The Israeli Ambassador to Portugal, Oren Rozenblat, and the Mayor of Oporto, Dr. Pedro Duarte. Credit: Israel em Portugal
The Israeli Ambassador to Portugal, Oren Rozenblat, held talks with the Mayor of Oporto, Dr. Pedro Duarte, as part of his official visit to the city.
On that occasion, Rozenblat shared a personal note that made the moment especially meaningful: he revealed that his grandmother’s surname was “Rapaport,” a Sephardic family name historically linked to Porto — meaning “doctor of Oporto”.
Throughout the meeting, the ambassador praised the Jewish Community of Oporto, highlighting the dynamism of its many activities and emphasizing the importance of combating antisemitism. The discussion also addressed prospects for strengthening economic cooperation between Israel and Portugal, as well as the possibility of collaboration with Oporto in responding to emergency situations, thereby reinforcing institutional and strategic ties between the two sides.
Pedro Duarte, who took office as Mayor of Oporto last November, is still at the beginning of his term. The Jewish Community of Oporto expressed its expectation of an official visit by the mayor to the institution and looks forward to the opportunity to formally welcome him.
