Israeli media eye Rebeca Grynspan's Jewish identity as she emerges as UN chief frontrunner

Israeli media eye Rebeca Grynspan's Jewish identity as she emerges as UN chief frontrunner Submitted by Elis Gjevori on Sun, 08/09/2026 - 18:16 The Costa Rican diplomat has emerged as an early favourite, attracting cautious approval from Israeli media Candidate for the selection and appointment of the next United Nations secretary-general, Costa Rican economist Rebeca Grynspan speaks as she takes part in a debate organised by GWL Voices, in Geneva, on 9 June 2026 (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP) Off Israeli media have highlighted the Jewish background and family ties of Rebeca Grynspan to the country as she emerges as the early frontrunner to become the next United Nations secretary-general. If selected, the Costa Rican economist and diplomat would become the first woman, first Central American and first Jewish person to lead the organisation. Grynspan secured 10 "encourage" votes, four "no opinion" votes and one "discourage" vote in the Security Council's first secret straw poll held on 30 July.