“Israel” furious after Brazil exits Holocaust remembrance alliance

Brazil has withdrawn from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), an intergovernmental body dedicated to Holocaust education and combating antisemitism.

The decision is seen as a direct consequence of Brazil's increasingly critical stance on “Israel's” aggression on the Gaza Strip.

Brazilian officials cited "legal limitations" and a "recommendation from United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Francesca Albanese" as reasons for their inability to pay membership dues, implicitly linking Holocaust remembrance to the current conflict.

Unofficial reports also mentioned financial resources.

Under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil has become a vocal critic of “Israel's” campaign on Gaza.

Lula previously compared “Israel's” actions to the Holocaust , leading to a diplomatic rift. Brazil recalled its ambassador to “Israel” and is formally intervening in South Africa's "genocide" case against “Israel” at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The IHRA's non-legally binding Working Definition of Antisemitism, adopted by over 45 countries, has faced criticism from human rights groups who argue it can be "weaponized" to stifle legitimate criticism of “Israel”.

The “Israeli” Foreign Ministry slammed the move, saying on X, “Brazil’s decision to join the legal offensive against Israel at the ICJ while withdrawing from the IHRA, is a demonstration of a profound moral failure.”

Dani Dayan, chairman of Yad Vashem and current president of the IHRA, called it "unprecedented" and a "serious crossing of a red line," stating it's the first time a Western country has subordinated Holocaust remembrance to political considerations.

Major Jewish organizations, including the World Jewish Congress, expressed deep concern, asserting that Brazil is "turning its back on the international community's efforts" and "abandons" its significant Jewish community.

Conversely, pro-Palestinian groups like the Palestine Arab Federation of Brazil (FEPAL) celebrated the move, characterizing the IHRA as "an arm of Zionism" used to "shield Israel from criticism" and "aid the extermination of Palestinians".