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Peruvian President Blames Jews for WWII, Issues Apology

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

President José María Balcázar cited Antonio Escohotado’s book to claim Jews drove Germany into World War II.
Israeli Ambassador Eran Yuvan and German Chargé d’Affaires David Schmidt demanded that Balcázar retract the statements.
The Jewish Association of Peru said it listened with astonishment to the speech delivered before ministers and diplomats.
The Peruvian presidency apologized, reaffirmed support for Israel, condemned the Holocaust, and stated Nazi fanaticism caused World War II.

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Story summary

President José María Balcázar cited Antonio Escohotado’s book to claim Jews drove Germany into World War II.
Israeli Ambassador Eran Yuvan and German Chargé d’Affaires David Schmidt demanded that Balcázar retract the statements.
The Jewish Association of Peru said it listened with astonishment to the speech delivered before ministers and diplomats.
The Peruvian presidency apologized, reaffirmed support for Israel, condemned the Holocaust, and stated Nazi fanaticism caused World War II.