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Israeli envoy to Brazil mocked over censored picture of non-kosher meal
Yossi Shelley lambasted over edited images of what appears to be lobsters, while having lunch with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro
An edited picture of Israel’s ambassador eating an expensive non-kosher delicacy made headlines in Brazil.
The Israeli embassy blurred with black ink what appears to be lobsters from a picture posted on social media on Sunday of Ambassador Yossi Shelley having lunch with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
While international media blamed the trick on the fact that the seafood is prohibited by Jewish law, Brazilians focused on the fact that lobster is a very expensive delicacy in the Latin American country.
Shelley and Bolsonaro have been close friends for some time. The controversial picture was taken at a seafood restaurant in Brasília before they went to watch the Copa America final match in Rio, where Brazil beat Peru 3-1, winning the championship.
Later, the ambassador posted several photos at the Macarana stadium expressing his personal effusive support for the Brazilian team.
Antes da final da Copa América entre Brasil e Peru, o presidente @jairbolsonaro e o @embaixadoryossi almoçaram juntos em Brasília. Eles irão acompanhar a partida desejando sorte para a seleção brasileira em busca de mais um título. Vai Brasil!! pic.twitter.com/trDHb0ftCh
— Israel no Brasil (@IsraelinBrazil) July 7, 2019
“Difficult to describe the feeling of being present this night of great emotion for the Brazilian people. I already feel heartfelt as part of this beautiful country,” Shelley posted adding both the Israeli and the Brazilian flags united by a heart.
In May, Bolsonaro awarded Shelley the National Order of the Southern Cross, Brazil’s highest national honour for high-ranking guests.
Shelley was the very first diplomat welcomed by Bolsonaro less than 24 hours after his electoral victory last year in a clear sign of intended close ties between Brasilia and Jerusalem after 15 years of political sparks caused by Brazil’s former far-left governments.
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