Controversy in Argentina over renaming of Palestine Street to honour Israeli family

The debate is growing in Argentina surrounding the proposed renaming of Palestine Street to “Bibas Family Street”, a change that has sparked both controversy and support in various communities. Yamil Santoro, a member of the municipal council in Buenos Aires, introduced the proposal in honour of the late Israeli-Argentine citizen Shiri Silberman Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, who were taken hostage on 7 October, 2023, and killed while in captivity in the Gaza Strip. According to Hamas, the family were killed in an Israeli air strike in November 2023, but this is disputed by Israeli forensics experts.

The street in question is in Buenos Aires and has been called Palestine Street for many years. The Bibas family are noted for their contributions to the local community and their outspoken support for Israel. The debate surrounding the change is linked to both the family’s strong ties to the Jewish community in Argentina and the ongoing global discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

Argentine media reports suggest that the country’s right-wing President Javier Milei supports the initiative, but the final decision rests with the Buenos Aires legislature, where opinions are divided. The discussion is at the intersection of local Argentine politics, international relations and the delicate dynamics surrounding the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

The decision to rename the street joins a series of diplomatic and practical steps taken by Milei who supports Israel unequivocally. His family has long been known for their pro-Israel stance, and have promoted Israel’s interests in Argentina, attracting both praise and criticism for their efforts. Members of the family have also been involved in organising cultural events, business initiatives and political advocacy that align with Israeli interests, making their name prominent within both local Jewish and wider Argentine circles.

This has all placed them at the centre of a broader debate in Argentina, which has a large Palestinian diaspora and an ongoing discourse surrounding Middle Eastern politics. For many, renaming Palestine Street to honour a family with such strong ties to Israel is seen as a provocative gesture that is likely to alienate the Palestinian community.

Most Latin American countries have demonstrated support for Palestine and distanced themselves from the occupation state of Israel during its genocidal offensive against the Palestinians in Gaza. Even in Argentina, solidarity with legitimate Palestinian resistance is fast becoming a regular feature of daily life with the naming of streets and public squares, Palestine-themed murals and protest marches. President Milei seems, therefore, to have taken a step that is not only out of line with most of Latin America, but also his own people.

The Milei family’s support for Israel resonates with the Argentine Jewish community, though, and those who favour stronger relations with Israel. The debate highlights the difficulty of balancing national identity, community ties and international political positions.

The decision has not yet been made on whether to rename the street or not. The outcome will likely depend on how well the various interest groups can negotiate their positions and whether the local government can navigate the delicate balance between honouring the Bibas family while respecting the significance of Palestinian identity in the area.

In the end, the decision will not only affect the streetscape of Buenos Aires, but also serve as a microcosm of the broader tensions that continue to shape the way we view national identities and international alliances.

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The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.