Janio Quadros, newly elected President of Brazil, and Carlos Lacerda, who has just been chosen Governor of Rio de Janeiro, today repudiated charges of anti-Semitism leveled against them during the campaign, pledging “friendliest ties” with Israel and emphasizing their hostility to any signs of anti-Semitism in this country. The charges against both successful candidates had been bruited throughout the election campaign, and were believed to have been inspired by Communists.
Dr. Quadros told Moises Kaufman, president of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Brazil: “I shall try in every way I can to support the sovereignty of Israel. For me, the historic roots of Israel demand guarding by our country.”
At a rally attended by 30,000 persons here. Governor-elect Lacerda stated: “I shall undertake the development of new professional schools here with the aid of the most progressive state in the world, the State of Israel. With the help of Israel, we shall raise the status of our educational institutions.”
Another instance of Brazil’s friendship toward Israel developed today when the outgoing President, Dr. Juscelino Kubitschek, announced that he will visit Israel when he goes on a tour of the Middle and Far East next month. “I want very much to get acquainted with Israel,” he said, “because it is the land where so much has been achieved through pioneering efforts. That land is a great source of pride to me because its accomplishments remind me so forcefully of Brazil’s attainments.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
