parallels between the biblical figure Abraham and Werthein’s new role, calling on Werthein to carry “messages of the Torah, of life, and of freedom to the entire world.”

Werthein, 68, comes from a prominent Argentine Jewish family whose roots trace back to Russia, where his ancestors fled persecution. Known both as a telecommunications entrepreneur and a former ambassador to the United States, Werthein is set to bring a fresh perspective to Argentina’s foreign affairs.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz praised Milei’s gesture, calling it a “touching reflection” of Argentina’s new leader’s genuine connection to the Jewish people and Israel. In a tweet, Katz extended his congratulations to Werthein, adding, “We value President Milei’s commitment to the friendship between our peoples… and I am confident that together we will strengthen the ties between our two countries.”

Werthein’s connection to Milei is longstanding, as he funded the president’s trip to the United States following his election last year, which included a visit to the grave of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a Chabad spiritual leader, in New York.

Milei, who is not Jewish, has often spoken of his spiritual connection to Judaism, identifying Argentina’s key allies as the United States and Israel. With his promises to overhaul Argentina’s struggling economy and shift its foreign policy, Milei’s alignment with Israel signals an important pivot in Argentina’s international alliances.

The inauguration marks a meaningful step toward enhancing Argentina-Israel relations and speaks to the significance of heritage, responsibility, and shared values as Argentina embarks on a new chapter.

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