Jewish collective issues manifesto supporting Lula reelection

The collective ‘Judias e Judeus Pela Democracia’ has released a manifesto supporting the reelection of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Geraldo Alckmin for the 2026 elections. The petition, which has gathered over one thousand signatures, was released ahead of schedule in response to comments made by Flávio Bolsonaro.

Flávio Bolsonaro recently stated in an interview that ophthalmologist Cláudio Lottenberg would serve as his Minister of Health if elected in October. Lottenberg currently serves as the president of the Israelite Confederation of Brazil (Conib) and the deliberative council of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.

The manifesto aims to clarify that Lottenberg does not represent the Jewish community in his support for Bolsonarism. Signatories, including various intellectuals and artists, expressed a need to react against what they describe as authoritarian and unconstitutional discourses. Conversely, supporters of Lottenberg maintain that his selection is based on his technical expertise as the head of Albert Einstein rather than religious affiliation.