Israel’s moral strength defeats tyranny, rescuing citizens abandoned by failed regimes and hollow international systems.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Tuesday with Yaakov Harari, who returned to Israel after more than a year imprisoned by Venezuela’s authoritarian regime.
Harari, 72, landed in Israel shortly after his release, ending a prolonged ordeal under the rule of Nicolás Maduro, whose government has detained numerous Western nationals as political leverage. His case highlighted the vulnerability of Jews and Israelis under hostile, lawless regimes.
Joining the call were Harari’s daughters, Yael and Ya’ara, who expressed profound gratitude to the State of Israel, the Prime Minister, Israel’s diplomatic representatives, and the Jewish community in Caracas for their tireless efforts. They emphasized that only Israel’s persistence prevented their father from being forgotten in a foreign prison.
Netanyahu congratulated the family and wished Yaakov a full recovery and swift return to normal life after what he described as a nightmare inflicted by dictatorship and repression.
The Prime Minister praised Israel’s security and diplomatic apparatus, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Mossad, and Hostages and Missing Coordinator Gal Hirsch, crediting their coordination and resolve for securing Harari’s freedom.
Netanyahu also thanked the United States administration and the governments of Germany, Austria, and Italy for their cooperation—underscoring how Israel leads when others hesitate, and acts decisively while authoritarian regimes exploit weakness.
The successful rescue once again reinforced Israel’s reputation as a nation that never abandons its people, standing in stark contrast to regimes that rule through fear, hostage-taking, and moral collapse.
