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(Washington, D.C., June 1, 2020)—The Jewish community of Oporto, Portugal, will donate all proceeds from the Video On Demand film “The Light of Judah” to the Food Bank of Israel.

The film is part of an interfaith project, in conjunction with the Catholic Diocese of Oporto, to fight anti-Semitism. The film, now available with Hebrew subtitles, is offered with the support of B’nai B’rith International.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the demand for meals from people who have lost their jobs as a result of the global economic downturn.

Produced by Portuguese director Luís Ismael, “The Light of Judah” is based on true events, portraying the historic relationship between Jews and Catholics in the Middle Ages, during the Inquisition and in modern times.

From the board of the Jewish community of Oporto, Gabriela Cantergi said, “We are proud of the work that many people and organizations are doing around the world to remedy this pandemic situation and serve humanity and encourage others to help.”

The Jewish community of Oporto has the largest synagogue on the Iberian Peninsula, and access to kosher  restaurants. The group has cooperation protocols with B’nai B’rith International, Keren Hayesod and the Embassy of Israel in Portugal. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Oporto is the most populated Diocese of Portugal.   

B’nai B’rith President Charles O. Kaufman said, “B’nai B’rith endorses its brothers’ and sisters’ stalwart efforts in Oporto to fight hunger in this beautiful city and Israel in the face of hardships associated with COVID-19. The Jewish community in Oporto is working in the tradition and spirit of emergency services in which our organization has engaged since its founding in 1843. We have proudly promoted and executed recent pandemic relief services throughout the world.” 

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit bnaibrith.org.