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By Pesach Benson and Omer Novoselsky • January 6, 2026

Jerusalem, 6 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Venezuelans living in Israel reacted with a mix of shock and cautious optimism after former President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. authorities and flown to New York on drug charges Monday. For the community of around 10,000, the news raises memories of being marginalized by Caracas’ brand of socialism and the possibility of rebuilding a country long dominated by corruption and foreign influence.

Hanna Rajs, who left Venezuela for Israel in 2005 at age 21, told The Press Service of Israel the operation marked a historic blow to Iranian terror networks tied to the Venezuelan government.

“Basically the entire financial wing of Hezbollah was hit very, very hard. For years, the Iranians used Venezuela for drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and a lot of shady dealings,” she told TPS-IL. Rajs expressed hope that new leadership could finally sever Iran’s influence, adding, “Unless the Iranians manage to kick Khamenei out as well. That’s what needs to be done. With God’s help, I hope that happens.”

Regarding economic renewal, she said, “I think some Jews will come back, maybe, if they see an opportunity to do business there and develop there. But I don’t think the majority will come back easily. Israel is nicer and more comfortable than Venezuela, but there is an opportunity if opposition leader María Corina Machado comes to power,” she said.

“Israeli technology could play a major role. People can go weeks without water, electricity, or gas. That’s where Israel can help. My hope is to bring technology there, to help Venezuela develop, and at the same time help Israel grow economically,” she explained.

Marco Manchego, who left Venezuela 19 years ago after anti-government protests, recounted how the Jewish community’s position deteriorated under Hugo Chávez and Maduro.

“Before Chávez came to power, Jews were everywhere — in media, industry, academia. Nobody did anything to us. But after 1999, everything slowly started to change. Synagogues and schools needed security, harassment increased, and Jews started leaving,” he said.

Manchego has not returned to Venezuela for over a decade. “Since 2009, I have not been able to enter. Hezbollah cells are operating in the country, and I fought in Gaza with the Israeli army. Returning now would be extremely risky,” he said. He described the current climate for Jews in Venezuela as one of fear. “They live quietly, like the Jewish community in Iran. They can’t speak freely or protest. Anyone opposing the government is accused of being a Zionist.”

Maor Malul, who emigrated in 2013 after 37 years in Venezuela, described to TPS-IL how Iran expanded its influence over the past two decades. “Even before Maduro, Iran was planting roots in Venezuela. Iranian advisers were in the oil industry, banks, and food chains. There were flights from Tehran and Damascus to Caracas with no oversight. They brought influence to the military and intelligence,” he said.

Malul also described the slow erosion of Jewish life. “Before Chávez, Jews were fully part of society. Security at schools and synagogues was normal. After 2007, with Ahmadinejad visiting and Chávez breaking ties with Israel, harassment increased. Graffiti appeared on synagogues, demonstrations against Israel were everywhere. Jews left because they could no longer live freely,” he said.

Rajs and Malul noted that the capture of Maduro, while not the end of the dictatorship, represents a severe blow to entrenched power structures. “It won’t happen overnight,” Rajs said. “But finally, there is a chance to clean up the house, rebuild, and bring order to a country that has suffered for too long.”

Malul emphasized the challenges ahead. “The dictatorship has been in place for almost 26 years. The army and security systems are infiltrated. People are afraid to speak out. The Jewish community can’t protest. But now, with Maduro captured, there is hope. Change will be slow, but at least the system has been dealt a serious blow.”

All three pointed to opposition leader María Corina Machado as a potential agent of transformation. Rajs described Machado as “capable of turning Venezuela into a truly normative place,” while Manchego and Malul emphasized her pro-Israel stance and her plans for rebuilding infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.

“Finally,” Rajs said, “it seems like there is a chance to restore democracy, rebuild the country, and help Venezuela and Israel grow together.”