Published on Tuesday, March 3, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles received the Tikvá Award and a special recognition from Keren Kayemet LeIsrael (KKL) on Monday for his support of the Jewish community.

The ceremony was held at the Israelite Zionist Center of Costa Rica in San José.

The Tikvá Award (inspired by the Hebrew word “Tikvá,” meaning “hope”) was presented for the first time in Costa Rica’s history. Organizers said the honor recognizes Chaves’ leadership in support of the Jewish community.

In addition to the award, Keren Kayemet LeIsrael presented Chaves with a certificate documenting the planting of 18 trees in Israel’s forests in his honor. In Jewish tradition, the number 18 symbolizes life, continuity and gratitude.

 

During his acceptance speech, Chaves praised Israel for transforming the Promised Land (once a desert for centuries) into what he described as a "garden," highlighting what he called "the resilience and determination of the Jewish people."

“Recognitions like this are not kept in a planner, they are not kept in a book, they are not kept in photographs, they are kept in the heart,” Chaves said. “And this is one of those moments, one that I will carry in my heart for as long as God grants me life on this earth.”

Chaves said that powerful forces in today’s world are attempting to drown out and silence what he described as the calm voice of coexistence and peace.

“To defend what one believes in, to defend one’s history and one’s very existence is not warmongering; it is an undeniable responsibility,” he added. “Even those of us who love peace sometimes have to take actions we do not want to take, precisely to defend that peace.”

The president said he accepted the award on behalf of Costa Ricans “who respect, first, religious freedom; second, security; and third, the dignity of every community that makes Costa Rica its home.”

The recognition comes a few months after Costa Rica and Israel signed a free trade agreement aimed at boosting exports and investment between the two countries. The agreement is expected to eliminate more than 90% of tariff barriers and establish rules to facilitate expanded bilateral trade and investment.

This week, Costa Rica condemned strikes by the Iranian regime against U.S. interests in several Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Jordan.

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What have you heard about expats who have received recognition for their support of the Jewish community in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com