Interview: Chabad Shliach of Cozumel Appointed Chief Rabbi of the State of Quintana Roo

Rabbi Dudi Caplin, the Chabad-Lubavitch emissary in Cozumel, Mexico, has been officially appointed by the Mexican government as the first Chief Rabbi of the State of Quintana Roo.

The appointment, which follows 17 years of work in the region, marks a historic milestone for the Jewish community in Mexico’s most popular tourist destination.

Rabbi Caplin, who arrived in the United States this week to attend the International Kinus Hashluchim Conference in New York, shared his thoughts about the appointment in an interview with Belaaz.

“After much work with the government, they announced that I will serve as the official Rabbi of the State, representing the government,” Rabbi Caplin said.

Quintana Roo is home to Mexico’s most visited tourist centers, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Bacalar, and the island of Cozumel, which together receive over six million visitors annually.

“The Jewish community in Quintana Roo has grown tremendously,” Rabbi Caplin noted. “This new role allows me to officially represent the Jewish community before the government.
That means that whenever there are matters involving Jewish individuals, communities, or Chabad centers, I can be involved directly as part of the system, whether it’s issues of discrimination, religious rights, or other concerns.”

He emphasized that the state’s government  shows “great respect for the Jewish communities and Chabad centers and appreciates their contribution to society and to local tourism.”

In addition to his work in Cozumel, Rabbi Caplin highlighted the wide Chabad network operating successfully for many years throughout the state, in Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Bacalar, serving both local residents and thousands of Jewish visitors.

“Today, there is vibrant Jewish life across the state, with kosher restaurants, Jewish education, active synagogues with regular minyanim, and more,” he said.

When asked about the safety of the Jewish community, especially in light of the global rise in antisemitism since October 7, Rabbi Caplin responded: “In Quintana Roo, and especially in Cozumel, which is an island city, we feel very safe. The Jewish community lives here peacefully, and we haven’t experienced antisemitism. Our children walk freely in the streets, something rare in other parts of Mexico.”

Alongside his new position, Rabbi Caplin is leading several major initiatives to serve both the local community and the millions of tourists who visit each year.
One of the projects is the creation of a Museum of Tolerance.

“We’re working on a major project, a new building that will include a Museum of Tolerance,” Rabbi Caplin explained. “The goal is to reach the millions of international tourists who come here with a universal message of tolerance, respect, and the Seven Noahide Laws, presented in a modern and engaging way.
As part of the mission for which the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt”l sent us, we are working to prepare the world for the Redemption and to inspire everyone we meet with light and love.”

In addition to the museum, the new center will include a permanent facility dedicated to helping IDF veterans who come to the area after their service, offering emotional support and assistance to those dealing with post-trauma.
“We see this as a true shlichus, a mission to help those young people heal and move forward after difficult times,” Rabbi Caplin said.

Rabbi Caplin added that they are currently in the process of purchasing and constructing a new building to house all of his projects.