Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros 🖋
🥇 Journalist
🥇 TV presenter
🥇 Graduated in Theology
🥇 Dr. in Sciences and Philosophy of Religion
🥇 Dr. Honoris Causa in Hebrew
🥇 The Oxford Journal® International Correspondent
"When we reach the limit, God comes with the miracle!"
THE COMMUNIST REGIME OF NORTH KOREA: A NIGHTMARE FOR ANY CHRISTIAN
בס״ד
Since Kim Jong-Un's ascension to power, North Korea has transformed into a veritable nightmare for religious freedom, with Christians bearing the brunt of this harsh reality. This oppressive communist regime, under the thumb of an unyielding dictatorial leader, has morphed the country into a hostile territory where the Christian faith is persecuted in an exceedingly brutal and savage manner.
One of the stark illustrations of this horrifying reality is the case of a family sentenced to life imprisonment merely for possessing a Bible. Visualise, dear readers, a scenario where an innocent 2-year-old child is condemned to life-long incarceration along with their parents, the crime being nothing more than having in their possession a copy of the Word of God. This extends beyond the violation of human rights; it stands as a direct affront to the Lord of Hosts!
The United Nations (UN), often criticised for its indifferent attitude towards global Christian persecution, has been compelled to recognise the terrible reality in North Korea. UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, conceded that the fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion is systematically denied in the country. Any belief not aligned with a blind loyalty to the ruling family is brutally suppressed.
North Korea has become a ghastly "chamber of horrors" for Christians. Possessing a Bible is viewed as a capital crime, with the potential to sentence their families to life imprisonment. Christians find themselves dispatched to forced labour camps, subjected to inhumane torture, and confronting violence and oppression for their faith in Jesus Christ. The boundaries of this persecution are non-existent: Christian women and girls face abhorrent acts of violence and cruel retaliation for their beliefs, including rape and forced abortions.
Leaders of this communist regime, drenched in the blood of innocent victims, remain oblivious to the fundamental tenets of Jesus's teachings: love and respect for all, especially the most vulnerable. It is unfathomable that in the 21st century we continue to bear witness to an regime as heartless and savage as North Korea's. The ruling elite fears Christianity, acknowledging its transformative power that aided the collapse of the Iron Curtain in Europe. They are aware that the illuminating light of the Gospel has the potential to unveil the darkness of their dictatorship and weaken their control over the populace.
The UN, by its very mandate, is obligated to defend our North Korean brethren and the missionaries who suffer daily due to their unwavering faith. However, our responsibility doesn't end with them. Silence amounts to complicity, and as Christians, we bear the onus of upholding justice, freedom, and dignity for all, especially those oppressed and persecuted for their faith.
Our voice must resonate in defence of the persecuted. We are called to support organisations like Open Doors, which offer aid and encouragement to North Korean Christians, despite the inherent dangers and difficulties. North Korea must be confronted with truth and justice. Religious persecution demands exposure and condemnation. North Korean Christians must be reassured that they are not alone; that believers worldwide stand with them in solidarity, in prayer and in action, battling for their liberation and the transformation of North Korea.
Let our voice be one of outrage and indictment, seeking justice and freedom for our persecuted brothers and sisters. Let our prayers be unceasing, imploring God to bring about transformation and freedom in this troubled nation. And may our hope remain rooted in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, capable of shining light into the darkest corners and offering freedom to the oppressed.
Published 5 June, 2023
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
JUDAISM, AFRICAN DESCENT JEWS, AND RACISM
בס״ד
Racism against Jews has a long and deeply entrenched history in many parts of the world. Known as antisemitism, this phenomenon originated in antiquity but reached its extreme in the 20th century with the Holocaust, the most brutal massacre in history, during World War II. However, some argue that Judaism, and consequently Jews, regard black people as cursed. To make such a statement would be to claim that the religion is prejudiced against its own people. History not only accounts for the existence of black Jews but also counters the stereotype of a typical Jew as a Middle Eastern man who is far from being white and blue-eyed.
While it's impossible to generalise about all Jewish people and communities, there are evidences that show the inclusive approach and rejection of prejudice within Judaism, starting with religious foundations. Judaism upholds the principle that all humans are created in God's image and possess intrinsic dignity and value. The Torah, Judaism's sacred book, underscores the importance of treating others with kindness, fairness, and respect, regardless of their ethnic background.
Secondly, Jewish history, throughout which Jews faced discrimination and persecution, has sensitised many to the importance of combating prejudice and advocating for equal rights. Many Jews were actively involved in civil rights movements and anti-racism efforts.
The third point is about the stance of many contemporary Jewish leaders and scholars who have positioned themselves against racism and prejudice, defending equal rights and the appreciation of diversity as fundamental principles of Judaism.
The final topic discussed here relates to the existence of diverse Jewish communities. Judaism is a religion that encompasses a broad range of communities worldwide, with different cultural, ethnic, and racial traditions. Jewish communities exist on every continent, including Jews of African origin, showing that Judaism welcomes people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Looking at the history of the Jewish people, it is apparent that the black ethnicity has been part of it since the beginning. As one of the world's oldest religions, with historical and cultural roots dating back to ancient times, Judaism is a religion based on Abraham's teachings. It arrived in Ethiopia around 3,000 years ago and is associated with the lost tribe of Dan.
The Ethiopian Jewish Community, called Beta Israel ["House of Israel"], whose name is linked to this people's life in the Kingdom of Israel before its invasion by Assyria, which destroyed the kingdom and deported the ten tribes into exile. With the exile, these tribes were sent to the region now known as Ethiopia and joined the small Jewish community already there, thanks to the Queen of Sheba who had visited Jerusalem 300 years earlier to personally experience King Solomon's wisdom; thus, according to Ethiopian tradition, Judaism arrived in Ethiopia.
With the Queen of Sheba's family and the arrival of the exiled tribe of Dan, the community of Beta Israel was founded, which maintained biblical Jewish practices such as circumcision, abstaining from foods prohibited in the Bible like pork, and observing Shabbat [Sabbath]. Isolated there, they believed they were the only Jews in the world and prayed daily to return to their homeland. They awaited the fulfilment of the prophecy that they would return to their land, as described in Isaiah 11.11: "In that day, the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the remnant of his people, those that remain in Assyria and the north of Egypt, in the south of Egypt, in Ethiopia, and in Elam, in Babylon, in Hamath, and in the distant coastal lands [...]" (New Living Translation, online version; emphasis added).
It was only in the 19th century that this group learned about other Jews and the community of Beta Israel. In the early 1970s, with the onset of the Ethiopian Civil War, which resulted in thousands of deaths from conflict and famine, the local Jewish Community came under frequent attack, making life there untenable. Thanks to the operation by Mossad, Israel's Secret Service, the cooperation of Sudan, Operation Moses, and finally, Operation Solomon, thousands of Beta Israel witnessed the fulfilment of the prophecy, being taken to their beloved homeland after over 2,700 years of exile.
Today, more than one hundred and fifty thousand Beta Israel live in Israel, a feat that came at a great cost: over 4,000 people lost their lives in this struggle. It would, therefore, be absurd to suggest that a nation that has suffered so much prejudice could perpetrate it.
Published 30 May, 2023
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES: FACTS AND PICTURES
בס״ד
After many years of anticipation, on Saturday morning (6th), the 74-year-old Charles III was crowned king, swiftly becoming the foremost topic of conversation on global social media. The solemn ceremony was conducted at Westminster Abbey in London, with the Royal Chapel's chorister, Samuel Strach, offering a warm reception.
In his oath, King Charles solemnly pledged to uphold the law and the Church of England, affirming his stance as a "loyal Protestant". Notably, a unique goat-skin-covered Bible, with pages gilded in gold, had been crafted for the coronation and received approval from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The ceremony underscored themes of diversity and inclusion and featured elements from a wide range of religions, including representations from Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communities, among others. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, a Hindu, recited a biblical passage, while a hymn was sung in Welsh, Scottish, and Irish Gaelic. Simultaneously, republicans protested on the streets of London, displaying placards expressing their refusal to acknowledge the newly inaugurated monarch as their king.
At the end of the ceremony, which took place almost eight months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the king and queen consort partook in Holy Communion, the primary act of worship in the Christian church.
Whilst the world's attention was fixed on the coronation itself, and speculation was rife regarding the strained relationship between Princes Harry and William, a seemingly unrelated occurrence caught the eyes of many spectators. The appearance of a shadowy, hooded figure, later referred to by some as the 'Grim Reaper', was noticed outside the chapel, as military personnel entered the ceremony. This gave rise to a plethora of theories, some of distasteful nature, including one which suggested the figure was the apparition of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Westminster Abbey later clarified the matter, stating that the figure was a sacristan, a member of the abbey community assisting with religious services; a clarification that some found amusing.
When we speak of the King of England, his coronation is of worldwide significance. Some perceive it as spiritual or symbolic, a message to the world. Notably, one of the most controversial British royal jewels, the Koh-i-Noor diamond, has found a new owner in the queen consort. The stone, which can only be worn by women, is considered cursed due to its bloody history. Legend says, "He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also endure all its misfortunes. Only God, or a woman, can carry it with impunity", a belief some extend to the world, given the British Empire's historical conquests, which have greatly shaped our world.
Certainly, it is God who appoints kings and brings them down, as the Bible says. If the world stopped to watch the coronation of a mortal, fallible human being, one can only imagine the awe-inspiring spectacle when King Jesus, the King of Kings, eternal and infallible, returns. The Bible says every eye will see Him. He will come with all the glory and majesty inherent to Him, and not a single eye will be spared His sight.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Published 6 May, 2023
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
RELIGIOUS RESPECT AND FREEDOM: RIGHT OR UTOPIA?
בס״ד
According to the Pew Research Center in the United States, Christianity is one of the largest religions in the world, with approximately 2.6 billion followers, which is almost 32% of the global population. Regrettably, there are countries where Christians face intolerance and discrimination due to their faith, and in others, they are, quite literally, persecuted.
In some cases, this discrimination manifests as the prohibition of religious practices in public spaces. For instance, in Canada, a recent legislative proposal seeks to ban prayer rooms in schools within the province of Quebec. This means students cannot have a space to pray nor can they do so verbally – only in silence. Shockingly, this absurdity is defended by Quebec's Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville. What is even more outrageous is that the decision is justified with arguments such as "this is a way to combat religious discrimination", when in reality, it is the exact opposite, as this measure deliberately infringes upon the freedom and rights of citizens to profess their faith publicly.
