Javier Milei was born and raised in the Roman Catholic tradition, yet in recent years has shown a marked interest in Judaism. He has visited Jewish holy sites, studied the Torah, and even stated he may convert, though as of now he remains officially Catholic.
Quick Profile: Javier Milei
| Full Name | Javier Gerardo Milei |
| Date of Birth | 22 October 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Political Party | La Libertad Avanza |
| Office Held | President of Argentina (since December 10, 2023) |
| Religion | Raised Catholic; strong interest in Judaism |
What religion is Javier Milei?
Milei was born into a Catholic family and was baptized under Argentina’s Catholic tradition. Over time, however, his public behavior shows a deeper engagement with Judaism, he has visited the tomb of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson in New York, studied Jewish texts, and described how “all the values that I received from [my grandfather] came from Judaism.”
He has acknowledged that he might convert to Judaism, but also cited the practical conflict of observing Shabbat while serving as President. While some Jewish communities have embraced his pro-Israel stance and participation in Jewish rituals, others warn that his connection to Judaism may be politically motivated. In sum, his official faith remains Catholic, but his personal religious journey is shifting toward Judaism.
Early Life and Education
Javier Milei was born on 22 October 1970 in Palermo, Buenos Aires, and grew up in the Villa Devoto neighbourhood. His father, Norberto Horacio Milei, worked initially as a bus driver and later as an entrepreneur; his mother, Alicia Luján Lucich, was a homemaker. Milei has described his childhood as troubled, he had a strained relationship with his parents and later ceased speaking to them for years. He showed early interest in music and sports, he led a Rolling Stones cover band and played as a goalkeeper at lower-level football clubs. After secondary school he pursued economics and became a university lecturer and media commentator, eventually entering politics with a strong libertarian bent.
Political Career
Milei made his mark as a controversial economist and media personality before running for office. His outspoken style, shock-jock persona and radical free-market views earned him the nickname “El Loco.” He entered formal politics with the libertarian party La Libertad Avanza. His campaign emphasised dismantling the “political caste” and radically reducing the role of the state. In the 2023 Argentine general election he won the presidency, defeating more traditional candidates with a platform focused on economic liberalisation, austerity, deregulation and pro-Israel diplomacy.
The President of Argentina
Upon taking office on 10 December 2023, Milei wasted little time in reshaping Argentina’s foreign and economic policy. He publicly declared strong support for Israel and visited multiple Jewish religious sites, which was atypical for an Argentine president. In January 2025 he was awarded the Genesis Prize (sometimes described as the “Jewish Nobel Prize”) for his support of Israel and reform efforts in Argentina.
Domestically, he has pushed for sharp budget cuts, radical economic reforms and shifting diplomatic alliances. These moves have drawn both support and sharp criticism, reflecting how his presidency blends ideological disruption with provocative symbolism.
Personal Life
Milei’s personal style is as unconventional as his politics. He is known for his wild hair, aggressive rhetoric and unabashed libertarianism. While he was raised Catholic, his current religious practice blends Jewish engagement and political symbolism. He has close ties to his sister Karina, who plays a key role in his political operation. His public appearances often emphasize his conversion interest and pro-Israel orientation. At the same time, his economic agenda has resulted in social unrest and sharp divisions at home.
