The "Teotonio Vilela" Hall in the Brazilian Parliament in São Paulo hosted a special session to mark Palestinian Land Day, organized by the Latin-Palestinian Forum in collaboration with Congresswoman Monica Seixas. The session was attended by a large number of representatives from Brazilian and Palestinian institutions, members of Arab communities, and Brazilian supporters.
The session began with the playing of the Palestinian national anthem, followed by a heartfelt welcome from Congresswoman Monica Seixas, who expressed her pride in hosting this event in the parliament. She emphasized that "the presence of Arab and Palestinian communities gives this occasion a unique human and historical dimension."
In a televised speech, Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, stressed that "what is happening in Gaza is genocide that violates international laws," pointing to "an American-Israeli conspiracy to forcibly displace Palestinians." He affirmed the "sacred right to resistance," describing the challenges faced by Palestinians as "the greatest conspiracy since the Nakba of 1948."
Congresswoman Monica Seixas described Land Day as "a symbolic milestone in the struggle of the Palestinian people," highlighting its connection to the struggles of indigenous and marginalized peoples, such as Black communities in Brazil. She also expressed her dismay at Brazil's continued export of oil and purchase of weapons from Israel, calling it "an indirect contribution to the machinery of war."
Brazilian journalist Breno Altman described the Palestinian cause as "a moral test for nations," emphasizing that "standing with Palestine today is a humanitarian stance before it is a political one."
Mohamed Qadri, President of the Latin-Palestinian Forum, explained that this event "is an act of solidarity with a people facing daily genocide." He noted that choosing Land Day carries a message of support from the Brazilian Parliament to Palestinians. Qadri called on the parliament to "assume its moral responsibility," urging the cessation of military and economic relations with Israel and emphasizing that "security coordination in the West Bank aligns with the occupation's policies against the Palestinian people."
Sarya Masleh, coordinator of the "Strong Palestine" group, highlighted the importance of popular and cultural roles in supporting Palestinians, stating: "Land Day is not just a commemoration but a renewed call for action and resistance." She added, "Our presence here reflects that the Palestinian voice is alive, and our support goes beyond slogans to practical impact."
Dr. Arlene Clemesha, Professor of Arab History at the University of São Paulo, emphasized that "international law obliges states not to be complicit in acts of genocide," calling on Brazil to review its relationship with Israel and engage in boycott and divestment campaigns, similar to those against the apartheid regime in South Africa. She described the situation in Palestine as "one of the most dangerous conspiracies in modern history."
In a video message, Samir Oliveira, Executive Director of the "Lauro Campos – Marielle Franco" Foundation, stated that "the Brazilian people, who have experienced colonialism and oppression, cannot support the Israeli occupation," affirming that "the moral battle continues."
Terezinha Pinto, coordinator of Palestine-related activities in the Workers' Party, reaffirmed the party's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, calling on the Brazilian government to "strengthen its principled stance and cut investments with Israel, especially in the oil and arms sectors."
Congresswoman Monica Seixas concluded the session with an emotional message, expressing her "great joy at the presence of Arab and Palestinian communities in the parliament." She affirmed that "solidarity with the Palestinian people is not only a humanitarian duty but also part of our shared struggle for justice and freedom."
This session is part of a series of activities organized by the Latin-Palestinian Forum to enhance parliamentary and public support for the Palestinian cause in Latin America. It aims to push for bolder positions from governments and institutions in confronting the Israeli occupation, with a focus on international boycott campaigns and practical solidarity with the Palestinian people.
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