São Paulo – The news website Annahar published an opinion piece by Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) president Rubens Hannun about the role of the Arab-Brazilian community in supporting Lebanon. Titled “What is the Role of the Arab-Brazilian Community in Supporting Lebanon,” the article, which was published in Arabic, reflects on Brazil’s aid following the Beirut Port blast last August and its repercussions on the relations between the countries.
Hannun wrote that the explosion was a shock for the Arab community in Brazil and evidenced the connection they have with their origins. The ABCC president discussed the presence of Arab immigrants and descendants in Brazil, which amount to 11.6 million, 6% of the Brazilian population, according to a study done for the Chamber by Ibope Inteligência and H2R Pesquisas Avançadas.
He described the widespread campaign for collecting medicines, foods, clothes, and various equipment, which were sent to Lebanon to aid the victims from the explosion. The article goes on to give an overview on the Arab presence in Brazil and their role in different areas of the society, including business leadership. “The Arab-descendant Brazilians are certainly an important pillar in Brazil’s progress and development,” the article reads.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda