Panama’s Minister of Education Visits Samaria in Historic First

An important diplomatic visit took place yesterday (Wednesday) in Samaria, as Panama’s Minister of Education Lucy Molinar arrived for an official tour of the region. This marked the first visit by a Latin American official holding the rank of “minister” to Judea and Samaria. The visit was initiated by Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel and carried out in cooperation with the Embassy of Panama in Israel.

Joining the minister were Panama’s Ambassador to Israel, Ezra Cohen, and his wife. The tour was led by the Head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, who hosted the delegation at key sites throughout the area.

Panama as a Key Global Player

The visit carries broader diplomatic significance in light of Panama’s standing on the international stage. The country controls the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Israel – Panama History

Relations between Panama and Israel date back to the very birth of the Jewish state, with Panama playing a meaningful diplomatic and moral role in the events that led to Israel’s establishment.

A central figure in this early support was Dr. Eduardo Morgan Álvarez, who closely followed the aspirations of the Jewish people seeking to reestablish themselves in the land of Israel. Appointed by Panamanian President Enrique A. Jiménez as Panama’s representative to the United Nations Special Committee on Palestine, Dr. Morgan worked to advance the UN General Assembly resolution of November 29, 1947, supporting the partition plan and the establishment of a Jewish state. His constructive role on the commission included personal intervention that helped secure the release of Jewish refugees detained by the British in Cyprus.

Dr. Morgan was also instrumental in persuading smaller nations—particularly in Latin America—to support the historic resolution. On June 18, 1948, Panama formally recognized the State of Israel through Resolution No. 1856, acknowledging it as a “sovereign state, fully invested with international personality.”

Thanks to heroes like Eduardo Morgan Alvarez of Panama 🇵🇦, Exactly 71 years ago #OnThisDay (November 29th 1947), the #UN voted to approve resolution 181, which paved the way to the birth of the State of @Israel 🇮🇱🤝🏻🌎 pic.twitter.com/axbpWCaJdN

— Dr. Reda Mansour (@RedaMansour) November 30, 2018

During Israel’s War of Independence, as Arab states threatened invasion and a Western arms embargo limited Israel’s ability to defend itself, Panama played a quiet but critical role. Thirteen aircraft were transferred from the United States to Panama, registered under the Panamanian airline LAPSA—established specifically for this purpose—and then flown to Israel. The first of these planes arrived on June 21, 1948, helping lay the foundations of the Israeli Air Force.

Panama continued to stand with Israel during difficult moments on the international stage. When an Arab-sponsored UN resolution equating Zionism with racism was brought to a vote, Panama was among only six Latin American countries to oppose it.

Bilateral ties deepened further in 1977, when—three weeks after the signing of the Torrijos–Carter Treaties—Commander-in-Chief of the Panamanian National Guard Omar Torrijos Herrera paid a historic visit to Israel. Then Prime Minister Menachem Begin praised the strong relations between the two nations and congratulated Torrijos on the canal agreements with the United States. During the visit, General Torrijos inaugurated Panama Street in Jerusalem, a symbolic gesture of friendship between the countries.

In recent years, relations have expanded into the economic sphere. A Free Trade Agreement between the Republic of Panama and the State of Israel was ratified by Panama’s National Assembly on October 31, 2019, and entered into force on January 1, 2020, further strengthening the strategic and economic partnership between the two nations.

From the “Balcony of the State” to the Heart of the Country

Now Minister Molinar is bringing the countries’ cooperation to Judea and Samaria. One of the highlights of her visit was a tour of the well-known observation point called the “Balcony of the State,” located in the community of Peduel. From this vantage point, a sweeping view of the Dan Region and central Israel unfolds. The minister received a briefing on the geo-strategic significance of Samaria to Israel’s security, alongside the historical connection of the area to the Jewish people. The presentation also emphasized Israel’s narrow geographic width in the center of the country and the resulting security challenges.

At the conclusion of the tour, Minister Molinar expressed her excitement about the visit, saying it was “an honor for her to be in such a meaningful place.” In her remarks, she offered a blessing to the residents of the area and expressed hope for peace that would enable better and safer lives for all the inhabitants of the land.

Watch the remarks of the Panamanian Minister: