We recently closed a deal in Jerusalem’s Kiryat Hayovel neighborhood. As you drive through Kiryat Hayovel and its neighbor, Kiryat Menachem, you’ll notice a unique feature: many streets are named after Latin American countries, such as Colombia, Guatemala, and Panama.
These street names commemorate the Latin American nations that supported the United Nations Partition Plan on November 29, 1947, which led to the establishment of the State of Israel. While some of these countries have shifted their allegiances since that pivotal moment, their support was crucial in securing the two-thirds majority needed for our independence. The street signs stand as a lasting tribute to our gratitude for their friendship on that miraculous day. (To understand why these countries voted in favor of the Partition Plan, see The Banana King.)
These street signs got me thinking about the countries supporting Israel in today’s challenging times. Regrettably, the number of countries that consistently vote with Israel in the UN can be counted on two hands. For example, in May 2024, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution favoring Palestine’s bid for full UN membership, with 143 votes in favor, 25 abstentions, and only 9 votes against. The dissenting votes came from the United States, Argentina, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Palau, and Nauru.
Let’s delve into Israel’s relationships with the latter four nations and explore why these small and relatively unknown countries continue to support Israel despite the wave of global animosity.
Micronesia, a tiny North Pacific island, has been a close supporter of Israel because their foreign policy goals are primarily linked to achieving economic development and protecting their vast marine environment, two areas where Israel excels. The countries also collaborate closely in agriculture, technical training, and healthcare. Additionally, with 99% of Micronesians being Christian, there exists a strong sense of kinship with the Jewish people and their homeland.
Papua New Guinea (PNG), located in the southwestern Pacific, opened its embassy in Jerusalem in 2023. Prime Minister James Marape stated, “Jerusalem has been the universal capital of the nation and people of Israel. For us to call ourselves Christians, paying respect to God will not be complete without recognizing that Jerusalem is the universal capital of the people and nation of Israel.” He emphasized that PNG values its relationship with Israel, noting that Israel’s expertise in health, agriculture, security, education, and technology is vital for PNG’s economic development goals.
Palau views the Jewish people as God’s chosen ones. In 1994, Israel became the first non-Pacific nation to establish diplomatic relations with Palau upon its independence. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has actively supported Palau by sending convoys of fisheries and agricultural exports to help train the local population.
Nauru, the least-visited country in the world with an average of only 160 annual tourists, has a predominantly Christian population. Nauru’s president and officials frequently highlight the significance of the Jewish people returning to their ancestral homeland. Israel has also provided medical assistance and agricultural training to Nauru.
All four nations benefit from Israel’s international aid agency, Mashav, which was established in 1958 to help countries tackle development challenges by sharing expertise and technology. Mashav’s efforts to alleviate poverty and foster thriving economies embody the principle of Tikun Olam—perfecting the world in the Almighty’s kingdom. Furthermore, Mashav’s inspiring initiatives help forge enduring international friendships, as evidenced by voting patterns in the UN.
May Mashav continue to achieve success in fulfilling its powerful mission statement: To lead Israel's efforts in empowering individuals and communities in need by sharing tools and expertise to achieve sustainable development and transformation within their own societies.
Gedaliah Borvick is the founder of My Israel Home (www.myisraelhome.com), a real estate agency focused on helping people from abroad buy and sell homes in Israel. To receive his monthly market updates, contact him at gborvick@gmail.com.