Paul Grod, the President of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), has embarked on a significant mission to South America to raise awareness about Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for independence amidst Russia’s genocidal war. His tour includes visits to Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, aiming to garner support for Ukraine.
In Brazil, Grod addressed the Ukrainian community at the Ukrainian cultural center “Tovarystvo Sobornist” in São Paulo. The discussion, moderated by Jorge Rybka, focused on the UWC’s key priorities: Ukraine’s victory, rebuilding efforts, and fostering a strong global Ukrainian community. Grod emphasized the importance of political engagement among the Ukrainian Brazilian community, noting the challenges of maintaining the Ukrainian language in Brazil but highlighting the community’s deep love for their heritage.
Grod also visited the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, a leading medical institution in South America. He recognized the hospital for its support of Ukraine, particularly through a life-saving training program for Ukrainian trauma doctors. This initiative, jointly funded by the UWC and the Einstein hospital, is led by Dr. Miguel Cendoroglo Neto, a proud Ukrainian Brazilian from a Jewish family. Dr. Neto expressed the hospital’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating, “We are planning many more initiatives to help the people of Ukraine.”
Grod’s mission is crucial as some South American countries, like Brazil and Venezuela, have taken neutral or pro-Russian stances. “No civilized country can be neutral when Russia is committing genocide. Brazil’s position of “neutrality” risks putting the country on the wrong side of history in Russia’s neo-colonial war against Ukraine and the countries it subjugated under its former empire.” He stressed the importance of civil society in these countries expressing their support for Ukraine to their governments. In Brazil, the majority of citizens support Ukraine’s plight, and Grod’s efforts aim to mobilize this support into tangible political action.
In the picture: Paul Grod recognizing Jeorge Rybka with the UWC commemorative Hryvia for his service in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in Brazil and around the world. Mr. Rybka who is Brazil born Ukrainian is the President of the Tovarystvo Sobornist, Vice President of the Ukrainian Brazilian Central Representation (member of UWC) and Honorary Counsil of Ukraine in the Sao Paulo.
