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Venezuela’s Jewish Community Cautiously Resumes Public Worship After U.S. Captures Maduro

Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez’s Zionist framing clouds a cautiously hopeful outlook for a transition.

Overview

  • Community leaders report synagogues in Caracas have reopened for daily services after an initial shutdown during the U.S. military operation.
  • U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores; both pleaded not guilty in New York federal court, with the next hearing set for March 17.
  • Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president and described the U.S. intervention as “Zionist in character,” echoing years of official anti‑Zionist rhetoric.
  • Venezuela’s Jewish population has dwindled to an estimated 3,000–5,000, yet institutions such as Hebraica JCC, synagogues, schools, and a senior home remain active under tight security.
  • Jewish communal figures voice guarded optimism that a democratic opening could improve safety and even encourage returns, while recent statements from authorities keep near‑term risks in view.