In Brazil, religious freedom is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Brazilian Constitution in Article 5, Clause VI, which ensures freedom of belief and the free exercise of religious worship. Unfortunately, this right is often disrespected, as Christians still face discrimination, intolerance, and insults because of their faith, sometimes accompanied by violence. This was exemplified in a case in the Federal District involving Ricardo Molina, a retired forensic expert from the Institute of Legal Medicine (IML), and his ex-wife, Janinne Jasem. In a video that went viral on the internet, Molina is seen urinating and stepping on a Bible, his hands covered in blood, while uttering offensive words against Janinne. This type of behaviour is unacceptable and demonstrates the extent to which religious intolerance can reach.
Although these two topics discussed above may seem different, they both reflect a central issue in common: the lack of respect and tolerance for Christianity. This is not only harmful to the Christian community but also to society as a whole. The Bible, in addition to being the best-selling book in history, teaches us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that "all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching", which makes it clear that the Bible is the sacred book of Christians and, therefore, deserves our utmost respect and reverence. Thus, to ridicule and scorn this sacred scripture is to worsen society in every sense.
Furthermore, the Bible teaches that violence against women is unacceptable. In Genesis 1:27, it is written: "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." Therefore, men and women were created in the image of God and must be treated with equality and respect. In Matthew 7:12, Jesus teaches: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you [...]". This principle applies to all human relationships.
Religious intolerance and disrespect for the Bible and/or prayer negatively impact Christians worldwide. The fight against such prejudiced attitudes must not cease. We must indeed denounce and defend the rights established in the Constitution so that they are never taken away from us. After all, the Bible is the manual of faith and Christian practice, and if its principles and rules are followed, it benefits all of humanity extensively.
Published 24 April, 2023
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
GAMBLING LEGALISATION: THREAT TO FINANCIAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF SOCIETY AND FAMILIES
בס״ד
On 24th February 2022, the Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies concluded the voting on the bill that legalises gambling in Brazil, PL 442/91, which includes casinos, bingos, animal game and sports betting. The decision upholds Felipe Carreras' opinion, granting permanent and/or temporary licences to operate such activities. The proposal is for each state of the Federation to be allowed to have one casino, with the exception of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, which may have two, and São Paulo, with a limit of three.
Months after being approved in the Chamber, the bill, which had been stalled in the Senate, seemingly buried, has returned to the agenda and is set to be voted on, even though there is no consensus regarding the controversial matter.
Some argue in favour of legalising the practice, considering it unfair for it to freely occur in the country without the state benefiting from it. The bill provides for the Cide-gambling tax, which will collect 17% of the gross revenue from industry entrepreneurs and a 20% Income Tax on the net value that winners will pocket; resources that already have a specific purpose, according to supporters of legalisation: tourism, environment, culture, public security, and natural disasters.
At the time of approval in the Chamber, the government leader in the house, Ricardo Barros, admitted that legalisation would generate revenue. Furthermore, according to him, if approved by the Senate, the project would lead to the regularisation of over 400,000 informal employees, without any labour rights. For Senator Ângelo Coronel, the federal government would lose 50 billion reais per year in revenue collection if the project is not approved by the Senate. And, of course, raising revenue is of utmost importance, even at the expense of those who are at real risk of being greatly harmed in this whole story, should the Senate approve the project.
There are those who vehemently oppose legalisation, understanding that even if the gains are substantial, the losses will be equally so. Such individuals take into account the consumers of these services and the addictive potential of these games.
It is necessary to recognise the real risk of social phenomena arising from the abuse and dependence on gambling, such as compulsion, uncontrolled spending that leads to using money earmarked for a family's basic needs on gambling, increased marital disputes and, consequently, domestic violence; a decline in food quality and even deprivation; and potentially driving families and society into debt and subsequent increase in poverty and begging.
Gambling is addictive because it elicits pleasure, adrenaline, and when an individual wins, they experience relief and a feeling of victory; when they lose, the temptation is to play more rounds, as eventually, luck will change.
Gambling activates many parts of the brain, and compulsive gamblers achieve positive results, as the brain's reward system, which provides a sense of pleasure, is activated. With each bet, the compulsive individual becomes increasingly attached to the stakes and invests more and more resources in them, potentially sinking into debt, as often happens, and becoming entangled in severe problems, jeopardising their own life and that of their family. And these reasons are sufficient for any responsible and conscientious citizen to fight to banish these games from society, rather than seeking to legalise their practice.
Among the opponents, Eduardo Girão is working against the project, even creating a Front Against Gambling in the Senate, with the support of senators Luiz do Carmo (MDB-GO) and Carlos Viana (PL-MG).
Published 12 April, 2023
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
DON'T MESS WITH OUR CHILDREN!
בס״ד
When we analyze the speed at which the gender ideology agenda is being imposed totally on our children, promoting the deconstruction of traditional family and social values, we realize that the situation becomes more worrisome every day. It is important to emphasize that, for us Christians, the Bible is the source of ultimate authority in all areas of life, including sexuality and gender identity. According to the Bible, God created human beings, male and female (Genesis 1:27) and this is the basis of our identity.
In the United Kingdom, a country that was once the cradle of great preachers and has experienced great revivals, Christian values have been increasingly abandoned and the country finds itself in a serious spiritual crisis, similar to most countries, including Brazil. A booklet elaborated in partnership with Wales is being presented as didactic material for children up to 7 years old and, according to it, there are not only two genders: male and female, but more than 100 different genders! A complete denial of biological reality which clearly states that humanity is divided into two distinct biological sexes, but gender ideology tries to challenge this reality by imposing a radical agenda that puts a person's will and foolishness, above biology itself.
In the case of children, we know that they still don't have their own conscience on the subject, to make any decision about their body, so there will always be an irresponsible adult who will lead them to this, damaging their identity formation. This booklet is promoting an ideological agenda that aims to deconstruct the sexual and gender identity of children, based on a concept that gender is a social construction and not a biological reality, which is totally contrary to the biblical view that sexual identity is a creation of God. Moreover, it instigates children to explore the so-called "gender fluidity", that is, the idea that a person can change gender at will. This is very worrying, because children are easily influenced and, when led to question their own gender identity, can have irreparable mental health problems.
The fact that this booklet is aimed at 7-year-old children is very serious, because this is a crucial phase of human development, in which the child is forming its identity and learning to deal with its emotions and feelings. In this phase, it is important that children have a safe and stable environment that allows them to grow and develop as healthily as possible.
The way God created each human being (man or woman) cannot be changed by human will, and gender ideology conflicts directly with this vision; in the name of a false freedom, it denies the reality of divine creation. It is up to parents to be aware of the ideological agenda inserted in schools and the imposition for teachers to use its content. We cannot give in (or allow our children to do so) to society's pressures for us to adapt to its standards, to a distorted vision of reality.
The acceptance of gender fluidity is a clear example of the inversion of values in society, in which relativism and personal will are placed above the order created by God, and this ideology, with all its variants, is a great threat to the mental and spiritual health of children and adolescents. Let us guard the Word of God, teach our children to reject any attempts to deconstruct biblical truth, reminding them that our struggle is the spiritual forces of evil hidden in all ideologies contrary to the will of God.
Published 24 March, 2023
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
SUDDENLY: WHEN THE ORDINARY BECOMES EXTRAORDINARY
בס״ד
For years, the Church of Jesus in Brazil and in the world has been crying out to God for a revival. Much has been preached about the presence of God manifested in the midst of his people and the need to seek the Lord and hunger for him more.
In recent days, a news story has been spreading on social networks and has been highlighted in Christian circles: a service held weekly by young students, in the chapel of Asbury University, began on the 8th and continued, uninterrupted, for 13 days. Over 50 me people were impacted by the power of God in the city of Kentucky in a 13 day period. The local newspaper, The Asbury Collegian, has a report from a journalist who said she was touched by the prayers and preaching she witnessed while covering the event.
Many revivals have taken place in the history of the Christian church. According to Ranieri Costa, journalist and theologian, revivals have three marks: repentance, the presence of God and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and have as a consequence practical actions that generate a commitment to the cause of the most vulnerable.
Asbury University itself has experienced revivals at other times in its history, notably the one that took place in 1970, whose consequences were far-reaching, including in North American culture and in the creation of the Jesus Movement, a Christian movement that aimed to bring revival to the USA and win lives for Christ in a scenario of change as a consequence of the hippie movement.
There are many different opinions, and there is much speculation as to whether or not what is happening in Asbury is a revival. However, regardless of these questions, the reports that we have are that thousands of people have passed through the place, many of them stayed there for several hours, in an attitude of prayer, worshipping the Lord and singing praises to Him, listening to the ministrations of the Word of God, praying for one another; all, or at least the vast majority of those present remained completely enveloped by the presence of God. We hear from people who have been healed, people who have surrendered their lives to Christ, people who are being filled with God and renewed by the Holy Spirit.
Obviously, opportunistic people tried to take advantage of the movement in Asbury, as a way to boost their social networks. There were some who didn't even know what was happening, but saw the popularity of the event as a form of self-promotion. But each one will give an account of themselves to God.
Only time will be able to hammer the hammer on these events in Asbury. The fruits will tell. But what cannot be denied is that there is in that place an atmosphere permeated with the sweet presence of God, before which it is impossible not to surrender.
From this Wednesday (23), the service will be restricted to students, and will be closed on Friday (25) due to logistical problems due to the large number of participants. Moreover, according to the leadership of the university, the Bible states that the believers of the early church did not remain in the Cenacle after the descent of the Holy Spirit, but went out and spread the good news of the gospel to various locations, although they were also motivated by persecution. "The service started on the 8th will be closed, but the moving of the Spirit will not," the leadership adds.
What is hoped is that the move experienced in Asbury continues to impact people and cause change in the lives of each person who participated in it or was influenced by it in some way. That each one evidences God's action in their lives, testifying the gospel to the world.
Asbury received people from several parts of the USA and other countries, among them Brazil. The legacy, started by those few students, who remained praying and worshipping the Lord after the service, and which culminated in a grand event, is impressive and impossible to be accomplished by mere students. Only God, through the Holy Spirit, is able to produce brokenness and worship such as those that occurred in the last few days at Asbury.
