Israel’s main diplomatic and community representatives in Portugal have called for greater support from the country’s government and people for efforts to rescue the hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and to combat antisemitism. At a ceremony at the Lisbon synagogue on Monday to mark the first anniversary of the massacre in southern Israel perpetrated by Hamas – and in the presence of Portugal’s minister of state and foreign affairs, Paulo Rangel – Israel’s ambassador-designate to Portugal, Oren Rosenblat, recalled the hostages that Hamas is still holding in Gaza, and remembered Portuguese-Israeli Idan Sthivi, whose death on October 7 last year was only confirmed yesterday. At the end of the ceremony, Paulo Rangel did not make any statements, particularly as speeches had continued with criticism of the United Nations and secretary-general António Guterres whom Israel continues to consider “persona non grata”.
Israel envoy asks for more support from Portugal’s government and people
Image taken by José Sena Goulão/ Lusa
