While exploring Nicaragua’s lush forests during Yom Kippur, two Israeli backpackers found themselves in a precarious situation when one fell ill and couldn’t continue. This adventure unfolded just as Nicaragua, an ally of Iran, announced it was severing diplomatic ties with Israel.
Caught in the dense, mountainous terrain about an hour from a rest stop, Raz Cohen, one of the hikers, was unable to proceed due to a high fever, vomiting, numbness in his hands and general weakness. He and his companion reached out to their Insurance’s hotline for help. A team of 20 skilled local rescuers was dispatched, eventually reaching the hikers and transporting them to the nearest city, first on foot and then by vehicle.
"Upon receiving the emergency call during Yom Kippur, we acted quickly, engaging the hotline, which guided the local team to the hikers' location," explained Dror Zassler, deputy CEO and head of claims at the insurance hotline.
Cohen received medical treatment and was discharged after his condition improved. Reflecting on the experience, he shared: "We were trekking in a thickly wooded area. I felt really unwell and thought to set up camp to rest, but realized recovery wasn’t happening. Thankfully, we had cell reception and contacted the hotline, explained my situation, and they ensured I was evacuated for the right treatment. I’m feeling better now and am out of the hospital, but still recovering. I’m glad it’s behind me."
Led by President Daniel Ortega, Nicaragua is an ally of Iran. In recent years, the country has become more isolated after Ortega, often called a dictator, harshly suppressed protests against his government in 2018, resulting in about 300 deaths according to human rights groups.
The diplomatic break didn’t surprise Israel. Historically, Nicaragua has taken similar steps. In 2010, the country cut ties with Israel following the Gaza flotilla incident but renewed them in 2017. However, even after renewal, relations remained "empty of substance," with no Israeli embassy in Managua or Nicaraguan embassy in Israel.
In Israel, the response was muted. Israeli officials noted: "Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega is a pro-Iranian Chavista dictator, isolated by much of the Western world. What's surprising is Ortega waited a whole year for this move."
Alongside diplomatic measures, Nicaragua has pursued legal actions, filing a lawsuit in March at the International Court of Justice against Germany for financial and military aid to Israel and for halting funding to UNRWA, the UN's Palestinian refugee agency.
Nicaragua isn't the only Latin American nation to take diplomatic actions against Israel. Bolivia and Belize have also severed ties since the war began. Colombia cut relations in 2024 but maintained consular offices. Chile recalled its ambassador from Israel and sought to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at The Hague.
Brazil, under President Lula da Silva, recalled its ambassador from Israel following a diplomatic spat. Nonetheless, relations continue at a certain, albeit limited, level. "Overall, relations continue as usual," diplomatic sources reported.
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