Guatemalan protesters used anti-Semitic language during a demonstration against Energuate, a private power supplier owned by the Israeli company IC Power. (Estado de Israel news portal)
RIO DE JANEIRO (JTA) — Demonstrators in Guatemala used anti-Semitic language to protest the Central American country’s major power company, which is owned by an Israeli group.
Energuate, a private power supplier owned by Israeli company IC Power, was targeted by protests last week that included congressmen, businessmen and members of the military, the Estado de Israel news portal reported.
“Jews have killed me on the cross. Now Jews from Energuate are killing my people in Guatemala with the light,” read the Spanish-language banners and posters at the protests. “Out with Jewish Energuate from Guatemala. Let’s unite for the nationalization of power electricity.”
The anti-Semitic material also included an image of a crucified Jesus and a New Testament passage about hypocritical “teachers of the law and Pharisees” neglecting justice, mercy and faithfulness.
An article on the website of Redes Cristianas, or Christian Networks, defended the use of an anti-Semitic tone in the protests.
Last week, protesters picketed and blocked 28 major highways in Guatemala. Vice President Jafeth Cabrera said “such blockages are a regression in the development of Guatemala.”
IC Power completed the acquisition of Energuate in January for $265 million. Energuate’s two electricity distribution companies provide services for approximately 1.6 million households in Guatemala, representing approximately 60 percent of the country.
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