With three decades of experience at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rafael Erdreich previously served as Minister-Counselor and Consul at the Embassy of Israel in the Dominican Republic. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a master’s in Public Policy from Tel Aviv University.
In a meeting with evangelical leaders in São Paulo, the consul addressed issues that go beyond the war in the Middle East, highlighting the geopolitical transformations shaping the world through religion, law, and the struggle for freedom.
Brazil, home to one of the largest Christian and evangelical populations in the world, stands out as a free and democratic nation. A survey conducted by AtlasIntel at the request of StandWithUs, led by André Lajst and Sabrina Abreu, revealed that 58.5% of Brazilian evangelicals predominantly support Israel.
Nevertheless, the current Brazilian political landscape has reduced diplomatic ties with Israel to their lowest level in recent history, and the country currently has no Israeli ambassador in Brasília.
Relations with Israel transcend domestic politics: Jewish communities are at the center of major contemporary political and economic developments involving technology, trade, and peace agreements — issues that are also central to U.S. politics. Political rejection of Israel has direct impacts on international, technological, and economic fields.
In the post–October 7 context, Erdreich, while maintaining his diplomatic stance, has dedicated himself to teaching about foreign policy and the Middle East. Using clear yet technical language, he presents data and analyses often absent from mainstream media. He also openly denounces persecution against Christians worldwide, alongside that suffered by the Jewish people.
Brazil’s Congress and Senate should listen to him not only as Israel’s representative but also as a teacher. His lectures range from Middle Eastern affairs to global economics.
Thanks to his mediation, São Paulo’s City Hall signed an international cooperation agreement with Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), through the Consulate of Israel. The project, focused on practical environmental education and sustainable innovation, includes the installation of 30 biodigesters in municipal schools, capable of transforming organic waste into cooking gas and natural fertilizer.
Erdreich is widely recognized and praised by the Jewish community, maintaining strong ties of engagement. His work undoubtedly represents a significant contribution to diplomacy and intercommunity dialogue.
In the video, the consul explains about Iran (Portuguese):
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.