On Thursday, May 28, a highly significant meeting took place, organized by Patrick Lambert, bringing together Israel’s Consul General Rafael Erdreich and prominent Brazilian evangelical leaders.
Among those present were pastors Amilton Cabral and Edmar Moreira (Central Baptist Church of Santo André), Alexandre Dutra (AIMI), Thomas Gilmer (Trinitarian Bible Society of Brazil), Ricardo Ximenes (Church of the Nazarene of Santo André), Marcos Antonio (Indianópolis Baptist Temple), Jônatas Hubner and Ákilla Nascimento (United Nations Baptist Church), Luiz Claudio and Christopher David (TJCII), along with other representatives.
In his presentation, the consul addressed key issues on the international stage, including economics, religion, antisemitism, tensions in the Middle East, and global challenges related to Iran. With a technical and detailed exposition, Erdreich skillfully explained the critical moment faced by the international community.
One of the most striking points was his analysis of the worldwide expansion of Islam, contrasted with the geographic decline of Christianity. Regarding Iran, the diplomat presented data on missile and weapons development since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, stressing that current Iranian military technology already reaches Europe, posing a threat to global stability.
Erdreich also compared investments made by Iran and Israel: while the Persian nation, with about 93 million inhabitants, ranks 75th in the Human Development Index (HDI), Israel, with only 10 million inhabitants, holds the 27th position, standing as one of the most prosperous countries in the world—ahead of nations such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
The meeting underscored that the challenges discussed are not limited to the Middle East or the Jewish people, but concern the entire international community. For Christians in particular, the consul emphasized that the current context represents one of the greatest religious persecutions in history.
Silas Anastácio is a columnist for Guiame, the largest evangelical media outlet in Brazil, as well as JM Notícia and Jornal da Cidade Online. He has collaborated closely with the Jewish community and brings over a decade of experience addressing themes related to Israel and Jewish life in Brazil.