The President of Argentina's Rabbi

Argentinian President Javier Milei has revolutionized the political landscape by becoming the world's first libertarian head of state, leveraging social media with selfies alongside tech titans like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Yet, there’s an even more astonishing connection: Milei’s deep ties with the Jewish community, which have led to his personal rabbi, Shimon Axel Wahnish, recently being officially appointed as Argentina’s ambassador to Israel.

The bond between Rabbi Wahnish and the current Argentine president predates Milei’s entry into politics. Just a few years ago, Milei was a relatively unknown economist who shot to fame with his explosive TV commentary. But, as is often the case in Latin American politics, right-wing politicians face many preconceived notions.

Milei’s controversial image included accusations of antisemitism, which he vehemently denied. Determined to clear his name, he reached out to the Jewish community. This led to his first meeting with Rabbi Wahnish, organized through the ACILBA (Asociación Comunidad Israelita Latina de Buenos Aires). Initially meant to be a brief encounter, the meeting extended to two hours, forging a strong bond between the rabbi and the politician. Rabbi Wahnish became Milei’s spiritual guide, and Milei frequently acknowledged the rabbi’s influence in public.

Shimon Axel Wahnish’s unique position within the Argentine Jewish community also played a role in his connection with Milei. Unlike many rabbis who often take a more structured approach, Rabbi Wahnish stands out for his intellectual profile. His roots lie in a more traditional rather than strictly Orthodox Judaism. Although he chose a more religious life, he never abandoned his broader intellectual pursuits, earning a degree in educational psychology and dedicating himself to introducing young people without a religious background to the Jewish world.

Rabbi Wahnish’s scholarly pursuits, including the translation and dissemination of the works of the famed Kabbalist Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, known as the Ramchal, reflect his commitment to intellectual depth. This aspect undoubtedly captivated Milei, who has publicly expressed his fascination with the depth of Jewish wisdom and even stated his intention to convert to Judaism after his presidency.

A pivotal moment occurred in 2012 when Rabbi Wahnish took on a new role as the dean and chief rabbi of the Superior Moroccan Sephardic Rabbinate of Argentina. This position allowed him to engage in high-level diplomacy, meeting with international dignitaries and enhancing his taste for diplomacy. His leadership revitalized the Moroccan Jewish community, attracting a younger audience and ensuring its continued vibrancy.

Sources close to the rabbi reveal that his exposure to the diplomatic world sparked his interest. Almost jokingly, when then-Congressman Milei mentioned his presidential ambitions, Rabbi Wahnish responded, “If you win, I’ll be your ambassador to Israel.” Against all odds, both came true.

Milei has frequently stated his intention to move Argentina’s embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In his words, “Jerusalem is the capital of the Jewish people, and that’s where the embassy should be.” This sparked political debates within Argentina, and the Senate nearly rejected Rabbi Wahnish’s ambassadorial nomination. Negotiations to secure his acceptance included a temporary postponement of this contentious idea. Nonetheless, those who know Milei assert that once an idea takes hold in his mind, he will do everything to make it a reality.

Regardless of whether the embassy move materializes, Rabbi Wahnish’s entry into the diplomatic world is a genuine revolution for the Jewish community. Never before has someone so openly Jewish reached such a significant level in diplomacy. Those who know him say this has two aspects for him: a great pride on one hand and a tremendous responsibility on the other—to exemplify, through his role, how a Jew should conduct himself, always upholding the values and ethics of our ancient people.