(Washington, D.C., June 25, 2021)—Jacob Safra and Sir Michael Kadoorie, longtime supporters of the Oporto, Portugal Jewish community; Pedro Siza Vieira, Portugal’s minister of state for the economy and digital transition; and Ambassador Luis Barreiros, Portugal’s chief delegate to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), were special speakers at B’nai B’rith Portugal’s European Young Leaders Program earlier this week.
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The two-day seminar was held at Oporto’s new Holocaust museum—the first in Portugal—and addressed challenges facing global Jewry, including rising anti-Semitism and bolstering pro-Israel advocacy. B'nai B'rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin and B'nai B'rith International President Charles O. Kaufman participated in the seminar at the invitation of the Oporto community.

“The Oporto community has a long and illustrious history and it has been experiencing a renaissance in recent years. B’nai B’rith’s history is shorter but also illustrious. Since its founding in the 19th century, it has evolved into one of the most influential Jewish organizations and has fought tirelessly for our people,” Safra said in a video message screened at the event.

Siza Vieira also addressed participants through a video message, speaking on the history and heritage of Sephardi Jews—Portuguese Jews—and their contributions to science, politics and culture around the world, and on participants’ contributions in the future.

“And I look into the next decade, that decade in which you will complete your studies, you will start your working life, you will create families, you will participate in the lives of your communities around the world. And I look at that with expectation and confidence,” Siza Vieira said.

Barreiros spoke to participants about the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism and its importance as a tool to identify and combat Jew hatred. "It is the best tool to fight the scourges of anti-Semitism, so let's use it," Barreiros said.

Kadoorie provided remarks that were read by Kaufman. “To win the constantly changing new challenges of the world it is necessary to find sources of inspiration. The temporal and spiritual leadership of the Jewish community of Oporto are energetic sources of inspiration,” Kadoorie wrote. “May the Jewish community of Oporto and B'nai B'rith International continue to adhere and prosper!”

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.

Amb. Domingos Fezas Vital Discusses the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union Council

(Washington, D.C., April 22, 2021)--B’nai B’rith met virtually with the Ambassador of Portugal to the United States Domingos Fezas Vital as part of its Diplomatic Encounter Series. Fezas Vital spoke with CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin about the Portuguese priorities for its presidency of the European Union Council and its bilateral relations with Israel and the United States.

Topics discussed included Portuguese-Jewish relations, possible adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism by Portugal and the EU, collection of anti-Semitic hate crime data and more.

On the agenda of the Portuguese presidency of the EU, Fezas Vital said the two most immediate challenges are the pandemic and vaccine rollout, and the economic recovery in Europe. Other priorities include the digital transition, the green transition and the social impact of both transitions.

When discussing ways to further promote mutual understanding between Portugal and the Jewish community, Fezas Vital discussed the opening of a second Holocaust museum in Portugal, this one in Lisbon, called the “Museum of Memory,” set to open in 2022. Portugal’s first Holocaust museum opened in Oporto in January this year.

Fezas Vital also discussed an ongoing national program in Portugal called “Never Forget,” dedicated to the memory of, and lessons from, the Holocaust.

“It’s based on four pillars: knowledge, education, institutional memory and promotion, and it’s a program that involves our education system—schools, universities, you name it. So, when you talk about teaching people about lessons of the past, I would say that this is a very important tool that we have in Portugal to do just that,” Fezas Vital said.

On the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, Fezas Vital said that there is “an ongoing reflection in Portugal about the issue.” Though Portugal has not adopted the IHRA definition, he noted its importance in the country. Fezas Vital said among all the pressure that Portugal is facing from the pandemic and economic issues, “our parliament still discussed this topic and it shows the importance that we attach to the issue. This is very relevant.”

He also emphasized that in Portugal, there are already all possible legal guarantees to make sure anyone who commits an anti-Semitic hate crime will be prosecuted. “It’s not only a legal issue, but also [reflected in] the attitude of the Portuguese people,” Fezas Vital said.

Fezas Vital also expressed an interest in working with Portuguese Jewish communities to improve the collection of data and reporting on anti-Semitic incidents in both Portugal and the EU.

During the conversation, Mariaschin raised the issue of designating Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, urging Portugal to join an increasing number of European countries doing the same. The EU policy makes a distinction between the “military” and “political” wings of Hezbollah—a distinction that is purely nominal—having designated the “military” wing of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization in 2013. 

Fezas Vital has served in the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1983. Prior to serving as Portugal’s Ambassador to the U.S., he held the position of Permanent Representative of Portugal to the European Union and other diplomatic posts around the world, including the Portuguese Mission to NATO.