The desire that cries out from the hearts of disciples of Jesus all over the world is: Do it again, Lord! Revive us. Send your Holy Spirit. Renew your work in the midst of the years.
Published 27 February, 2023
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
IT IS A TIME OF WAR: SATAN IS PLAYING
בס״ד
The fight for the liberation of abortion practice has gained a new ally in the United States, and it is big and heavy. It is a statue of a woman with horns, measuring 2.5 meters, which was placed in front of the New York courthouse. The figure, classified as "demonic" by Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson, draws attention not only for its visible features, but also, and mainly, for what it symbolises.
In 1900, the New York City Courthouse began temporarily hosting statues of male personalities considered relevant to the development of the law, among them, Moses (the religious leader, judge, lawgiver and prophet recognized in the three major world religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam); Justinian (the emperor) and Confucius (thinker and philosopher).
This time, however, breaking custom, the court displays a statue of a woman, golden and imposing, symbolizing female empowerment and an open declaration of support for the practice of abortion.
The news obtained prominence, even guaranteeing the right to an article dedicated to it, under the title: "Surpass Moses and Zoroaster: Manhattan has a new legislator", in one of the best known American newspapers, The New York Times.
The sculpture was named "Now", symbolizing the social mores of the 21st century, as well as representing a fierce woman, a form of fierce female resistance, considered so necessary by the feminist and pre-abortion movements, after the Roe vs. Wade decision, which liberalized abortion in the Land of Uncle Sam in 1973, was overturned in June 2022.
The parts of the sculpture were not conceived at random, but were designed to convey a message: the braids, which form horns, symbolize sovereignty and autonomy; the horns refer to an image used in the Satanic Temple; the lace necklace recalls one worn by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Supreme Court justice seen as a symbol of female empowerment and abortion. The image being naked also has significance. According to the sculptor, "the body is a powerful tool that carries its social construction. It can also function as a site of resistance."
The statue has been nicknamed the "Satanic Golden Jellyfish", which is not surprising, as Satanic Temple satanists have long been in favour of abortion, claiming that abortion should be considered a "religious practice" and an integral part of religious rituals.
Satanic Temple leaders have asked the US government that, in states where abortion is banned or restricted, they be granted "religious exception" for the practice of what they call "religious abortion rituals" and "unrestricted access to abortion drugs", as published by Guiame.
The organisation, which has a clinic in New Mexico (USA) where it performs abortions free of charge, intends to expand its operations to other locations; in recent years it has even sued several States where there are significant restrictions on abortion, on the grounds that their laws violate the group's "religious right" to perform the "ritual abortion", and has protested against the holding of prayer in schools and the presence of Christian images in public spaces. It has also started "satanic clubs" after school, which has caused outrage among American families.
According to former Satanist John Ramirez, Satanists have spread their temples in several cities so that "demons and spirits can work in the atmosphere of these regions and lead people to destruction". He points out that demonic influence is increasingly evident in North American culture, and this is at such a level that it makes Sodom and Gomorrah look like kindergarten. And the scenario does not seem so different in Tupiniquim lands, since Brazil drinks, sparingly, of North-American culture.
As we can see, we are at war, a spiritual war. Satan is not strolling in this world; he came to kill, steal and destroy. It is urgent that the Church of Jesus take a stand, take up the spiritual weapons and seek, from God, wisdom and discernment to battle, because we already know the end of this story, for all those who are in Christ. Victory is certain! There is no need to fear, for our Commander is ahead of us, mighty to win.
Published 17 February, 2023
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
BRAZILIAN COALITION WITH LEFT-WING GOVERNMENTS AGAINST ISRAEL
בס״ד
The history of Israel is marked by persecutions and attacks by various nations to destroy it. Since Biblical times, the nation chosen by God to fulfil the special purpose of revealing Him to all nations has been the target of prejudice and hatred.
After being expelled from the Iberian Peninsula, from the Modern Age onwards, Jewish communities settled in Northern Europe, in Protestant regions, enjoying a certain religious freedom and developing in several areas, after the advent of the Universal Rights of Man, on the occasion of the French Revolution. With this, in the 19th century, they rose economically and intellectually, and began to be accused by various countries of wanting to dominate them, and this was the context of the emergence of aversion and prejudice against Jews, known as anti-Semitism. In the midst of persecution, Jews began to wish to return to Palestine and found a Jewish State there.
The 20th century was marked by one of the greatest atrocities in history: the Holocaust, instituted by the malignant mind of Adolf Hitler during the Second World War, where at least six million Jews were murdered with great cruelty. With the end of the war, in 1948, the State of Israel was founded, even under protest from Palestinians and Arabs. Since then the conflicts have not ceased.
As of the last hundred years, Israel and Palestine have been in conflict for more than seventy years, and the war scenario is constant and has as its main motive the dispute over Palestinian territory. Between 2019 and 2020, the conflict increased, but in 2022 it began to diminish, after a truce agreement.
During its mandate, the Bolsonaro government has repeatedly highlighted the importance of Israel for Brazil and strengthened ties with the country's government. However, following the line of opposing everything that could, even minimally, refer to the figure of former president Jair Bolsonaro, the current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, released on Friday (17) a statement condemning the decision of the State of Israel for the legalisation of nine settlements in the West Bank region, a territory administered by the country since 1967 and object of the claim by the Palestinians.
The decision by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in joint action with the Argentine, Chilean and Mexican governments, all of which have leftist mandates, is a reversal in diplomacy and runs counter to the position adopted by Brazil over the last four years, given that under the Bolsonaro administration, Itamaraty was in favour of Israel on the international stage.
The settlements were legalized as a reaction to recent Palestinian attacks. With this action, Netanyahu is coherent with the promises he made at the time of his election to "establish respect for Israeli sovereignty".
The joint communiqué issued by Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Argentina, countries allied against Israel states:
Our governments express opposition to any action that undermines the viability of the two-state solution, in which Israel and Palestine can share secure and internationally recognized borders, respecting the legitimate aspirations of both peoples to live in peace.
Despite the onslaughts against Israel throughout history, the country stands firm, even if not without pain. For this very reason, among others, it cannot be denied that the nation is indeed special to God, not from the point of view of blind privilege, but because of the divine purpose for the nation, since ancient times, when the Hebrew people were freed from slavery in Egypt and headed for the promised land, all aiming at the fulfillment of God's great plan: the coming of the Messiah into the world, to save sinners and promote peace between them and the holy God. Israel was first chosen to take this message to the ends of the earth, a mission that today is carried out in partnership with the church formed by Gentiles who have been graciously included in God's eternal plan.
The Bible declares that the Lord's plans cannot be frustrated and that all that he has determined will be fulfilled. In this way, even if the most effective efforts are applied to destroy Israel, all will succumb and, in the end, the divine purpose will remain intact, unharmed and totally fulfilled.
Published 17 February, 2023
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
MARBURG VIRUS: WHO CONFIRMS NEW THREAT TO HUMAN HEALTH
בס״ד
After the coronavirus pandemic and all the controversies involving immunizers for the disease and the procedures of health and political authorities involving social isolation and lockdown, a new threat to human health emerges.
Before the world population has even recovered and can breathe a sigh of relief, indeed, with respect to covid-19, it is hit by another blow, this time from the African continent. The Marburg virus (named after a small town in Germany where the virus was first recorded) has infected several people in the Republic of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.
In a meeting last Tuesday (14), the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the existence of an outbreak of the new virus, initially in the Equatorial Guinea region. The virus is a relative of Ebola, highly infectious and has an average mortality rate of 55%, but can reach 88%, warns the WHO; the variation depends on the strain of the virus and the capacity for case management.
A state of alert has been installed in the African country, especially because there are still no immunisers or approved treatment against the virus. Despite this, care such as rehydration with oral and/or intravenous fluids and the treatment of specific symptoms (maintenance of the oxygen level and control of blood pressure) have reduced the risks of those infected dying. The good news is that treatments are being evaluated, including blood products, immunological and drug therapies, and vaccine candidates.
Current figures on the disease indicate that there are 9 deaths and 16 suspected cases of the disease (14 of them did not show any symptoms, 2 have mild symptoms). Currently there are 21 people in isolation and under surveillance due to contact they have had with people who have died as a result of the virus. There are still over 4,000 people in quarantine in their homes.
The Cameroonian government has notified two suspected cases of the disease in the country, which borders Guinea to the south, involving 16-year-old adolescents who travelled to Equatorial Guinea, where the outbreak is confirmed.
The disease takes hold abruptly and has an incubation period of 2 to 21 days, with patients showing signs of severe haemorrhage, generally within seven days. The virus, initially transmitted by bats, among humans is spread through infected body fluids or surfaces, including patients' bedding, needles and medical equipment. Among the most common symptoms, those infected have haemorrhagic fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting (including bloody vomiting), fatigue, diarrhoea, and respiratory problems.
Among the population at risk are family members of infected persons, health care workers who do not adequately attend to protection and prevention measures, as well as veterinarians and laboratory and research workers.
Health authorities of Equatorial Guinea sent eight samples to the Institut Pasteur to be analyzed, after alert of district health official; the result was positive for Murburg.
In Brazil we have no records of cases of contamination, but every care is needed when it comes to a country that welcomes tourists from all over the world and great diversity. Thus, the recommendation is that anyone who has contact with individuals who have been in Cameroon or Equatorial Guinea, or have been on a trip to one of these locations, should be alert to any signs, including nausea and vomiting; chest, throat or abdominal pain; diarrhea. In cases of worsening, the disease presents signs such as jaundice, significant weight loss, liver failure.
Being attentive to the signs is essential, especially those associated with exposure to the virus. Therefore, these cases point to the need for isolation of the suspect and immediate notification of the health authorities, remembering that early detection is a determining factor for full recovery of the patient, and the diagnosis is made in the laboratory, from samples of the patient, and includes molecular diagnosis and antigen tests.
Prevention is better than treatment. Thus, trips to the countries mentioned should be avoided, as well as areas where there are bats that feed on fruits and contact with patients.
Published 15 February, 2023
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
PERSECUTION OR NOT...THAT'S THE QUESTION!
