≡March 18 is Jewish Immigration Day
March 18 is Jewish Immigration Day, and was established in 2009 by a bill proposed by Congressman Marcelo Itagiba and sanctioned by President José Alencar. The date was chosen due to the reopening, in 2002, of the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue in Recife, the first in the Americas.
Jewish immigration to Brazil began in the early 19th century, with Sephardic Jews coming from Morocco, especially to the North and Northeast. Fleeing persecution in the Iberian Peninsula, many immigrants were attracted by rubber extraction. However, Jews have been involved in the history of Brazil since its discovery, with Gaspar da Gama, a "new Christian" Jew, integrated into the expeditions of Pedro Álvares Cabral. During the colonization period, Jews were instrumental in the development of agriculture and industry, especially in sugar cane.
Over time, the Jewish community in Brazil grew, spread throughout the country and stood out in the areas of culture, science, commerce and education. Jewish Immigration Day celebrates the contribution of this community to Brazil, promoting respect for diversity and recognizing its importance in the formation of Brazilian society.
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