B’nai B’rith closely follows Portugal’s role on the global stage and its Jewish community. In 2019, the International Council of B’nai B’rith met in Lisbon with an itinerary that included insights into Portuguese and Jewish history. Last year, B’nai B’rith established a branch in Oporto, Portugal.

B’nai B’rith’s Diplomatic Encounter Series engages ambassadors and other officials to address pressing diplomatic issues of the day.

Watch the full program on B'nai B'rith's YouTube channel here.

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.

(Washington, D.C., Feb. 27, 2020)--On the latest episode of the B’nai B’rith podcast, CEO Daniel. S. Mariaschin talks with Dara Jeffries, representative of the Jewish community of Oporto, Portugal. The community recently created a film entitled “Sefarad,” a sweeping history of Oporto’s Jews.
 
The movie is “personal in the sense that it tells the story from the perspective of Oporto, as opposed to all of Portugal or all of Iberia, because that’s where we’re from and that’s what we knew,” Jeffries said. “And we think that Oporto’s a very unique place. In Oporto, we’ve done a lot of work with the local Catholic community and the Muslim community as well...It’s always had a very unique dynamic with other religions and is [a] very ecumenical community.”
 
Oporto’s history of religious tolerance has not always made it safe for Jews. “Sefarad” opens in 1492 with an exodus of Jewish refugees fleeing Castile, from where they have just been expelled, for Portugal. Their stay is short-lived; soon after their arrival, the Portuguese king expels them, and cross-wielding mobs drive Jews out of the country. The narrative then skips to 1923, when the Jewish community of Oporto has been rebuilt under the leadership of military officer Barros Basto. Basto famously revived Oporto’s Jewish community, building the largest synagogue in the Iberian Peninsula in 1938. He was eventually expelled from the military for conduct unbecoming an officer, though many believe he was unjustly accused.
 
“[Barros Basto] had a vision that he would go and find all these descendants of the hidden Jews and that they would want to come back and become part of mainstream Judaism, but that didn’t happen for a lot of reasons, some of which are told in the movie,” Jeffries said. “But he built this enormous synagogue because he thought that that is what would happen, that he would be able to fill it. So it’s a very large space.”
 
Click here for Episode 64 of the B’nai B’rith Podcast.
 
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 www.bnaibrith.org
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(Washington, D.C., Feb. 4, 2020)— B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:  
 
B’nai B’rith is calling for the dismissal of Portuguese newsmagazine Sábado cartoonist Vasco Gargalo, who published anti-Semitic images in the month before International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
 
“Demonization of the State of Israel is not acceptable political or social commentary, it is in fact modern day anti-Semitism, and the images of a crucifixion on the Star of David perpetuate the world’s oldest hate,” we wrote in our letter to the publication.
 
The cartoons demonized Israel by comparing the Jewish State to Nazi Germany and invoking Nazi imagery to characterize Israelis, both of which fall under the internationally accepted International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s definition of anti-Semitism.
 
In the first cartoon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing a coffin with a Palestinian Authority flag into an oven. The German phrase “Arbeit macht frei,” which translates to “Work sets you free,” was infamously inscribed on the gates of Auschwitz. Gargalo’s second cartoon showed a Black politician being crucified on the Star of David.

We fully respect freedom of expression and free speech, but these age-old anti-Semitic tropes — blood libels — are hateful and shameful. No more!
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Read our full letter here.
 
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 www.bnaibrith.org

(Washington, D.C., Dec. 17, 2019)-The Jewish Community of Oporto and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oporto, Portugal, meet today in an unprecedented interfaith gathering between the two Portuguese communities as part of the Global Project in the Fields of Culture and Religion. As part of the project, the two communities have collaborated on artistic and humanitarian ventures. Today’s event is an unprecedented meeting promoting dialogue and understanding between the two communities and their heritage, culture and religion. The following is information from the Jewish Community of Oporto:

• Both institutions have established the Global Project in the Fields of Culture and Religion, resulting in common aid to charities, the production of four movies and the promotion of each other’s museums.
• The short film “The Nun’s Kaddish”, awarded in several film festivals, will be exhibited at the Catholic Cathedral and was described by Pope Francis as a “leaven of fraternity, hope and joy in the heart of the world”.
• During the meeting, the Jewish Community will give financial aid to two of Oporto charities.

Today’s event
 
At 10:30am, hosted by the Bishop of Oporto – Dom Manuel Linda –, twenty faithful of each community are joined in dialogue at the Catholic Episcopalian Palace. Together, they visited the catholic museum, and the Jewish Community presented a gift of financial aid to two of Oporto charities.
 
At 11:30am, for a better understating of their History and experiences, the delegations visited the Jewish Museum of Oporto.
 
Today’s unparalleled event ended in a common lunch at the Kadoorie - Mekor Haim Synagogue.
 