בס״ד
The troubled relationship (for obvious reasons) between the former prisoner and now president-elect, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Brazil's evangelicals, is back in the "trend topics". This time, Lula directly attacked the Church with a polemic and at the same time threatening statement in a meeting with several representatives of the health area, saying that he will demand support from churches in vaccination campaigns and that, if they do not cooperate, they will be held responsible for the deaths that occur: "I intend to look for several evangelical churches and discuss with their leaders: 'Look, what is your behaviour in this issue of vaccines?' Or we will hold you responsible for the death of people", said Lula.
The question that remains is: Could the declaration by the most corrupt leftist leader in the history of this country be framed within what we know as religious persecution? Many would certainly have some doubts, since the historical memory of the great majority of the population preserves the idea of persecution in the ancient world, where the traditional authoritarian systems, such as the Roman Empire, for example, exercised arbitrary and authoritarian acts of extreme physical violence against Christians of the time.
In the modern world it was not very different, since the great totalitarianisms of that period persecuted inhumanely, not only Christians, but any group, institution or person who opposed the project of power exercised by them. Among these totalitarian groups, we can cite the Italian and Spanish Fascisms, and Nazism. In the contemporary world, many still think that religious persecution is a topic that has remained in the past, that we live in full and complete freedom, however it is necessary to inform the dear reader that it is not quite like that. Here in the West, where we call the liberal states, what happens is a subtle persecution, which acts in a disguised manner, very different, but no less dangerous, from the ancient and modern persecutions with all their violence.
The subtle persecution, hidden, disguised, disguised or whatever you want to call it, can harm the church as much as the barbarities of the ancient world, and can be exercised in the following ways: as economic persecution, legal persecution, social death or media persecution.
But... why only the evangelicals? What is hat is so special about this religious group that makes the left invest its time and forces in persecuting it? Why do their leaders, commanded by the ex-prisoner Lula da Silva, launch all their artillery of provocations, threats, criticism, discussions, implication and fallacies against this group specifically?
The answer varies according to the different parameters and points of view we can use to get it. If we use the political parameter, we understand that the evangelical church is a frequent target of the intentional onslaughts of the left, because most politicians who belong to this religious group, do not yield to political calculation, read alliances. However, other groups supposedly adversaries of the left are easily "bought" by ministerial positions, becoming new allies who quickly align themselves to the leftist ideology and its project of power. However, in the case of evangelicals, the ideological antagonism with the left is so blatant that there is no possibility of building alliances with it, without deviating from the principles which guide Christian life. Therefore, by not selling out to the left, an arbitrary, authoritarian and unscrupulous persecution against Christians begins, strategically seeking to destroy the "opposing enemy" and for this, the left uses various means to weaken it, such as restrictions, imposing behaviours and actions, blackmail, boycotts, fines, censorship and fallacies.
If we observe the strategy in detail, it is clear that the issue of imposing the support for vaccines is only one of the arguments that Lula and his cronies are using as a form of retaliation to the religious group that is mostly, Bolsonarist and conservative right. And with such an attitude, Lula already demonstrates what he came and what he is willing to do to get the largest number of allies / accomplices, even before climbing the presidential ramp (act that I and certainly you too, dear reader, sincerely do not want to happen).
It is important to mention that, contrary to what was said by Lula, the majority of evangelical Christians did not manifest themselves against the Covid-19 vaccine, but to the possible compulsory measures for its use, demanded by those who strive to exercise dictatorial powers in a supposedly democratic country. There were, yes, by the most varied religious groups and not only evangelicals, several questions about the efficacy and safety of this vaccine that until then is still considered experimental. However, even with all the questioning, the vast majority of evangelicals got vaccinated without showing much resistance. However, the group of evangelicals who chose not to receive the vaccine for different reasons is a minority.
The fact that there are people who are openly against vaccines is true, but we must take into account that this opposition group is composed not only by evangelicals, but also by Catholics, Spiritists, Umbandaists, Atheists and many others, because the determining factor to oppose is not only religious, but also the fear of the sequelae caused by a vaccine that is still in its experimental stage. And when using the expression "opposition to vaccines", we cannot generalize. Opposition to immunizers is much more inclined to oppose the Covid-19 vaccines than other vaccines such as the polio vaccine, for example, which already has decades of studies and laboratory analysis, making it much more reliable than Covid-19.
By generalizing decisions, ignoring the plurality of opinions existing in the evangelical environment regarding immunizers, specifically about Covid-19 vaccines, and blaming it for the deaths of all those who died from this disease, Lula commits a serious mistake and increases even more the barrier for dialogue and for a rapprochement that, in reality, we, convinced Christians, don't even want.
However, contrary to what Lula said in his statements, several evangelical churches not only supported the vaccines, but also collaborated with the campaigns made by the government, giving up their temples and recreational areas, for the application of the same during the period of the pandemic, as is the case of the Igreja Cristã Maranata in Vitória (ES), the Igreja Presbiteriana Independente de Ibiporã (PR) and the Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus from several locations.
Therefore, to make such a statement with a tone of threat, Lula not only unduly exposes a religious group to the scorn of the rest of the population, blaming them for deaths that do not correspond to him, but also lightly disregards the numerous social contributions that the church has provided and still provides to society in general, including in the pandemic. Remembering that today the excuse to persecute the church in a subtle way is vaccines. Tomorrow it may be imposed on tithes, imposition on acceptance of gay marriages, determination of censorship of what can or cannot be said in a cult ... finally, only God knows what they will decide to use as a bargaining chip to leave Christians in peace in the very near future.
Published 15 January, 2023
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
BRAZIL: IN TIMES OF THE WORLD CUP, WHAT REALLY MATTERS? OR IT'S GOOOOOOOOOOL!
בס״ד
The Canarinha national team debuts at the 2022 World Cup with a 2-0 win against Serbia. Both goals were scored by Richarlison, with a spectacular volley. With the result, the Brazilian team leads Group G and remains optimistic in pursuit of the hexachampionship title.
Despite the beautiful debut of Brazil in the world games, what good citizens want to know is if after the World Cup we will still have a free and democratic country in which the interests of the people are above the interests of corrupt rulers, of proven past and morals tainted by illicit acts.
The issue of irregularities in the 2022 campaign and electoral vote is far from being finalised. The people have taken to the streets as a sign that they will not accept things being conducted the way they are, and a few honest jurists and politicians are fighting fiercely, but legally and legitimately, for the truth to come to light.
The PL (Liberal Party) filed a complaint to annul the votes cast by the UE2009, UE2010, UE2011, UE2013 and UE2015 ballot boxes, on the grounds that its auditing firm had identified serious inconsistencies that could not be resolved regarding the operation of the ballot boxes used in the October 2022 elections, on the occasion of the second round of voting. In response, Alexandre de Moraes dismissed the request and, in the dictatorial tone that is peculiar to him, demanded that the manifestation should contain ballot boxes from both rounds and the additional data presented within 24 hours.
The threatening tone of Moraes, congruent with his folly, was crowned by establishing, who knows on what basis, a fine of almost 23 million, alleging, on the part of the PL, "bad faith litigation", which does not hold water, since there is no provocative tone / irresponsible to Justice. In addition, he ordered the immediate blocking of the coalition's party fund until the fine is paid, with a determination that an investigation of misuse of purpose be opened and the inclusion of the president of the PL, Valdemar da Costa Neto, and the president of the Instituto Voto Legal, Carlos Rocha, in investigation 4.874, responsible for investigating the existence of digital militias that threaten the democratic rule of law. Information from the PL says that the party reiterates that it only followed the provisions of article 51 of the Electoral Law, which aims to oblige legends to supervise electoral processes.
Valdemar da Costa Neto, president of PL, says TSE has the obligation to solve problems pointed out by the party audit and clarify doubts. For him, adding the new ballot boxes has a victory for the current President, Jair Messias Bolsonaro, of 1 million, if the ballot boxes are not considered free of evidence; "[...] the vote has to be safe and that's why we did this survey. And if this is a stain on our democracy, we have to solve it now", adds Costa Neto, for whom this year's elections are configured in the Brazilian scenario as a "ghost".
Commenting on the deadline set by Moraes for the inclusion of the fault also in the first round of the election, Minister Ricardo Lewandowski, TSE vice-president, said that if the allegations of faults in the electronic ballot boxes are confirmed, all the results of the 2022 election would have to be annulled, including those that elected state and federal deputies, senators, and governors.
It is clear that there was no fairness in the electoral process and in the 2022 election. What was seen during the electoral campaign and in the elections would be comical if it were not tragic: blatant favouritism of the leftist media, inequalities regarding rights during the campaign, cities with zero votes for the right-wing candidate, unreliable ballot boxes, and this is just to start. The 2022 elections are the portrait of shameless and complete fraud by the left and its malignant agenda to put a condemned man and his gang in the highest office of the country, not only to regain power, but also to perpetuate it.
Thus, despite the beautiful second goal scored by the number 9 of our national team, whom we congratulate, what really matters is to ensure that we will not be a nation dominated by communism or socialism; that we will not have the left with its destructive agenda governing our nation.
What matters, even in times of the World Cup, is that our "Beloved Land, Brazil" remains free, democratic and safe from the clutches of totalitarian governments, of unscrupulous and broad-backed ETS presidents. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Alexandre de Moraes has a very broad back. There are big people supporting the stupidities and unconstitutionalities of this citizen, otherwise, he would have already fallen.
Yes, the giant is awake! Bread and circuses are no longer enough to intoxicate the people, distracting them from what really matters: the future of their beloved nation called Brazil.
It's goooooooool!!!! For freedom, for justice, for the future of the Brazilian nation
Published 14 January, 2023
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
PAYING WELL, WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT?
בס״ד
In the relations between East and West, especially the one under Muslim influence, there is an irreconcilable worldview. If one listens to an Eastern Muslim referring to the Western world, one will realise that he or she unanimously describes it as hypocritical.
The reasons are simple and one could adhere to them without much difficulty. This view criticises the double standards with which the West treats the countries of that region.
One of the criticisms made is that what interests the West is not values, human rights, democracy or anything similar. If that were the case, they would act coherently. But what really matters to them is geopolitics and economic and financial interests, whether for internal agenda or for international trade issues. Values, human rights and democracy are almost always media excuses to convince the crowds and hide the geopolitical and economic interests of the Western oligarchies.
