The president of the Israeli Confederation of Brazil (Conib), Claudio Lottenberg, expressed concern about the increase in anti-Semitism after the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023.
In an interview with CNN 360°Lottenberg emphasized the need to combat the spread of hate speech against Jews.
According to the president of Conib, there is a worrying trend of politicization and polarization of discussions about the conflict between Israel and terrorist groups.
“We have to try to debate, talk, elucidate, clarify,” stated Lottenberg, highlighting the importance of a more balanced and informed approach to the situation.
Clearing up misconceptions about Israel
Lottenberg took the opportunity to clear up some common misconceptions about Israel. He highlighted that the country has a diverse population, including around two million Arabs among its nine million inhabitants.
“We have Arabs who are members of Parliament. We had a president of the Federal Supreme Court who was an Arab”, he explained.
The president of Conib also addressed the frequent confusion between Israel and Gaza, emphasizing that Gaza is not part of Israel, but rather a Palestinian territory.
He criticized the lack of support from neighboring countries, such as Egypt, in providing humanitarian aid to the region.
Combating hate speech
Lottenberg expressed concern about the rise in anti-Semitism, both in Brazil and internationally.
He warned that hate speech, although it often starts with Jews, is not limited to them.
“We cannot allow it, because hate speech, unfortunately, starts with the Jews, but it does not end with the Jews,” he concluded.
The interview highlighted the importance of a more informed and balanced discussion about the conflict in the Middle East, avoiding simplifications and generalizations that can fuel prejudice and hate speech.
