clear

Creating new perspectives since 2009

 
Eman Abusidu

Eman Abusidu

Eman Abusidu is MEMO’s correspondent in Brazil.

 

Items by Eman Abusidu

  • Is criticising Israel a crime? Brazilian bill could criminalise criticism of Israel

    Is criticising Israel a crime? Brazilian bill could criminalise criticism of Israel

    A legislative proposal currently under debate in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies has sparked alarm among journalists, academics, human rights organisations, and members of civil society. Introduced by Federal Deputy Eduardo Pazuello (PL-SP), Bill 472/2025 aims to incorporate the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism into national law....

  • ‘Free Thiago!’: Brazilian voices grow louder after Israel arrest Ávila aboard Madleen

    ‘Free Thiago!’: Brazilian voices grow louder after Israel arrest Ávila aboard Madleen

    In a surge of national and international concern, Brazil finds itself at the heart of growing global condemnation following the detention of Thiago Ávila, a prominent Brazilian activist, by Israeli forces. Ávila was aboard the humanitarian vessel Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, when it was intercepted by...

  • Latin America escalates pressure on Israel over Gaza genocide

    Latin America escalates pressure on Israel over Gaza genocide

    As the war in Gaza continues to exact a devastating toll on Palestinian civilians, voices from Latin America have become some of the most prominent and unwavering in condemning what many now describe as a genocide. From diplomatic ruptures and public condemnations to calls for economic embargoes and legal...

  • Brazil’s president offers condolences to Palestinian mother after Israeli strike kills her nine children

    Brazil’s president offers condolences to Palestinian mother after Israeli strike kills her nine children

    Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has once again denounced what he calls the “genocide” unfolding in Gaza, after an Israeli airstrike killed nine of the ten children of Palestinian doctor Alaa Al-Najjar. The Israeli attack, which took place on Saturday also critically injured Al-Najjar’s husband and sole...

  • The Nakba anniversary: Shared lessons between Palestine and Latin America

    The Nakba anniversary: Shared lessons between Palestine and Latin America

    While its geographical epicentre lies in the Middle East, the memory and meaning of the Nakba extend far beyond Palestine, resonating deeply across Latin America — a region shaped by colonisation, dictatorship, forced displacement and enduring resistance. Though the names, languages, and landscapes may differ, the emotional terrain is...

  • Bolivia denounces Netanyahu’s Gaza campaign as a ‘massive invasion’

    Bolivia denounces Netanyahu’s Gaza campaign as a ‘massive invasion’

    The Bolivian government has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s newly announced military campaign in the Gaza Strip, describing it as a “massive invasion” and a grave violation of human rights. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 6 May, Bolivia reiterated its long-standing support...

  • Words without borders: Palestine and Brazil commit to literary exchange

    Words without borders: Palestine and Brazil commit to literary exchange

    In a major step towards cultural exchange and solidarity, the General Union of Palestinian Writers and the Brazilian Union of Writers (UBE) signed a landmark agreement this week in São Paulo. The agreement commits both organisations to translating and promoting the literary works of their members in each other’s...

  • Academic freedom under fire: Brazil’s professor targeted over Gaza support

    Academic freedom under fire: Brazil’s professor targeted over Gaza support

    A campaign led by segments of the Zionist lobby in Brazil has launched a series of public attacks against Professor Arlene Clemesha, a prominent scholar of Arab History at the University of São Paulo (USP). Renowned for her academic work and public advocacy in support of the Palestinian cause,...

  • Palestinian roots, Brazilian spirit: The impact of Palestinian-Brazilian women

    Palestinian roots, Brazilian spirit: The impact of Palestinian-Brazilian women

    Across oceans and continents, Palestinian women — whether in the besieged neighbourhoods of Gaza or the sprawling cities of Brazil — are united by a deep legacy of resistance. In the face of occupation, exile and systemic discrimination, their strength is not just survival — it’s the power to...

  • Cuba’s president reaffirms support for Palestine during international colloquium

    Cuba’s president reaffirms support for Palestine during international colloquium

    Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel has attended the IV Patria International Colloquium at the University of Havana. The president’s particular attendance at a lecture on “Media Lessons from the Palestinian Genocide: Propaganda, Silencing and Informational Resistance” underscores the importance of solidarity movements in Cuba’s foreign policy. Diaz-Canel has long been...

  • The Brazilian far right is pushing to oust a Councilwoman over her support for Palestine

    The Brazilian far right is pushing to oust a Councilwoman over her support for Palestine

    In the Brazilian city of Curitiba, tensions have escalated as far-right factions seek to oust elected Councilwoman Angela Alves Machado, the first-ever councillor elected by the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL) in the city. A prominent figure, Machado has been an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights, and her vocal...