When we hear the word West, we must always ask ourselves: Which West? For there has basically been an internal war within this side of the world since the 18th century: a war between that nihilistic, believe-nothing, hedonistic, progressive, French-style secularist, pluralist, secularist, globalist and warmongering West; with that Christian-inspired West.
As we know, the former has prevailed over the latter, especially among the economic and intellectual oligarchies of Europe and North America. Their purpose is money, power and the disintegration of all that remains of Christianity: the last barrier to their project of society.
Understanding this brief background will make us realise the double standard that the West uses to relate to countries where human rights and values are trampled on with treachery.
The nihilistic West, which believes in nothing except the present moment, in the "here and now", resembles Rome close to its decadence. At that time, a spy was sent to the capital of the Empire and on his return was asked: What is Rome's weakness? They expected an answer like: "Its weakness is in the fifth legion". The spy's answer was surprising: "Rome is for sale to the highest bidder". The same can be said of the West today: the highest bidder takes it, values don't matter.
Companies are making fortunes in Qatar. Globo, which defends gays so much, doesn't even mention their rights in Qatar. Which is to be expected, since what matters to it is to swim in advertising money. The same goes for big media conglomerates, sponsors, etc. And what about human rights? The question hangs in the air, since everything is for sale, available to the highest bidder, as in decadent Rome. And the same absurdity occurs in Qatar, China, Saudi Arabia, etc.
Therefore, every time you, dear reader, hear about persecuted Christians in totalitarian countries, oppressed gays as in Qatar or Saudi Arabia; Uighurs in concentration camps in China, discriminated Israelis, degraded and humiliated women, treated as second class beings, do not expect much from this decadent and nihilistic West. It will always be on the side of whoever brings it the most profit and will be willing to overlook even the greatest atrocities if it has something to boot
You will see all kinds of attacks on patriarchies in this side of the world of Christian influence and you will also hear about "structural racism", among many other progressive deliriums, but you will never hear these mute prophets of progressism say anything about the real dramas of women, gays, Christians, Uighurs and Jews in other parts of the world. The issue is very old, already denounced by the classical prophet Micah, who said of the false moralistic prophets, similar to the prophets of modern progressivism, the following: "They say peace to those who give them something to bite at, but declare war against those who have nothing to give."
Nihilistic West and its so-called democratic institutions, turn their faces to the reports of the thousands of immigrants killed in the construction of stadiums in Qatar, play truant in collusion with FIFA and the big leagues under the excuse of not "disrespecting" the Qatari culture with the LGBT banner and other customs, but do not think twice about fining Real Madrid for not hoisting the same flag at the Bernabeu stadium in Spain.
The excuse to omit in the face of this reality that flagrantly violates human rights is that "we must respect the culture of others". We can agree with that, but if we dare to apply that same principle to Muslim immigrants arriving in Europe, demanding from them respect for European culture, immediately the progressive European multiculturalists will treat us as xenophobes, racists, fascists, Nazis and all sorts of insults. But they can...They can because they are hypocrites.
However, in all of this one warning remains: When the nihilistic, progressive West acts in this way, ignoring values dear to its millennial conscience in exchange for a few silver coins, it can only be indicating that its hour of decay is closer than we imagine. It is a clear indication that the Western consciousness has been emptied and that its spiritual culture, with the values that give shape to our life in this world, no longer exists to sustain that which, without such values, will disintegrate.
Published 13 January, 2023
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
THE ARREST OF ROBERTO JEFFERSON AND THE LEFT'S UNSCRUPULOUS ATTEMPT TO HARM JAIR BOLSONARO IN THE SECOND ROUND OF THE 2022 ELECTIONS.
בס״ד
In the final stretch of the 2022 elections, the Roberto Jefferson case should be used by the leftist candidate's campaign team in an attempt to tarnish Jair Bolsonaro's image and increase his rejection in the last days before the second round and the march toward reelection.
The former PTB federal deputy, under house arrest since August (2021), had the benefit revoked and was returned to the closed regime after eight hours of resisting arrest and attacking the Federal Police who were complying with the STF determination. The minister of the Supreme Court, Alexandre de Moraes, issued two arrest warrants against Jefferson: one for verbally attacking the minister Carmen Lucia and the other for double attempted murder, after he attacked police officers in the line of duty and injured two agents.
The fact was treated by Jair Bolsonaro with the rigor it deserves. The head of the Brazilian nation recorded a video in which he showed solidarity with the injured police officers and said that Jefferson acted like a bandit and should be treated as such.
The occurrence presents itself as an item to be exploited by Lula's campaign team, which, as always, under brazenly lying allegations, intends to link the image of Jefferson to Bolsonaro, making available in the media a photo in which both appear together, under allegation that there is a bond of friendship between them, and will fraudulently exploit that the victory of the former prisoner will end the atmosphere of hatred implemented in the current government.
The impudence and desperation of the left is so great that, without any scruple and shamefully low, even declared that, besides being a friend of the current president, Jefferson was also part of the campaign team of Bolsonaro, which was denied by the Minister of Communications, Fábio Faria, on Sunday (23), and by the President of the Republic himself, who said in a statement that he had no connection with the former deputy, besides not seeing him for at least six months; and highlighted, including that, last September, Roberto Jefferson filed a criminal complaint against him in the Superior Military Court (STM).
In a statement to the press, the president expressed total repudiation of the wave of hatred expressed in the way Jefferson referred to Minister Carmen Lúcia and took the opportunity to demonstrate his indignation due to two other episodes that occurred recently against members of his family: 1) Barbara Gansa's post in which the journalist called his youngest daughter a "p***" (remembering that "she is only 12 years old") and 2) an attack on Michelle Bolsonaro by the attorney general of Alagoas, Samya Suruagy, who, in a social network, called the first lady a "slut".
Jair Bolsonaro stresses, in other words, that his "business" is with peace, with truth, with progress, with caring for the citizens of his beloved country and that he and his team have no ties whatsoever with lies, with hate, with corruption, with exploitation and with whoever practices such things.
The truth about Bolsonaro's smoothness, integrity, honesty and actions towards Brazil are more than evident and can be proven by all that he and his government team have been accomplishing and demonstrating in these almost four years of government, even in the midst of the pandemic; and only those who do not want to see it do not see it.
It is as clear as sunlight that the left and its candidate are related to and have a part in everything that is dubious; that has to do with lies and disrespect for Brazilians; that promotes hatred, division between people and the destruction of Christian values and principles; that seeks to destroy the family and considers it retrograde; that has to do with false accusations and the most shameless lies; that promotes violence and defends criminals; that wants power at any cost in order to continue stealing from the country and destroying it as dictators have done in our neighbouring countries.
Bolsonaro does not join these types of people. The friends of the "captain of the people" are good people like you and me, not the corrupt or the bosses and members of criminal factions, even the "white collar" ones. The principles that guide Jair Messias Bolsonaro are totally opposite to those that govern and direct the left, their mob and everything associated with them.
Bolsonaro is for politics with honesty, which aims to benefit Brazil, which invests the resources in the country and does not direct them to finance dictatorships abroad.
Bolsonaro is a good man, whose actions and the ties he establishes are always thinking about how to make Brazil a country of which one is increasingly proud to belong. He is a citizen who fights for justice, for freedom, for peace, for the rights available to all without distinction. Yes! Jair Messias Bolsonaro has fought since he entered public life to protect the country from the petista and his gang.
Bolsonaro is: for life, for freedom, for peace, for progress. He is the president of every Brazilian who wishes and has worked hard for a better life and to have an environment of autonomy to work, undertake and grow.
On the 30th, it's 22 at your fingertips. It's Bolsonaro president.
Forward, Brazil! Onward, Captain,
Published 25 October, 2022
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
DON'T PAY TO SEE. IF YOU "TURN YELLOW"...
בס״ד
There are things one should not flirt with. Irresponsibility and levity are just some of them.
Electing leaders is not a task that we can do at any time, thoughtlessly, without considering everything that is at stake. To choose the head of a nation is to give this person the legal authorization to represent us, to do what we would do, to make decisions for the common good. That is why we cannot "go soft".
The day of the second round of voting is coming and this will define much more than who will lead the country for the next four years. The future of a nation, in the medium and long term, is what is at stake. Yes, at stake is the deconstruction and loss of everything we have built and won with hard work: freedom to come and go, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to defend oneself, freedom to democratically choose political representatives, to teach our children what we believe in. What's more, at stake is the implementation of ideologies and an agenda filled with destructive standards.
At stake is to ensure that our resources are invested in our country and are not used to finance dictators and communist governments like those of our neighbouring countries. At stake is whether, as a nation, we will wash our hands and allow the looters to return to the spoils to continue to mine the country of its riches while enriching themselves at the expense of resources that should be allocated to security, health, education.
Voting for the left on the 30th is like shooting yourself in the foot. It is like taking the hand of a bandit and taking him to the scene of the crime he has just committed, so that he can continue stealing, now with our backing, since we will have fallen for his litanies. It is taking too great a risk, and that, dear reader, is not worth it.
To vote for Lula is to sign the authorization to maintain leftist indoctrination in schools and universities (including, and mainly, the public ones, which are paid for with our tax money). It is to give a resounding "yes" to the deconstruction of the family, to the devaluation of the father figure (cooperating with the "divide and rule"); it is to say "yes" to the legalization of drugs and to the destruction of the life of the defenseless, as occurs in the practice of abortion.
To vote for the left is to put the noose around your own neck, bowing to an agenda that promotes licentiousness, the continuity of the stealing that has reigned for years in the country, the illicit enrichment of shameless rulers who have no interest in the people they should care for; it is to say "yes" to gender ideology and immorality.
To vote for the left is to close your eyes in an insane refusal to see that the Amazon is ours and that deforestation has decreased by almost 50% under the government of Jair Bolsonaro, if compared to the time of Lula and his partners. It is refusing to see that Brazil is the country with the growing economy and that it is among the nations in the best post-pandemic conditions. It is to turn a blind eye to the actions of Bolsonaro who has invested in his people, granting them decent financial aid to help them get through these challenging times with dignity. It is refusing to see the GDP growth that recently had its fourth consecutive high, growing an amazing 1.2%, exceeding the expected 0.9%, setting it as the 7th highest growth in the world, which represents R$ 2.4 trillion.
