São Paulo – Lourenço Chohfi, one of the main businessmen of Arab origin in Brazil, was honoured on Wednesday (21) at the Syrian Sports Club, in São Paulo, and received the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce’s first golden key. The businessman was the organisation’s president for two terms, from 1983 to 1986, and was honoured for his work and for the example he has provided to the community.
“This key serves to show that our doors will always be open to you. Thank you very much. The house is yours,” said Arab Brazilian Chamber president Salim Taufic Schahin to around 700 guests.
The Arab Brazilian Chamber president pointed out Chohfi’s operation not just at the helm of the organisation, but in other enterprises, like the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital, and said that the honour is also to the businessman’s character.
“A councillor for all moments, an example, a model, a standard for ethical behaviour, the figure of Lourenço Chohfi will remain a reference to all of us for many years,” stated Schahin. Chohfi, currently aged 86, headed the Syrian Sports Club and worked on the collection of funds for construction of the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital, a reference in health service in Brazil.
In the business area, Chohfi commanded a large company in the fabric sector, established by his father, Ragueb Chohfi, and has also been operating in real estate projects, alongside his grandchildren and children. He started his life in business in dispatch and organisation of his father’s company, where he later worked behind the counter, rose to manager and then director.
At the Chamber, Chohfi was president during a complicated period for Brazil. “It was at the same time in which Brazil declared moratorium of its foreign debt, with obvious direct impact on foreign trade and also during the Iran-Iraq war,” recalled Schahin, pointing out, however, that in the period Brazil improved its ties with the government of Iraq, which required talent and ability on Chohfi’s behalf.
Schahin stated that Chohfi is a great businessman, an exemplary citizen and a good friend. “Our friend, Lourenço Chohfi”, he said. The same friendly tone was present in the video exhibited to the guests, in which family members pointed out the life and activities of the businessman. “His lust for life and for production made him the person he is,” said grandson Marcelo, in the video. “He has always been a wonderful patriarch, always giving us much love,” said granddaughter Gabriela, followed by other statements, by his wife, Beatriz Jafet Chohfi. “With each day, I become prouder of you and of our 57 years of marriage,” said Beatriz.
The businessman said he was proud to receive the honour and made a point of transferring part of it to other Chamber presidents. “To all those present I would like to show my great respect and admiration for this manifestation of care that will be forever in my heart,” he said.
Chohfi also said that throughout his life, care and comprehension from his children and grandchildren was never lacking. And he specially mentioned his wife. “For 57 years, my eternally smiling companion. We lived sad and happy days,” he said, to a standing ovation of all those present.
*Translated by Mark Ament
