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Ahead of International Women’s Day, the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) participated in a communal gathering in the Brazilian capital of Brasília aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and peace, as well as cooperation in the fight against Jew-hatred.
At an event organized by Shabat ITAN last Thursday, CAM Manager of Hispanic Affairs Nurit Caplivschi told an audience of more than 70 Jewish, Christian, and Muslim female leaders, “The fight against antisemitism is not only a cause of the Jewish people. It is a cause for all humanity. Because when antisemitism grows, democratic values, respect for diversity, and coexistence within our societies are also weakened.”
The forum included a moment of reflection and a prayer for peace amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.
A highlight of the event was the adoption by Shabat ITAN — which has a presence in more than 20 countries worldwide — of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism. Shabat ITAN joined the more than 1,300 entities across the globe to have adopted or endorsed the definition over the past decade.
Among the speakers was Deputy Secretary of Justice and Sovereignty of the Federal District of Brasília Jiuliana Barboza, who noted the district had already adopted the IHRA definition.
On Friday, Caplivschi spoke at a meeting in Brasília with Christian leaders from the Sobradinho region, organized by COPEV-SOBRAFE — the Council of Evangelical Pastors of Sobradinho I, II, and Fercal.
Caplivschi presented CAM en Espanol’s work throughout Latin America, emphasizing the importance of interfaith collaboration.
“Today, antisemitism is taking new forms,” she noted. “Brazil is home to the second-largest Jewish community in Latin America, after Argentina — a community that has historically lived with religious freedom and strong social integration. However, since October 7, 2023, antisemitic incidents have increased at an alarming rate.”
Caplivschi explained that a total of 886 antisemitic incidents were recorded in Brazil in 2024, nearly six per day, and that for certain time frames increases in antisemitic attacks and expressions nearly eclipsed 1,000%.
She further underscored that antisemitism is legally considered a form of racism in Brazil and therefore constituted a criminal offense.
At the meeting, COPEV-SOBRAFE and ACPROVI — Associação Comunitária Pró Vida de Sobradinho also signed an agreement formally adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, marking a significant step in the collective effort against antisemitism in the region.
CAM thanks Shabat ITAN President Maria Alessandra Da Silva, Vice President Senator Liziane Bayer, and Executive Secretary Fabiana Lacerda for their invaluable commitment to advancing interfaith ties and confronting antisemitism.
CAM also extends its deepest appreciation to COPEV-SOBRAFE President Pastor Lisrael Costa and Vice President Ronaldo Ivanilson Da Silva for their leadership and dedicated partnership.
CAM’s outreach in Latin America began nearly five years ago, and since then it has worked diligently to build meaningful partnerships and friendships with influential leaders, legislators, diplomats, community organizations, and civil society activists from a diverse assortment of religious, political and cultural backgrounds in the region to combat antisemitism together.
During this time, CAM en Español has emerged as a key player in the battle against Jew-hatred in Latin America, with a growing coalition involved in impactful activities in countries including Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Honduras, among others.
CAM en Español has organized regional summits in Brazil in 2025, Costa Rica in 2024, Uruguay in 2023, Panama in 2022, and Guatemala in 2021, with the Dominican Republic next in line in 2026.