To vote for the left is to open the door to everything we reject. It is to say "no" to the principles and values that we hold so dear. It is to reject morals and good customs. It is opening yourself up to lose everything we have built up over the years.
Yes! We are conservatives! Yes! we cherish the family, protect life and look after the defenseless. Yes! We have Christian values and they are what we will teach our children!
No! We do not want the left in power. No! We don't want socialism or communism. Out with totalitarianism and tyranny. Far be it from us to be the next Venezuela, Argentina...
We want freedom! We want to continue having the right to practice our faith! Yes! We believe, cherish and will fight to protect the family. Yes! We believe that God created the human being, and created them "man and woman"! Yes! We want to continue to be able to propagate what we believe in.
Yes! we voted for the right! We voted for conservatism! We voted for the good of Brazil! We voted Bolsonaro! We are Brazilians and that is how we will remain.
We will thicken the trenches of the right. We will unite to prevent Lula's return to power. Don't wash your hands. It is for a time like this that you are alive. Don't be irresponsible.
If you turn yellow, everything will turn red. And do you know what that means? The end. The end of everything you believe in and for which you and so many other good citizens before you have fought so hard. Don't pay to see it! The price will be too high.
Published 24 October, 2022
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
THE CHRISTIAN AND THE 2022 ELECTIONS: WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH ME?
בס״ד
In times of electoral campaign in Brazil, tempers continue to run high and in the last days leading up to the election, the climate has intensified even more, as the candidates, in their overwhelming majority, continue to use any means to win the elector's vote.
This is a decisive week. It is the hour of truth. And the Christian cannot simply decide not to get involved, to let it go. It is necessary that, following the example of Queen Esther - a character from the Bible who defended her people, even at the risk of losing her own life - we position ourselves, voting responsibly, because the lack of assertive positioning today will have dire consequences tomorrow, when the Christian society will have to face a ruler whose life, career and mission are totally opposite to everything he believes as a disciple of Jesus in this world.
One has been hearing, especially on social media, speeches such as:
- God is in control of all things and will stay there;
- No election result will stop God's purpose from being fulfilled;
- The Christian's hope is not in this or that ruler;
- Governments will never solve the country's problems in their entirety;
- No candidate represents the totality of what justice means nor is capable of meeting all the needs of a society;
- We Christians do not belong to this world, but to the Kingdom of God, and we are here only in transit.
Obviously, these statements are true; however, believing in this way does not exempt any citizen from the responsibility given to him/her by acquiring the right to vote; nor does it mean that he/she can vote without due reflection on the importance of this act for this and future generations. The fact of washing one's hands, repeating the action of Herod when he "handed over" Jesus to be crucified, will not exempt anyone from having their hands stained, and the blood of irresponsibility, frivolity, and of what escapes one's role and duty, does not easily come off the hands of those who carry out their acts in a frivolous manner.
To vote is to give a candidate the power, when elected, to represent you, and here is why it is so important to vote with a high level of responsibility; Christians, especially, must also do so in prayer and submission to the Lord.
Election day is coming up, but it is still not too late to take the right position. There is still time to prepare yourself to vote responsibly, which can be done with some simple, but time-consuming actions:
- Seek to know about the party, the candidate and who he supports;
- Find out about their proposals, if they violate, in any way, what you believe in;
- Investigate as much as possible whether the candidate is honest and upright;
- Seek information that will tell you if he defends the same values and principles that you do.
If you do not do so, you may make the mistake of approving representatives who defend what you repudiate and who, when elected, will defend causes that are at odds with what you believe in.
This is a decisive week. The time is now. Don't be fooled by words that are sweet, sycophantic, or that demonstrate a false revolt. Whether veiled or openly there are candidates who:
- reject the Judeo-Christian faith;
- defend abortion and drug decriminalization;
- support immorality in its most diverse varieties;
- depreciate and devalue the family conceived by God;
- defend gender ideology;
- support the dissolution of marriage, polyamory, open relationships;
- denigrate the figure of man.
Voting is not just pressing a key on an electronic ballot box or writing down the number of a candidate on a paper ballot and depositing it in a ballot box. Voting is to put someone in charge of the nation, invested with the power delegated to him by you; and from the act of voting, there is no turning back and it will be useless to complain and/or disagree with the initiatives and actions of this individual, because the opportunity to do the right thing in the right way will have passed.
Before voting, ask yourself: Who is this candidate? Which party does he belong to and what does this party stand for? What issues does he or she defend? What causes is he or she involved in? What are their values and principles under which they conduct their lives? Is he someone who will work to include laws that aim to deconstruct the values and principles that I hold so dear?
To vote conscientiously is to value your vote by casting it for someone who can best represent you and whose ideas best represent your values and principles. Therefore, do not be frivolous or simplistic when voting. Vote conscientiously! Vote with knowledge.
This is the time! You and I are being called to responsibility. We are in a war where values and principles are in danger of being violated. This is your time. This is your time to stand up for what you believe in as a son and daughter of God.
Choose wisely. Do not negotiate what you believe in.
Published 30 September, 2022
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
ELECTIONS 2022: THE FIGHT TO UPHOLD GOOD PRINCIPLES AND END CORRUPTION
בס״ד
The pre-election period has always been marked by heated discussions not only between the candidates, but also in the most varied groups in society. The scenario, generally divided into two large blocks - right-wing and left-wing; conservative and liberal - has been quite busy, especially due to the barbs exchanged between the two main candidates for the presidency of the country and their respective voters.
Polls, which are far from reflecting the reality on the streets, circulate on a large scale in the most varied means of communication, facts are distorted all the time in an attempt to win the trust of the voter, who, if distracted, will be easy prey for "lefties" who are relentless in their fight against the family, Jewish and Christian principles, morals, good customs, and the success of the Brazilian nation. And the attacks come from all sides. The "lefties" are unrelenting in their endeavour to demoralise the current government and candidate for re-election, Jair Bolsonaro. From personal attacks to distorted news about his government and even his way of speaking, everything counts in the struggle for power led by the opponent who has no limits when it comes to being elected.
The ball of the moment is the country's GDP which, impacted mainly by the industrial and services sectors, in the last quarter had its fourth consecutive high, growing an astonishing 1.2%, above the 0.4% to 0.9% expected, configuring the 7th highest growth worldwide; which represents R$ 2.4 trillion against R$ 2.249 trillion in the previous quarter. Growth was the highest since the 4th quarter of 2020, surprising even the Government and the economic team. The government projection is for GDP to advance 2.1% per year. When speaking on the subject, media outlets defending the "left-handedness" make pessimistic projections regarding the economy for 2023, under the allegation that there are uncertainties produced by the 2022 election, and it is not possible to know for sure what the economic policy will be in the future management, not to mention the obstacles that can be glimpsed in the internal and external scenarios. Among the main challenges for the economy are the rise in interest rates (with a basic rate of 13.75%/year), forecasts of lower growth in the global economy and the lack of space in the public accounts (little room for maneuver to stimulate the economy in a scenario of increased spending).
It is understood that these elections represent a battle that goes beyond physical reality and economic issues, and it is not just about candidate "A" or "B". It is a spiritual battle that is being fought. What is at stake is not simply who will win or lose, but what the winner will represent for the country and how and where he will lead it. Here, one cannot avoid talking about the importance of the Christian population in the electoral scenario.
The 2022 elections are, above anything, about the fulfillment of an agenda; of agendas in defense of the breaking of Judeo-Christian principles and values; agendas contrary to freedom of the press and of expression and to the Christian God; agendas in favor of corruption, impunity (as mentioned by the Petist candidate when signaling for the freedom of the "boys", as he referred to the kidnappers of businessman Abilio Diniz ), libertinism, and sexual liberation ("[. ...] each one of us dances as he wants, each one of us takes care of his body as he wants, because after all our body wants freedom. We want it to have freedom to do what we are interested in"). Hence the importance of Christians as a whole, especially Protestants, not slackening their hands or wobbling their legs, but taking an increasingly firm stance and going to the polls as if they were going into battle; not with swords and shields or bullets, bombs and cannons, but armed with the conviction that their vote will define who will represent them and will work on their behalf to build a country of which all can be proud.
Thus, who wants a country increasingly fair, more free of corruption, defends the minimum state and the responsible autonomy of the citizen, but also, wants to keep the freedom of expression, the non-regulation of the media, the maintenance of Jewish and Christian principles and is positioned completely contrary to libertinism, sexual liberation, decriminalization of drugs, legalization of abortion, gender ideology (especially regarding its teaching to children), among other guidelines advocated by the "left", in the person of the candidate petista, and their associates. Who wants a better country and with freedom to continue worshipping the Christian God, will vote consciously, electing as his representative the current president, now candidate for reelection, Jair Messias Bolsonaro, not because he is the saviour of the Homeland, but because he is who best represents the values of a decent society, which is guided by good principles.
And fears God.
Published 19 September, 2022
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
"PARDON" GRANTED TO DANIEL SILVEIRA: THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF THIS ACTION
בס״ד
Congressman Daniel Silveira was sentenced on Wednesday (19), by 10 of the 11 ministers of the Supreme Court (STF), to 8 years and 9 months imprisonment, for encouraging acts against democracy and attacking ministers of the Court. The conviction implies loss of mandate and political rights, and payment of a fine of R$200,000.
However, even before the deputy took the initiative to appeal the decision, he was benefited, on Thursday (21), with the so-called "individual pardon" or "constitutional grace", by President Jair Bolsonaro.
The benefit, which pardons sentences handed down by the Supreme Court, has been causing fervour in Brazil's political and legal scenes, displeasing especially the Supreme Court.
Among the six reasons provided by Bolsonaro for granting the pardon, we highlight:
1) Freedom of expression as an essential pillar of society in all its manifestations;
2) The President of the Republic has the mission of watching over the public interest, a mission democratically received;
3) The social commotion in the face of the conviction of the parliamentarian.
Despite the displeasure of the Supreme, according to the jurist and lawyer Ives Gandra Martins, the action is a prerogative of the President of the Republic, granted by decree, and can not be overturned, since it is supported by Article 84, item 12 of the Constitution. Gandra also recalls a similar situation that occurred in 2019, starring then-President Michel Temer, who pardoned sentences of convicts under Operation Lava Jato, highlighting that the Supreme recognized as constitutional the attitude, thus claiming that the Supreme is not allowed to decide contrary to what was previously established.
