Luis Alberto Monge, the President of Costa Rica, was presented with the 1985 Human Rights Award of the World Jewish Congress’ Latin American branch at the National Theater here last week. He was the 19th recipient of the award, presented annually since 1966 for distinguished service in the struggle for human rights.
Monge, in his acceptance speech to an audience of Cabinet ministers, members of Parliament and the Judiciary, the diplomatic corps, prominent intellectuals and Jewish leaders from Costa Rica and abroad, asserted that his defense of human rights was a duty, synonymous with his country’s traditions and history.
Costa Rica, under Monge’s administration, was the first Latin American country to move its Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Referring to that move Monge said it was an act of sovereignty, not a sign of hostility toward the Arabs “whom we love as all people.”
He said it was “evidence of our right to decide where our Embassies are situated. We never changed our way under pressure. Costa Rica well knows its destiny,” the President said.
The award was presented to Monge by Manuel Tenenbaum, director of the WJC’s Latin American branch, who flew here from Buenos Aires for the occasion. Tenenbaum said the selection of Monge to receive the award should be seen as homage paid by Latin American Jewry to Costa Rica and their recognition of Monge’s stature.
The award ceremonies were presided over by Gustavo Pfifer, president of the local Jewish community.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
