Brazilian President Luis Anacio (Lula) da Silva was honored by the Yasser Arafat Foundation on 3/17/2024, in Al-Muntada Hall of the Yasser Arafat Museum. The foundation's shield and membership certificate were presented to Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieirathe by Prime Minister, Dr. Muhammad Shtayyeh, President of the Palestinian National Council, Rawhi Fattouh, Vice Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Dalal Salama, and a member of the Board of Directors delegated to follow up on the Foundation’s work, Eng. Musa Hadid, and Director General of the Yasser Arafat Foundation, Dr. Ahmed Sobh.
Dr. Ahmed Sobh welcomed everyone and recalled meetings between Arafat and Lula, as well as Brazil's recognition of the State of Palestine and the inauguration of President Mahmoud Abbas with President If it were not for the street where the tomb and museum of President Abu Ammar are located, and its name called Brazil Street. He stressed that Brazil, along with South America in general, stands with the Palestinian right, embraces the Palestinian community, and contributes to strengthening the bonds of relations between the two peoples.
Dr. Soboh added, “With the continuation of the genocide against our people in Gaza and the governorates of the homeland, and the entry of the war into its 163rd day, and the number of martyrs, wounded, and missing people rising to 115,000, and the incursion into killing, destruction, and starvation during the month of Ramadan, we see honorable positions expressed by the peoples in massive demonstrations, and the positions of countries and governments have been distinguished.” We are proud of it and value its positions, especially in Brazil, South Africa, Venezuela, Chile, Nicaragua, Colombia and many other honorable positions. Despite this, there are still those who refuse the call for a ceasefire and continue to provide weapons, money and protection to the aggressor.
The Prime Minister of the caretaker government, Dr. Muhammad Shtayyeh, expressed his hope that the honor would be “a symbol of lasting friendship between the two peoples.” He noted Brazil’s position in support of the Palestinian people and being the first country to recognize the State of Palestine. He also referred to the Brazilian President's position against the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, noting that "the Palestinian people are facing an unparalleled war of extermination."
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira expressed his happiness at visiting Palestine again, recalling da Silva's visit to it in 2010. He praised the initiative of the Yasser Arafat Foundation, stressing the vitality of its contribution to raising the profile of the national cause around the world. He emphasized the importance of stopping the war, urging the United Nations to increase its attention and conduct necessary investigations so that peace can be achieved and attacks on civilians stop.
The Brazilian minister added that what is happening in terms of targeting civilians and trying to prevent aid from reaching them in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli occupation, is illegal, immoral, and illegitimate, as is the demolition of hospitals and shelters, and that this destruction that we are witnessing has not been seen before.
The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of Palestine and Brazil, and included the showing of video clips highlighting some of the Brazilian President's statements in support of the Palestinian people.