In the situation at the time, the Supreme considered the initiative to suspend the decree of the then head of state that authorised those convicted of crimes against public administration to enjoy Christmas pardon. Put to a vote, by 7 votes to 4, the STF considered the presidential act constitutional, understanding that they could not interfere in a decision that is the exclusive prerogative of the president.
Even if begrudgingly, the Supreme Court will have to admit that, from a legal point of view, it will be practically impossible to overturn or annul the decision, and this on the basis of its own jurisprudence. In fact, the minister of the STF, Alexandre de Moraes, has expressed his support for the presidential decision.
According to President Bolsonaro, the pardon will be granted regardless of the transit in res judicata of the criminal conviction (procedural phase in which no more appeals are possible) and the sentence will have to be executed. And in his weekly live broadcast, held every Thursday, referring to the decree he had just signed, he added: "Thus, in order to honor the value of justice and social pacification so dear to Brazil, presidential clemency is not only appropriate but necessary for the nation to move towards the goals outlined in the Constitution of the Republic, the foundations that support the promulgation of this decree.
Published 27 April, 2022
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
VACCINATION PROGRESS AND RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITIES IN TWO MAJOR BRAZILIAN CAPITALS
בס״ד
In December 2019, the world could not have imagined that it was on the verge of facing one of the worst health crises of all time. Since the disclosure of the first case of contamination by the coronavirus, the world population involuntarily plunged into a dark sea of fear, uncertainty and mourning. The misinformation, the political clashes and the corruption surrounding the issue have been highlighted in the media and have occupied first place among the main news items most of the time during these almost two years of the pandemic.
The virus has spread around the world, triggering isolation and lockdown in many countries and Brazilian cities. The number of deaths attributed to Covid-19 exceeded, last Monday (01), the mark of 5 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Fortunately, after the storm comes the bonanza and life is not only about chaos. After facing critical moments, with thousands of infected people, lack of beds in hospitals all over the world, crowded ICUs, corruption in the purchase of respirators and controversy over vaccines, we have reached a moment in which the situation all over the world shows an acceptable level of control. Not everything is known about the virus, but there has been considerable worldwide progress in research on important themes, such as treatment.
The good news also comes from the national territory.
In Brazil, the situation continues to improve considerably. Compared to March/21, at the peak of the second wave of the pandemic, there was a 90% decrease in admissions in the State of São Paulo, where there are less than a thousand people admitted to ICUs in Greater São Paulo, Baixada Santista and the interior. At the critical moment of the pandemic, there were 7,500 people hospitalized in ICUs in Greater São Paulo, and the interior of the State and Baixada Santista had 5,600 hospitalized. Currently, the occupation rate of intensive care beds in São Paulo is 26% in the State and 36% in the capital.
In an interview on Jovem Pan radio on Tuesday (12), President Jair Bolsonaro had said he would not take the vaccine against covid-19, despite this, the significant reduction in contagion, hospitalisations and deaths from covid-19 is due to the success and advancement of the vaccination campaign, not only in the state of São Paulo, but in several other localities.
In Rio de Janeiro, where more than 2 million remain unimmunized, the expectation is to apply the third dose of the vaccine in people aged 63 and 64 years and continue immunizing teenagers from 12 years. The state received 162 thousand doses of vaccine and resumes vaccination on Wednesday (03). The state government decreed last week, the end of compulsory use of masks in open spaces. Even having kept the requirement in closed places and public transport, the decision was considered hasty by authorities and professionals at Fiocruz, since the state was the epicenter of variants such as Delta and Mu.
Meanwhile, in other countries, a record increase in infections and death by the virus has been registered since August, with 2.9 million newly infected. For the infectious disease specialist Raquel Murrek (from Rede D'or), this is due to the fact that there is still transmission of the virus, combined with the return of crowds and the relaxation of sanitary protocols.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, called on world leaders to maintain the use of masks and encourage social distancing, after all, he added: "It would be a mistake to think that the pandemic is over [...] we have to combine vaccination with vigilance".
This weekend, the director general of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom, in conversation with President Jair Bolsonaro, made praise for the progress of vaccination in Brazil and highlighted the need to use a mask, as a condition for avoiding new cases of contamination and a new wave of restrictions. The secretary spoke about the importance of vaccination and stressed that, with respect to the vaccination of children, more evidence is needed and that, as soon as WHO has additional data, it will inform them.
The repercussions of the fall in covid-19 indices in Brazil is reflected in the economy which, despite the forecast that inflation will continue to rise until December, signals balance in 2022. Maílson da Nóbrega, former Minister of Finance, forecasts growth of around 5% in 2021; he states that the recovery will be led by the services sector and criticises the lack of reforms, pointing to it as a risk factor for the failure to sustain this recovery.
The return of Brazilians to tourism and events, the resumption of face-to-face activities (such as services and classes), the continued recovery of civil construction are indicators that, although we cannot relax, life is picking up its pace. The indication is that the resumption will continue, obviously maintaining the due care. The truth is that, despite the political clashes around the issue, it is in everyone's interest that things return to normality and the time comes when the pandemic is a thing of the past, leaving behind only the great lessons that we all learned... or should have learned.
Published 6 November 2021
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
ISRAEL: CHANGE OF POWER AFTER TWELVE YEARS OF NETANYAHU GOVERNMENT
בס״ד
Last March 23, Israel held its fourth consecutive election in the span of just 2 years. The country went through elections in April and September 2019, in March 2020 and in March 2021. There were 39 parties participating in the contest that had as central characters two of the biggest political rivals in the country's electoral history in 2019 and 2020: the Likud and Blue and White parties, led respectively by Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, who dance to the rhythm dictated by maintaining power, as the governing coalition agreement provided for these rulers to take turns in the post of prime minister.
Of the 120 seats available in the Knesset (the Hebrew name for the Israeli Parliament), 52 were won by Netanyahu and his allies and 57 by his opponents who remain in the fight to take power away from him. The result had no significant impact for anyone, as the situation looks even worse than before.
Netanyahu, the longest serving prime minister in Israeli history, governed from 1996 to 1999 and returned to power a decade later, where he remains thanks to nationalist positions that appealed to various areas from the centre to the right in Israel, having as part of his governmental base orthodox Jews and secular militarists, for defending the Jewish state and the Israeli occupations in the Palestinian territories, besides being tough in his attacks on Hamas.
The crisis installed in the country, which gave its first signs at the end of 2018, when there was a split in the pro-Netanyahu alliance and which worsened with the departure of the then Defence Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, a "right-wing" politician and great supporter of Netanyahu. With this, new elections were called, which demonstrated how fragmented politics in the country was.
In the elections that took place between 2019 and March 2020 no party gained control of parliament, as none of them achieved individually winning the 61 seats needed to gain that level of control. Despite Israel's president calling on Netanyahu to form coalitions, the prime minister failed to strike deals and missed deadlines, entailing new elections.
Without Avigdor Lieberman, Netanyahu is left without sufficient support, resulting in new elections. In March 2020, Gantz, Netanyahu's biggest opponent, eventually agreed to ally with his opponent in order to temporarily resolve the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The partnership was short-lived and resulted in yet another electoral process and a fall in Gantz's popularity among those opposed to the current prime minister.
Summoned to form a new coalition, Netanyahu repeated the previous performance, which made President Reuven Rivlin summon Yair Lapid, the runner-up in the polls, for a new attempt. The picture seemed to announce that a fifth election was on the horizon, but the scenario changed a few days before the deadline, with the announcement of an alliance between Lapid and Bennet, in opposition to Netanyahu, who, in a trial resumed in April, is facing charges of bribery, for accepting a $264,000 gift from tycoons; fraud, for negotiating with a newspaper coverage favourable to the government while slowing the growth of another; and breach of trust.
The population took to the streets, demonstrating against Netanyahu, while opponents took advantage of the situation to discredit the prime minister, using the accusations as a reason for the rupture of the alliance months earlier.
With the coalition's approval, Netanyahu left office, after twelve years of consecutive terms, migrating to the opposition, and the relay alliance is already in place between Naftali Bennett, who takes over as prime minister for the initial two-year term, and Lapid, who takes Bennett's place and becomes prime minister for the final two-year term.
The new prime minister arrived showing what he came for, by announcing that he will toughen up against Iran, preventing it from seizing an atomic weapon and warned Hamas not to test it. Even so, he retains the line that "he will work united for religious, secular, ultra orthodox and Arab Israelis. For all, without exception", in an attempt to undermine doubts about a political consensus.
Whether this alliance will sustain itself over time, and whether the rulers will be able to maintain unity despite divergent points, is not possible to know, as internal disagreements on key issues have torn apart previous alliances in Israel's government. Moreover, the moment is tense in the country, which has clashes resulting in many deaths.
Published 16 July 2021
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
ATTACKS ON ISRAEL: WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE HOLY LAND
בס״ד
Sounds of gunfire and running for shelters under the constant sound of sirens have marked the routine of Israelis in recent days, especially residents in the city of Ashkelon. The Israeli army confirms over 450 rocket launches from Gaza towards southern Israel, 200 of them shot down by the Kipat Barzel air defence system, resulting in 2 confirmed deaths and over 50 Israelis injured. The launches targeted some of the capital Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Ashkelon and Sderot, and promise to last for a few days.
As I write this article, fires have been set in Jewish plantations, started by balloons released by Palestinian terrorists from Gaza towards Jewish-owned fields.
Warning bells sounded again in Jerusalem, which was the scene of another act of violence, this time on the Esplanade of Mosques. The conflict occurred on Monday (10), in front of the Al-Aqsa mosque, on the day that commemorates the conquest of Jerusalem and the walled Old City, in the Six Day War, fifty years ago. The date, which this year coincides with the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, is marked with more than 300 people injured. The tension began after a determination by Israel's Supreme Court ordering the eviction of Palestinian families from land, in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood. The conflict has been considered, by experts, the most violent since the year 2017.
Credit for this wave of violence is also given to a video posted on a famous app. The images showed a rabbi being beaten by Arab youths and it went viral on the net, sparking the revolt of Jewish youth who took to the streets to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the way Jews have been treated by Arabs on the streets, in transport etc.
