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The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) was honored to participate earlier this week in a special session of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (ALERJ) commemorating the second anniversary of the October 7th massacre and paying tribute to the victims of the Hamas attack.
CAM was represented at the forum — titled “Day in Memory of the Victims of the Massacre of the People of Israel by the Hamas Terrorist Group” and held at ALERJ’s Lúcio Costa Building in central Rio de Janeiro — by Director of Hispanic Affairs Shay Salamon.
During the event, Rio de Janeiro State Representative Atila Nunes invited Salamon to deliver remarks.
“Antisemitism is currently experiencing its worst wave since the end of the Second World War,” Salamon said. “In Latin America, anti-Israel rhetoric and government decisions fuel antisemitism and weaken social cohesion.”
Nunes also presented Salamon with an official recognition highlighting his and CAM’s leadership in the fight against antisemitism across Latin America and around the world.
Other prominent attendees included: Bruno Feigelson, President of the Israelite Federation of Rio de Janeiro (FIERJ); Suzana Bennesby, Vice President of FIERJ; Sofia Débora Levy, Holocaust Remembrance Representative for the Latin American Jewish Congress; and Luís Roberto Barroso, President of the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil.
“This was a moving and important ceremony,” said Salamon. “At a time when Jews face attacks worldwide, it meant a great deal to see Brazil stand with Israel and the Jewish people.”
Salamon also highlighted the enduring bonds linking Brazil and Israel, recalling Brazil’s pivotal role in 1947, when then-Brazilian UN Ambassador Oswaldo Aranha served as president of the General Assembly during the Partition Plan vote that led to Israel’s establishment.
CAM’s Regional Impact
This coming weekend, the CAM-organized fifth-annual Latin American Forum Against Antisemitism will get underway in Rio de Janeiro.
Over the past four years, CAM has worked to expand its outreach across Latin America, forging strong partnerships with leading figures, legislators, diplomats, civil society activists, and community organizations representing a wide range of political, cultural, and religious backgrounds—all united in the fight against antisemitism.
During this time, CAM en Español has become a driving force in countering Jew-hatred throughout the region, building a vibrant coalition engaged in impactful initiatives across Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador, and Bolivia, among others.
CAM en Espanol has also convened annual regional summits hosted by Guatemala in 2021, Panama in 2022, Uruguay in 2023, and most recently Costa Rica in 2024 — with representatives from 18 countries participating in the latest gathering.
