This week, the theater of Colégio Renascença, one of the most traditional institutions in the Jewish community, hosted the live recording of the podcast “Levante – Middle East, Year Zero.” The session was led by journalist Felipe Moura and featured Caio Blinder (journalist), Samuel Feldberg (political scientist), and, joining from Israel via videoconference, André Lajst, executive director of StandWithUs.

The central theme was the Middle East conflict, analyzed from different perspectives. Among those in the audience were Célia Parnes (president of Fisesp), Sergio Napchan (director of Conib), and Sabrina Abreu (communications director at StandWithUs).

The event began on a lighthearted note, with Felipe Moura recalling his connection to traditional schools in Rio de Janeiro, such as Andrews and Santo Agostinho, and the historical ties between the podcast’s founders and Colégio Renascença.

During the debate, Caio Blinder emphasized that U.S. foreign policy faces limitations amid rising oil and commodity prices, noting that the Trump administration had initiated an “improvised war,” while internal challenges under President Biden increased support for the current leader.

Samuel Feldberg argued that the conflict might have been avoided if Iran’s nuclear program had been suspended. In his view, Iran’s insistence on defying the U.S. and Israel “was a shot in the foot,” and the current scenario could encourage terrorist cells in several countries, heightening risks for Jewish communities.

Felipe Moura highlighted the role of Mossad, Israel’s secret service, in infiltration operations within Iranian institutions.

Meanwhile, André Lajst described the routine of living under attacks in Israel, often having to take shelter in bunkers, and stated that the country has responded more swiftly and strategically than in past conflicts. He also warned about Iran’s use of drones in neighboring countries as part of efforts to spread regional chaos.

In the geopolitical analysis involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, I believe that intervention in the ayatollahs’ regime was urgent. Iran ranks among the countries that most persecute Christians worldwide and finances extremist groups dedicated to persecuting and killing Jews. In this context, the decision of leaders such as Trump and Netanyahu to act against this threat proved to be assertive.

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