The elderly man was driving in the northern region of the country, as it was his way home, when he was attacked by local residents, and was only not lynched thanks to the intervention of other people, among them, a man named Jamal. After this video, which spread quickly, many others with similar content were posted: a Palestinian pulls a knife and tries to attack a policeman controlling the traffic; a woman pulls a knife and tries to hit soldiers; a vehicle passes in front of a bus stop and shoots at people waiting for transportation, leaving some in serious condition; Arabs try to lynch a Jewish family near the Old City of Jerusalem, but flee when an Israeli policeman shoots in the air. Just to name a few.
Tension is high, and the attacks represent an attitude of intimidation and threat against Israelis due to clashes with Palestinians in the streets of the Holy City. In several places, Jews are being attacked and beaten with stones and sticks, generating demonstrations of discontent with the situation, especially by the youth.
Israel responded to the attacks from the Gaza Strip by launching rockets in the direction of the Gaza Strip and bringing down a building in the area, according to a warning issued half an hour before. Officials said the attack was aimed at eliminating a key Hamas member in charge of the Gaza missile unit, a successful operation that was aided by the internal intelligence service, the Shabak, and resulted in the elimination of three key members of the Islamic Jihad terrorist group. The army reinforced its presence on the Gaza border on Tuesday (11), sending tanks, and blocked roads in the south of the country.
The wave of Arab violence also left its mark in the cities of Lod, Ramla and Ashdod, where hundreds of Arabs set fire to and destroyed synagogues, study houses, shops, vehicles and public buildings overnight; only hours later there was police intervention.
Israel's situation has drawn the attention of other countries and caused concern for the Middle East Quartet, formed by the US, the European Union, Russia and the UN. The United States is monitoring the situation. In contact with Israel, on Sunday (09), Jake Sullivan, the country's National Security Adviser, reiterated his commitment to reduce situations of tension in Jerusalem and its surroundings. Representatives of Qatar and Egypt are talking to Hamas in an attempt to halt and reverse the advance of violence.
Many waters will still pass under this bridge, and we hope they will be waters of peace.
"Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God..."
Published 14 May 2021
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
IN A DISASTROUS DECISION, THE UN GOES BEYOND AND CHOOSES IRAN TO BE PART OF THE COMMISSION FOR THE DEFENCE OF WOMEN'S RIGHTS
בס״ד
When we think we have seen it all, something unexpected happens: on Thursday (22), the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (UN) took a decision that aroused concern and caused astonishment around the world, as well as criticism on social networks: it elected Iran to the Commission on the Status of Women.
The UN was created in 1945 and, according to Dag Hammarskjold, secretary-general of the institution in 1954, its goal was not "to take people to paradise, but [...] to save humanity from hell". It seems, however, in relation to women - especially Iranian women - to be doing neither one thing nor the other, since protecting the rights of women, especially Christian women, is at the opposite of the practice and laws in force in this Middle Eastern country.
Including Iran in the composition of the most important global intergovernmental body that works exclusively on promoting gender equality and women's empowerment resembles the attitude of putting the wolf to look after the sheep and transforming an arsonist into the head of the city's fire brigade, and, as Masih Alinejad, Iranian journalist and activist, says, is "surreal".
The choice of the country by the UN, for a four-year term beginning in 2022, on the occasion of the first meeting of the 67th session, was seen as an "insult" to Iranian women and denounced by the Association of Iranian Women in France (AFIF), the Associazione delle Donne Democratiche Iraniane (ADDI) in Italy and the association Iranska kvinnosamfundet i sverige in Sweden:
We, the undersigned women's associations, consider the election of Iran's extremely misogynistic regime as a member of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) an insult to all Iranian women, the main victims of this regime over the last four decades.
For these and other entities that defend women's rights, the UN decision does not make the slightest sense, to say the least, since the country has a proven history of oppression and discrimination against its citizens, depriving them of basic rights. The three associations call on governments, institutions and other associations to condemn the "decision that goes against the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment in Iran".
The country has laws that consider women legally inferior to men, require them to wear veils in public places; many are stoned for adultery even today. An August 2020 report presented by the UN secretary-general, accuses the country of "persistent discrimination against women, girls and minorities" and "continued gender-based discrimination in law and practice, including with regard to family matters, freedom of movement" including work and studies, playing sports, access to political and judicial functions etc., in clear violation of women's right.
In a critique on Twitter, Masih Alinejad states that in the country, women are considered "second-class citizens", are arrested and can be sentenced to fines and floggings if they are not wearing the mandatory hijab (Islamic veil), are forbidden to sing and need express permission from their husband to make international trips, and adds: "In the eyes of the Iranian regime, any woman who fights for her fundamental rights is a criminal.
The French, Swedish and Italian associations point out that Javaid Rehman, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, stated in his report dated March 2021 that he was "deeply concerned by the persistent discrimination against women and girls in the public and private spheres, which is guaranteed in the Constitution of the Republic of Iran as well as by law, as well as by practice" and found it regrettable that Iranian authorities had rejected fourteen recommendations concerning the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, highlighting how "patriarchal values and misogynistic behaviour permeate many aspects" of family life in Iranian homes.
The records attest to Iran's appalling actions when it comes to the violation of women's rights: they have little individual legal protection; Christian women are detained for their faith, running serious risks of being sexually harassed by authorities during interrogation and arrest; 13-year-old girls have judicial and paternal permission to marry; women receive death penalty for adultery; Ayatollah Khamenei's regime arrests activists on charges of peacefully demanding their human dignity; although rape is illegal, the victim has to present four male and two female witnesses to report the crime; and much more.
By occupying one of the 45 seats of the Commission on the Status of Women, one would expect any country to be willing to employ all efforts and work hard to uphold the rights of the Commission and espouse its cause, which Iran seems unlikely to do, given the history of violence and disenfranchisement of women it has accumulated over the years. Expecting a 180-degree turnaround from the country, in a change of course from oppressor to defender of those who have always been the target of its oppression, seems too much to hope for.
Against the decision, UN Watch - a human rights group based in Geneva - called on Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the American ambassador, and the European Union states to condemn the election. The executive director of the UN, Hillel Neuer, considers the decision absurd and says that last Thursday (22) is a day of darkness for "women's rights and for all human rights".
Published 30 April 2021
Apostle Agenor D. Medeiros
International Journalist
Registered with the International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
Registered with the National Federation of Journalists - FENAJ / Under number 67866/SP
Registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil - Press.
FORBIDDEN THE OPENING OF CHURCHES IN SÃO PAULO: ONCE UPON A TIME THE BRAZILIAN CONSTITUTION
בס״ד
Contrary to the minister Nunes Marques, who banned the closure of temples across the country, on Monday (05/04), in opposition to what the Brazilian Constitution dictates, as to the inviolability of religious freedom and the guarantee of free exercise of religious worship (Art. 5, item VI), the minister of the STF, Gilmar Mendes, denied the request of the National Council of Pastors of Brazil, keeping prohibited the opening of churches in São Paulo, even if these institutions have met all the recommendations of hygiene and social distancing in their meetings and gatherings. The decision confirms the decree of the governor of São Paulo, João Doria, and has the support of the minister Marco Aurélio, who in a sarcastic tone fired: "What haste was this?", and without sparing irony says that the fellow magistrate is "very religious", in reference to the decision of Nunes Marques to release cults and masses.
Given this divergence, by order of the president of the STF, Luiz Fux, who defends a unified decision on the issue, the case was taken to the plenary session that, last Wednesday (07) and Thursday (08), met to judge the issue.
At the end of the session, by 9 votes to 2, it was decided that states and municipalities have the decision to impose or not restrictions on in-person religious celebrations during the pandemic. With this, São Paulo continues to keep the doors of its temples closed. This decision displeased the National Association of Evangelical Jurists (Anajure), which advocates that it is up to pastors and church leaders to decide on the issue, using common sense and ensuring the welfare of believers.
Augusto Aras, Attorney General of the Republic, says that although states and municipalities are competent to establish rules and have autonomy to do so, "religious freedom is a fundamental clause" and states that, when it comes to religious freedom, the "Constitution ensures free exercise of religious worship" and asks: "Decrees and acts, even if arising from an ordinary law, can have the force to subtract fundamental rights set out in the higher law? It seems not to us".
Looking back at the old Brazilian constitutions, we see that many of the rights we have today represent a great victory. Last October our Constitution celebrated the 32nd anniversary of its promulgation, which took place under a speech by Ulysses Guimarães, who summed it up as a cry of "Change to win! Change, Brazil!
The Constitution is the Magna Carta, a set of fundamental principles that govern the laws of a country. It is the maximum law "that traces the parameters of the legal system and defines the principles and guidelines that govern a society [...]", the "Fundamental Law of the State or the law that a people imposes on those who govern it, to avoid the despotism of rulers"; it structures the organisation of the State and disciplines the exercise of political power. It is therefore inconceivable that it should be violated so blatantly before our very eyes.
Regarding the issue, at the beginning of the session, André Mendonça (attorney-general of the Union), positioned himself in defense of the cults, affirming that Christianity does not exist apart from life in community. Augusto Aras, also expressed his support for the concession of permission to hold services and masses, as long as the preventive measures already recommended are taken, and also said that
"it is necessary to remember the place of religion in a democratic state of law and to bear in mind that the state is secular, but people are not". "Science saves lives, so does faith. There is no opposition between faith and reason. Where science does not explain, faith brings the justification that is inherent to it."
When did the Brazilian Constitution lose its status? When was it that those who should follow its parameters for the exercise of service to the people and enforce it, stampeded to the "dark side" of force, depriving the Brazilian citizen of what is his right?
These questions are pertinent and the discussion around these and other issues involving guaranteed rights becomes more important every day, since recently, with frightening frequency, we have seen the most powerful leaders of the nation disregarding the rights of the people and figuratively tearing up the Constitution before our astonished gaze. They blatantly disrespect it, and make equivocal and unilateral decisions, based on a biased interpretation, according to what best suits them, in a clear disrespect to this document that points out duties, but also presents and guarantees the rights of the citizen.
Decisions that violate the provisions of the Constitution have been common in recent times. Who does not remember when Alexandre de Moraes (Minister of STF) determines the arrest of Daniel Silveira (Deputy) for expressing ideas in his social network, even if the act has several obscure points, contrary to what is stated in the Constitution? And of Fachin, also a minister of the