Brazilian lawmakers visit Israel to strengthen advocacy, fight antisemitism

An initiative led by the Israeli organization Nechama and Hatzalah for Israel brought a high-level delegation of Brazilian Congress members and diplomats to Israel this week, aiming to bolster international advocacy and combat antisemitism.

The delegation’s itinerary included meetings with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and other senior officials, a tour of Yad Vashem, and visits to southern Israeli communities affected by the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks and their aftermath.

Moshiko Moskowitz, a combat soldier in Gaza and chairman of Nechama and Hatzalah for Israel, emphasized the significance of this effort, stating: "The fight against antisemitism and strengthening global advocacy efforts are just as crucial as the battle on other fronts."

Nechama and Hatzalah for Israel has been actively assisting evacuees from Israel’s northern and southern regions since the war broke out on Oct. 7.

The delegation was led by Brazilian philanthropist Alessandra Safra, a vocal advocate for Israel and its international standing. Safra witnessed firsthand the devastation near Israel’s southern border and engaged in talks with Ohana and other Israeli officials.

Discussions focused on strengthening Israel’s ties with the Jewish diaspora, reinforcing international advocacy, and addressing the urgent need to combat global antisemitism.

During their visit, the delegation toured heavily impacted communities, including Kfar Aza, Be’eri, and the Nova festival site, where they received a detailed briefing from Moskowitz on the massacre and the suffering endured by Israeli civilians. Members of the delegation expressed shock at the brutality they learned about, as well as solidarity and unwavering support for Israel.

A particularly moving moment for the delegation came on International Holocaust Remembrance Day during their visit to Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. Walking through the museum’s exhibits underscored the ongoing importance of Holocaust remembrance amid rising global antisemitism.

Moskowitz thanked the delegation for their visit, saying: "I extend my deepest gratitude to the delegation for their vital visit and heartfelt solidarity with Israel. The fight against antisemitism and the strengthening of global advocacy efforts are just as critical as the military struggle on other fronts."

The visit served as "undeniable proof of the importance of international cooperation and the need to reinforce ties with our allies worldwide," Moskowitz continued, "I would also like to personally thank our dear friend Mrs. Alessandra Safra for her unwavering support of Israeli citizens, security forces, and advocacy efforts around the world."

The visit comes amid diplomatic tensions, as Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has been highly critical of Israel. He has compared Israel’s operation in Gaza to the Holocaust, accusing the country of genocide, a statement that has drawn widespread condemnation.