On a night of encounters, memories, and recognition, the São Paulo City Council honored Jayme Blay on April 14, 2026, at 7 p.m., in the Noble Hall of Palácio Anchieta, for his exemplary life’s work.

The awarding of the Anchieta Medal and the Diploma of Gratitude of the City celebrated not only his institutional trajectory but, above all, the human and collective impact of more than six decades of dedication.

The tribute was proposed by Councilwoman Cris Monteiro, at the invitation of Councilman João Jorge, acting president of the City Council. At 85, Jayme Blay has built a career marked by strong community and institutional engagement. A civil engineer trained at the Polytechnic School of USP, he began his involvement early by presiding over Jewish university organizations in Brazil. In 1962, he took part in the World Congress of Jewish Students, where he met David Ben-Gurion, founder of the State of Israel. Over the decades, he presided over the Congregação Israelita Paulista (CIP) for three terms (1986–1995) and the Federação Israelita do Estado de São Paulo (2003–2007).

He also led the Brazil-Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRIL Chamber) for six consecutive terms between 2008 and 2020, and today serves as its honorary president, remaining active in promoting relations between the two countries, as well as participating in international, academic, and philanthropic organizations.

The ceremony brought together leaders of the Jewish community, family members, and longtime friends — among them college colleagues and members of the traditional Single Malt Whisky club, which has met for more than thirty years, underscoring the enduring bonds Jayme has cultivated throughout his life.

Throughout the evening, speeches by leaders such as Ricardo Berkiensztat, Boris Ber, Mario Fleck, and Renato Ochman highlighted Jayme’s role as a builder of bridges — between institutions, between countries, and between people. They emphasized that his contribution goes beyond the positions he held, reflecting a constant presence in decisive moments for the Jewish community and in strengthening relations between Brazil and Israel. They also expressed gratitude to Councilwoman Cris Monteiro for her tireless fight against antisemitism and her steadfast support of the Jewish community.

Representing the family, Marcelo Blay spoke on behalf of his siblings Alberto, Fernando, and Raquel, offering a heartfelt testimony that revealed not only the public leader but also the father and personal role model. This family dimension reinforced the human side of a life marked by values, continuity, and legacy.

Councilwoman Cris Monteiro, who proposed the tribute, emphasized Jayme Blay’s inspiring character and the relevance of his work. “To speak of Jayme is to speak of bridges. Bridges between cultures, between countries, and between people. Bridges built with dialogue, respect, and a clear vision of the future,” she said. She further stressed the meaning of the honor: “By recognizing Jayme, this House also reaffirms its commitment to tolerance, freedom, respect, and dialogue.” Cris also expressed solidarity with the Jewish community in the current context, declaring: “Count on me, count on my voice […] I will defend you tirelessly, like a lioness.”

In closing, the honoree himself spoke with emotion about the significance of the recognition and, above all, the value of continuity: “What brings me the greatest joy is seeing the generations we helped to shape carrying the work forward, in renewed and innovative ways. That is a reward of immeasurable value.” Jayme also warned of the dangers of intolerance, stressing the importance of a permanent collective effort: “It is essential that we maintain active resistance, with information and awareness, so that we can confront and prevent this evil from once again causing the damage we have already seen in history.”

The ceremony was more than a celebration of individual achievements; it was the recognition of a life dedicated to the collective, to institutional building, and to the defense of fundamental values for a plural society such as São Paulo.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)