Venezuela

Maduro's Son Visits Caracas Synagogue

Nicolás Maduro Guerra's appearance at Tiferet Israel synagogue has reignited discussion of his father's claims about Sephardic Jewish ancestry and forced conversions generations ago

Gila Isaacson, Kikar Hashabbat

AUG 16, 2026 13:20

2 min read

Nicolás Maduro Guerra, known as "Nicolasito" and son of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, recently visited the Tiferet Israel synagogue in Caracas, bringing renewed attention to his family's long-claimed Jewish heritage.

The younger Maduro appeared at Tiferet Israel, one of the most prominent synagogues serving Caracas's Jewish community.

His visit has revived statements made by his father, dating back to 2013. At that time, facing accusations of antisemitism within his government, the Venezuelan leader publicly discussed his family's connection to Sephardic Judaism.

According to the president's account, both his grandfather and grandmother were Jews of Sephardic origin who immigrated to Venezuela and subsequently converted to Catholicism. Over the years, this narrative became part of the family story that Maduro has presented publicly.

The historical presence of Sephardic Jewish families in the Caribbean region, particularly in Curaçao and Venezuela, is well documented. Families bearing the surname "Maduro" have lived in these areas for generations.

Against this backdrop, the family name and the president's past claims have become part of ongoing discussion about the Maduro family's origins.

While Maduro himself has never identified as religiously or actively Jewish, he has consistently referenced this ancestry over the years and maintained relationships with Jewish leaders.