  • The Palestinian flag at Brazil’s Carnival: Where samba meets solidarity

    The Palestinian flag at Brazil’s Carnival: Where samba meets solidarity

    Brazil’s Carnival is a global phenomenon, renowned for its exuberant parades, vibrant samba rhythms and dazzling costumes. For millions of revellers, it’s a time to celebrate Brazilian culture and the country’s rich history. But beyond the samba beats, there lies a deeper story of political expression and solidarity. In...

  • Controversy in Argentina over renaming of Palestine Street to honour Israeli family

    Controversy in Argentina over renaming of Palestine Street to honour Israeli family

    The debate is growing in Argentina surrounding the proposed renaming of Palestine Street to “Bibas Family Street”, a change that has sparked both controversy and support in various communities. Yamil Santoro, a member of the municipal council in Buenos Aires, introduced the proposal in honour of the late Israeli-Argentine...

  • Voices of Palestine at the 14th Brazilian Student Festival

    Voices of Palestine at the 14th Brazilian Student Festival

    The cities of Recife and Olinda, northeastern Brazil, recently hosted the 14th National Union of Students (UNE) Festival, a major gathering that brings together thousands of young people from across the country under the slogan “FREE Palestine…The street is our main stage.” This year’s festival stood out not only...

  • Widespread Latin American opposition to Trump’s Gaza plan

    Widespread Latin American opposition to Trump’s Gaza plan

    US President Donald Trump’s recent declaration that America will take control of Gaza and displace its people have sparked widespread criticism across Latin America. Political leaders, activists and citizens condemned his plan as imperialistic, inhumane and a violation of international law. Latin America, a region with a deep history...

  • Shifting narratives: How Brazilian media covered the genocidal war in Gaza (2023–2025)

    Shifting narratives: How Brazilian media covered the genocidal war in Gaza (2023–2025)

    Since the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, Gaza has become a focal point in Brazilian media, with the war shaping public discourse and sparking significant debate. Coverage of the genocidal war in Gaza (2023–2025) has mirrored Brazil’s political divisions, reflecting varied perspectives toward the Israeli Occupation in Occupied...

  • Argentine activist sentenced over ‘genocidal Israel’ tweet

    Argentine activist sentenced over ‘genocidal Israel’ tweet

    While Argentina welcomes an Israeli soldier fleeing Brazil on charges of committing genocide in Gaza, Argentina has given Alejandro Bodart, leader of the Socialist Workers’ Movement (MST), a six-month suspended sentence for a post he made on the social media platform X in which he condemned what he described...

  • Chile president: Israel PM is a ‘war criminal’

    Chile president: Israel PM is a ‘war criminal’

    On the evening of 17 December, Chile’s President Gabriel Boric took part in a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Palestinian Club, where the tree was adorned with 45,000 lights in memory of the victims of Gaza. The event highlighted his unwavering support for Palestinian rights. Prominent figures, including...

  • Palestinian flag flies from landmark bridge in Brazil in major act of solidarity

    Palestinian flag flies from landmark bridge in Brazil in major act of solidarity

    The Palestinian flag was displayed recently on the Hercílio Luz Bridge in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina in Brazil. The iconic bridge is a historic landmark of connection and unity, and was chosen specifically to be the site of a significant act international solidarity with the people of Palestine that resonated...

  • Brazilian contest sparks outrage over genocide-inciting question

    Brazilian contest sparks outrage over genocide-inciting question

    In an official letter addressed to Eliana Nunes Estrela, Secretary of Education for the State of Ceará, the Palestinian Arab Federation of Brazil (Fepal) called for the cancellation of Question 23 in Public Selection Process No. 008/2024, asserting that its wording promotes the “defence of Palestinian genocide”. The letter...

  • Brazil’s President Lula calls for urgent action on Gaza at G20 summit

    Brazil’s President Lula calls for urgent action on Gaza at G20 summit

    Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva opened the 19th G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro yesterday, and took the opportunity to highlight the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The ongoing Israeli genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza has killed at least 44,000 people, mainly women and children, and wounded...

  • Massive Palestinian flag unfurled on Brazil´s Copacabana Beach

    Massive Palestinian flag unfurled on Brazil´s Copacabana Beach

    A group of protesters unfurled a massive Palestinian flag on the iconic Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, drawing attention to the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip and making a symbolic gesture of solidarity with Palestinians. The initiative, organized by a Rio de Janeiro-based NGO, is part...

  • Brazil: university cancels lecture by Israeli professor after student protest

    Brazil: university cancels lecture by Israeli professor after student protest

    Palestinian and Brazilian students have protested against a lecture by Israeli-Brazilian professor Michel Gherman at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) in Brazil. The lecture was cancelled as a result. Gherman is an associate professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and a researcher at the...

  • ‘Sinwar is a symbol of resistance and role model for freedom fighters’

    ‘Sinwar is a symbol of resistance and role model for freedom fighters’

    The martyrdom of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and architect of the 7 October cross-border incursion against Israel, strengthens the influence of the Palestinian resistance groups and elevates him as a symbol of resistance and a role model for freedom fighters worldwide. This is the view of Brazilian...