Nearly 200 people from the Jewish and Mexican communities gathered on the evening of July 2 to welcome the new Mexican Consul General to Los Angeles. The Jewish Federation partnered with the Israeli Consul General’s office to host the reception, which was held in the Federation’s Sanders Board Room

Federation Chairman of the Board Stanley Gold, Israeli Consul General Jacob Dayan, Mexican Consul General Juan Marcos Gutierrez and Federation President John Fishel

Israeli Consul General Jacob Dayan began by welcoming Mexican Consul General Juan Marcos Gutierrez to Los Angeles, pointing out the many similarities that the two communities have in common, including the fact that Los Angeles is home to the largest number of both Israelis and Mexicans outside of their respective countries. “Enough
talking – let’s work!” he joked at the end of his speech.

“We are ready to work with you,” answered Mexican Consul General Gutierrez as he took the stage. After showing a series of slides that illustrated the rapid growth of the Mexican economy and examples of the strong relationship between Mexico and California, Consul General Gutierrez thanked the Federation for extending its hand to the Mexican community, explaining, “It’s our mission not only to expand the talks and encounters between our communities, but really to make it work. The Jewish community here is one of the most
embracing – you are good friends of the Mexican community.”

Federation Chairman of the Board Stanley Gold and President John Fishel also spoke at the reception. Since starting his post as chairman at the beginning of 2008, Gold has steered the Federation toward areas that he believes are essential to the future of the Federation, one of which is the desire to strengthen community relations and involvement within the greater Los Angeles area, and particularly with the Latino community.

For more information on how to get involved with The Jewish Federation's Latino-Jewish partnership initiatives, please contact Andrew Cushnir at (323) 761-8315 or ACushnir@JewishLA.org