This is part of the online version of Jamil Chad’s newsletter sent yesterday (13). In the full newsletter, for subscribers only, the columnist comments on a UN warning about 300 million people dependent on US$50 billion in humanitarian aid, while state aid to the asset has yet to exceed half the amount. Would you like to receive the full package with the main column and more information in your email next week? Click here and register.
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Dear Dad,
This weekend, your day is celebrated there in Brazil. I always remember it as a moment of respect, celebration and generosity, pretending that you liked what we bought.
In the past months, UOLI have been tasked with writing letters as a way to start a discussion about some of the most sensitive issues in our society. I wrote for actors, officials and politicians. On Valentine’s Day, I sent Anitta a heartfelt response letter. Just imagine.
I decided this week that the letter would be for you. But it will definitely be the hardest. This Sunday would be the moment we caught up on the talk of the week. But a lot has happened in Brazil, in the world, and in our family since he had a stroke.
Let’s start with the good stuff, shall we? You will be grandparents again in the next few days, and your daughter and son-in-law have decided to name their new grandchild after you. Another good news is that your other four grandchildren are also from São Paulo, including “foreigners” living here in Switzerland. Too bad the team can’t keep up with their enthusiasm. But our friend Raí is always there to remind us of the glory of the past.
Another good news is that some of your teachings seem to have been heard. Last time I was trying to understand what the far right could do against democracy in Hungary in 2019. You were going to have surgery and you told me on the phone that the first thing you would do on the way was to eat kibbeh. Make sure you already have an heir. Pol is addicted to Arabian food here.
But as you lived your inner search and our lives focused on deciphering your signs, the world went through profound transformations. And in a few moments of great agony, I found myself thinking of calling you for answers.
Faced with so much uncertainty, I’m surprised that so many people suddenly seem to have so much certainty. So I thought, “I’m going to talk to him.” But that was no longer possible.
That’s how I felt when we had the worst pandemic in a century. While the government mocked the suffering, many of our friends did not survive. You are also contaminated. But thanks to the science you’ve devoted your life to, the vaccine came sooner.
I’ve always wondered where you would be if you could still work at the hospital. In the midst of a pandemic, I suspect we will have strong discussions at home about how to manage your commitment to always being with those who need help.
But we also had a war in Europe and restarted a discussion about the possibility of using nuclear weapons. Yes, Dad, it’s mind-blowing that this is happening. Is the open one lost?
Many times in our country I feel that we have been swallowed by a radiation of hatred. Fueled by mass disinformation, deep distrust, a crushing social crisis, unscrupulous charlatans and an inability to deal with our past, a section of society has chosen violence as the answer.
Deep down, they are freed from their instinctive attitude that until recently should have been classified as a crime. Today, vulgarity has acquired a political status, ignorance has become a medal to be worn with pride, and all destruction has become a legitimate instrument of power.
The dialogue you taught us so much has become a scarce product here today. A gesture you spend your life practicing is rejected: listening to the pain of others.
Relatives stopped talking, stories of deep personal connection were buried, and the future was once again postponed for those who wanted to build a country project. Do we have the right to feel exhausted by these failures?
We will go to the elections soon. For a few weeks, Brazil will be a kind of epicenter of the world debate about the fate of democracy. It’s him in question. However, more than identifying a winner, won’t it reveal who we are?
We live here at a crossroads as you overcome your greatest challenge. I will not hide anything from you, father. I’m sleeping so badly trying to figure out what might happen to all of us in the next few weeks. I have the impression that you will say to me: “Relax, think, never despair”.
I would have a lot of questions to ask you. And many more requests. But every time I see you, I remember your puzzling optimism, your commitment to each other, and now that daily lesson in resistance. Three years ago, you showed us that even the toughest obstacles have answers. Sometimes with just one glance.
The last time I was by your side, you once again shook my hand, as if to convey energy, courage and a message: We have no right to give up. Not in all forms of life, neighbor, or love.
Maybe that’s the answer I was looking for. And we will continue this way – all your family, friends, and many of your patients who have passed through your hands and still stop me on the street, on social networks or in meetings and thank you for what you have done for them. It can be translated into one word: respect.
Happy Father’s Day, thanks for the replies.
jamil
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source: Noticias
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