The petition reached more than 19,000 signatures this Friday; Lula supported South Africa's initiative to investigate the conflict in the Middle East
Businessmen, executives, researchers and artists signed a petition calling on the President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), to withdraw Brazil's support for South Africa's initiative to appeal to the United Nations International Court of Justice for “actions and measures to investigate which… “may constitute genocide or similar crimes” and orders Israel's immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The document opposing Brazil's support for the resolution was signed by more than 19,000 people. The group claims to be aware of the “complexity of the situation in Gaza and the suffering of the local population,” but that it is necessary to “evaluate all aspects” before supporting the initiative, “especially when it comes to the serious allegation Genocide”. The petition is available at this link.
Signatories to the document include:
- Luiza TrajanoPresident of the Board of Luiza Magazine;
- Arthur GrynbaumVice President of the Board of Grupo Boticário;
- Ellen Gracieformer Minister of the STF (Supreme Federal Court);
- Fabio CoelhoPresident of Google Brazil;
- Claudio LottenbergChairman of the Board of the Sociedade Beneficente Israelita Brasileira Albert Einstein and the Confederação Israelita do Brasil;
- Sergio ZimermanCEO of the Petz chain;
- Walter SchalkaPresident of Suzano;
- Fabio Colletti BarbosaCEO of Natura;
- Natalia PasternakMicrobiologist and President of the Instituto Questão de Ciência;
- Roberto Giannetti da Fonseca, economist and businessman; It is
- Bruna Lombardi, actress.
The group is calling on Lula to reconsider his support for South Africa's resolution and take “a fair and balanced approach.” They said: “As we seek to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, it is critical to pressure not only Israel, but Hamas in particular, to stop using human shields and release the hostages.”
Here is the full petition:
“Dear President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,
“We, concerned citizens, express our dissatisfaction with the Brazilian government's decision to support South Africa's lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice. We understand the complexity of the situation in Gaza and the suffering of the local population. However, it is imperative to examine all aspects before advocating such an initiative, especially when it involves the serious allegation of genocide.
“Genocide, by definition, implies the intent to exterminate people based on their nationality, race, religion or ethnicity. We do not believe that it is your vision or the general perception of Brazilians that Israel has such a goal. On the contrary, we recognize that the conflict began with a terrorist attack by Hamas, which openly seeks the destruction of Israel and its people.
“Hamas is using civilians as human shields and holding innocent hostages, which significantly adds to the complexity and seriousness of the situation in Gaza.” By supporting South Africa's request, Brazil could inadvertently reinforce a distorted view of events and simplify a complex reality.
“We therefore urge that this support be reconsidered and that a fair and balanced approach be adopted.” As we seek to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, it is crucial to pressure not only Israel, but Hamas in particular, to stop using human shields and release the hostages. Responsibility for the situation must be attributed to all those involved, without making unfounded accusations such as that of genocide committed by Israel.
“We call for a stance that promotes truth, justice and an environment conducive to lasting peace negotiations.
“Brazil, January 15, 2024.”