For Brazilian writer Frei Betto, the 21st century has a before and after Gaza

September 9, 2025

Frei Betto, an 81-year-old Dominican friar, writer, and political activist, has maintained his advocacy throughout a life that included imprisonment during Brazil's military dictatorship. He played a crucial role in President Lula's Zero Hunger program, which successfully addressed food insecurity in Brazil before the country regressed under Michel Temer's government. Betto has been outspoken about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, characterizing Israel's actions as genocide and comparing the significance of Gaza to that of Auschwitz in marking a historical turning point.

Who is affected

Palestinians in Gaza experiencing famine, malnutrition, and violence
Nearly 800 million people worldwide facing chronic malnutrition
Brazilian population previously affected by hunger before being removed from the UN Hunger Map
Indigenous and quilombola (African descent) communities in Brazil awaiting land demarcation
Victims of the Brazilian military dictatorship (1964-1985) who never saw justice

What action is being taken

The current Lula administration has removed Brazil from the UN Hunger Map for the second time
The Supreme Court in Brazil is taking "energetic action" against Bolsonarism and prosecuting military officials involved in the January 8, 2023 coup attempt
Israel is conducting military operations in Gaza that Betto characterizes as genocide
European Union is spending 800 billion euros on arms while allocating "next to nothing" to fight world hunger
International organizations are reporting and documenting the famine in Gaza

Why it matters

Hunger represents one of the "most grievous attacks on human rights" according to Betto
The Gaza conflict may mark a historical turning point similar to how Auschwitz defined the 20th century
Brazil's failure to prosecute human rights violators from its dictatorship era contrasts with neighboring countries' approach to transitional justice
The relationship between religion and politics continues to influence governance and political movements
Democratic institutions in Brazil are being tested and defended against what Betto describes as attempts to "re-edit the dictatorship"

What's next

Betto hopes European Union countries will distance themselves from Israel and support the creation of a Palestinian state
He anticipates the "demoralization of the Zionist State of Israel" and increasing international support for Palestinian statehood
Betto calls for promoting Indigenous and quilombola land demarcation and agrarian reform in Brazil
He emphasizes the need to prepare for electing a Congress with a progressive majority in 2026
Betto suggests Trump may realize his mistake with tariffs once they impact U.S. consumers' pockets

Read full article from source: Global Voices