The protocol Global Project in the Fields of Culture and Religion was established to reinforce the relationship between both communities, in cooperation. D. Manuel Linda, Bishop of Oporto stated – “this project is a cut with the past of misunderstandings and certainty of a future made hand in hand. It is unique in the world, as Oporto is also unique”.
 
According to the President of the Jewish Community of Oporto, Dias ben Zion: “It is difficult to achieve positive relationships between Catholics and Jews without social, cultural and interfaith cooperation”

 
Gabriela Cantergi, member of the board of the Jewish Community in charge of interfaith relations, explained the Global Project in the Fields of Culture and Religion:
 
“Social, cultural and other dialogue is necessary to achieve full tolerance between the Roman Catholic Church and Jewish communities, particularly in societies in which negative stereotypes are entrenched, ignoring for example the fact that many Jews struggle financially.”
 
The Jewish Community of Oporto has devised a global project involving close cooperation with Oporto Roman Catholic Diocese, with the following activities:
 
1) Social causes, helping children, the elderly and the sick;
 
2) Promotion of the Jewish Museum and the Episcopal Palace Museum; and
 
3) The Production of four films - "The Nun's Kaddish", "Sefarad", "1618" and "The Light of Judah" - covering events that have occurred over the centuries in the Portuguese society. The proceeds from films in Portugal will go to social causes.
 
These initiatives have received financial and practical support from Jewish philanthropic families as well as organisations such as the Embassy of the State of Israel in Portugal, B´nai B´rith International and Anti-Defamation League.
 
The Jewish museum and films mentioned depict true events and have won the respect of Roman Catholic Church organisations. The scripts and rough cuts having been shown beforehand to the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oporto.  Gabriela Cantergi stated: “the proceeds from films in Portugal will go to social causes.”
 
About “The Nun’s Kaddish” and the other films
 
- Today the short film “The Nun’s Kaddish” is exhibited at the Catholic Museum, a short film that portrays a true story of inter-religious kindness when two catholic nuns observe the Jewish ritual, raising the spirituality of the two faiths towards a higher feeling of universal brotherhood.
 
Pope Francis wrote a letter to the Jewish community about the film “The Nun’s Kaddish”, saying that he, “Calls down divine favours in abundance on all those directly or indirectly involved and represented in carrying out this film, that they may be the leaven of fraternity, hope and joy in the heart of the world, and wishes everyone the greatest happiness with God’s blessings.”
 
- “1618” is a film about the inquisitorial visit to Porto that encountered resistance from priests, ordinary citizens and the city authorities themselves, all accustomed for centuries to living alongside the Jews.
 
- “Sefarad” reveals the existence in Portugal of Marranos right in the middle of the 20th century. They were neither Jews nor Christians but both at one and the same time, living outside the mainstream of both religions.

- “The Light of Judah” is a historical documentary covering centuries of the history of the Jews in Portugal and the city of Oporto in particular, from the Middle Ages to the Inquisition, from modernity to the present day.
The movies are directed by Luís Ismael: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1644176/
 
About the Jewish Community of Oporto
 
http://jewishcommunityofoporto.blogspot.com


The Synagogue Kadoorie Mekor Haim is the largest in the Iberian Peninsula and the Jewish Community of Oporto is composed by more than 400 members, from over 30 countries. It has a rabbinic court, structures for kashrut, offers courses to schoolteachers to combat anti-Semitism and provides food for Shabbat meals in 11 countries. It has a museum, a cinema and cooperation protocols with the Portuguese State, the Israeli Embassy to Portugal, B´nai B´rith International, the Anti-Defamation League, Keren Hayesod, Chabad Lubavitch, as well as with the Oporto Diocese and Oporto’s Muslim community.
 
The Oporto Jewish Museum was inaugurated this year, was opened by the President of B´nai B´rith International. In his speech, Charles Kaufman said: “This Jewish Museum will punctuate a reawakening of Jewish life in Portugal. It should serve as a beacon of light to the rest of Europe, a land darkened today by resurgent Antisemitism".
 
Abouth the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oporto
 
- https://www.diocese-porto.pt
 
Established as Diocese of Portucale in 576 CE, Oporto is the most populated Diocese of Portugal. Situated in the North of Portugal, by the Atlantic Ocean, has a jurisdiction of over 3010km² (1162mi²).
 The current Bishop (77th) is Dom Manuel Linda.
 
The Cathedral of Oporto is one of the city's oldest monuments and one of the most important local Romanesque monuments, started in the 12Ith century. The Episcopal Palace, where is now the Museum, is the former residence of the bishops of Porto, built in a late baroque and rococo style and is believed to be the work of Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni.
 
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 www.bnaibrith.org