by Ariel Kahana
The main reason we should be rubbing our eyes in awe is the realization of the Brazilian dream.
The
crowds of people waving Brazilian flags to welcome Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu are just one reason for excitement. That
President-elect Jair Bolsonaro bestowed Netanyahu – the first foreign
leader to officially visit the country since Bolsonaro's election – with
his country's highest honor is also just part of the story.
The main reason we should be rubbing our eyes in awe is the realization of the Brazilian dream.
Until a few months ago, this gigantic
country, with a population of over 200 million people and the world's
eighth largest economy, was the unattainable object for Israeli
diplomacy. Due to the burgeoning economies of China, India and Brazil,
which have made them new powers on the global stage, Israeli officials
deemed it imperative for Israel to gain a foothold in those countries.
It has long since established footholds in China and India, among other
reasons because of Netanyahu's rare ability to forge relations and
market Israel.
Brazil, meanwhile, remained impenetrable.
Due to its Catholic background,
traditionally socialist governments and strong Arab influence, Brazil
was not only tough on Israel but also worked to derail Israel's
diplomatic efforts throughout Latin America. Less than a year ago,
then-Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff actually threatened Paraguay's
previous president not to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
And this is not to mention the recognition of a Palestinian state or
supporting anti-Israel resolutions in the United Nations.
However, a historic about-face has since
occurred. Internal processes in Brazil led to the almost miraculous rise
to power of the right-wing, conservative Bolsonaro family. Overnight,
Brazil changed course in a manner no one could have imagined. In a
flash, this hostile country became a supporter of the Jewish state. This
is black turning to white, foe to friend. Brazil's gates have opened
wide; all that remains is to translate this opportunity into practical
steps.
During his joint press conference with
Netanyahu, it was disappointing that Bolsonaro sidestepped the issue of
relocating the Brazilian Embassy to Jerusalem, and we can only hope this
is not the final word. In any case, we cannot help but see the new,
conservative, pro-Israel world emerging around us. It is a new and
surprising world, which offers a golden opportunity to improve on all
aspects of our foreign relations.
Ariel Kahana
Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/a-golden-opportunity-2/?redirected=329941
Follow Middle East and Terrorism on Twitter
No comments:
Post a Comment