Israeli embassy attaché Dahlia Neumann holds an award in the Chamber of Deputies alongside PRI deputy Israel Betanzos

Evangelicals, With Support From the Israeli Embassy, Award PRI and PAN Mayors in Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies

ByEnrique Méndez

This article by Enrique Méndez originally appeared in the October 19, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.

In the Legislators’ Hall of the Chamber of Deputies, and at the invitation of the PRI, the evangelical-leaning organization Policías Celestiales AC handed out recognitions for their performance to PAN and PRI mayors, to electoral magistrate Martha Alejandra Chávez Camarena and to the embassy of Israel, which according to the organizers collaborated in organizing the ceremony and with “institutional accompaniment.”

The association was founded by Leonel Guillermo Prieto Chávez, a former federal police officer who said this Monday that Policías Celestiales “has embassies in four countries where our programs are applied, and today we want to recognize the embassy of Israel with a very special distinction as ‘friendly diplomatic headquarters of the year’.”

At the event, which was even broadcast on the Congress Channel, the association presented the so-called “security with valor award,” and on behalf of the Israeli ambassador, Yoed Magen, it was received by Dahlia Neumann, attaché for public diplomacy, press and culture.

“What an honor, truly!” Neumann said upon receiving the document.

In earlier remarks, Neumann maintained that “security is much more than a job, it is a mission and a commitment to life, to the peace of our communities. We know that many of you dedicate your lives to this mission and that, at times, you even risk your own lives to protect others. That commitment deserves all our respect and recognition.”

She noted that in Israel many efforts, resources and knowledge are dedicated to protecting its population and to ensuring that people can live their lives in peace and security.

That is why, for Israel, the support of the evangelical Christian community is very important. We deeply value its friendship, its solidarity and its support for our people.

Dahlia Neumann, Embassy of Israel

Cooperation Between Israel and Mexico

“We believe that cooperation between Israel and Mexico is benefiting both peoples and contributing to building a safer future for all. Thank you very much for your friendship and for this recognition. Shalom and todah rabah.”

Meanwhile, from the hall’s podium, Guillermoprieto Chávez, whom some of his colleagues call “pastor,” began his speech with thanks “to god (who) allows us in this place. It is because of him that I am here, and I know many of you are too.”

He maintained that “those responsible for security in Mexico have taken charge of training the armed forces, and that is very good, and we have very well-trained people with courses in police tactics, driving, accidents, forensic expertise.”

However, “very rarely are there officials like those who are here, the deputies and the embassy of Israel, which is a benchmark in security for us, who have concerned themselves with and taken charge of the inside, of what is under the uniform. Very few people realize that there is also a heart that laughs, cries and worries.”

One of the organizers was PRI deputy Israel Betanzos, who asked Policías Celestiales: “Keep doing your work, multiply what you do. May god bless you.”

Mauricio Tabe, Among the Mayors Recognized

Guillermoprieto also presented the “mayors of the year” recognition to PAN members Giovanni Gutiérrez, of Coyoacán, and Mauricio Tabe, of Miguel Hidalgo, who sent his private secretary, Mario Villanueva. Also to the PRI mayor of Coacalco, David Sánchez Isidoro.

On the guest list was the national leader of the PRI, Alejandro Moreno Cárdenas, who sent his former private secretary and current local deputy in Mexico City, Omar Alejandro García Loria.