Why it matters:
The protest highlights growing international backlash against U.S. military and political support for Israel. It reflects a rising tide of solidarity with Palestinians across Latin America, particularly as Israel escalates its bombing campaign and massacres against civilians in Gaza.
The big picture:
Latin America has seen an upsurge in pro-Palestinian mobilization, with Brazil emerging as a key hub. Demonstrations in São Paulo mirror broader global protests demanding an end to Israel’s Gaza offensive and challenging U.S. complicity.
What they’re saying:
Pro-Palestine Campaign in Brazil (statement):
“We will not allow the narrators of the Zionist apartheid regime to justify their crimes on Brazilian soil. Our voices echo the cries of the oppressed people of Gaza.”
Key points:
- Protesters gathered outside the U.S. Consulate in São Paulo, demanding an end to Washington’s support for Israel.
- Demonstrators then marched to the Israeli Social Club, where an Israeli official was scheduled to speak.
- A peaceful sit-in at the entrance forced organizers to cancel the event.
- The move was met with loud applause and chants from participants.
Between the lines:
The cancellation represents a symbolic victory for Palestine supporters, showing the ability of grassroots mobilization to disrupt official Israeli narratives abroad. It also underscores how public opinion in Brazil increasingly pressures the government to distance itself from U.S. and Israeli policies.
Go deeper:
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration has sharpened its criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. São Paulo, home to one of the largest Arab communities in Latin America, has become a focal point for pro-Palestinian activism.
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Hossein Vaez - ahmad shirzadian
