Tribute to Cris Monteiro: When Friendship Becomes History
This tribute marks a special moment for a truly remarkable person. Cris Monteiro, who has so often dedicated herself to honoring the Jewish people, now receives the recognition she deserves.
Celebrated by rabbis and the Jewish community, Cris inaugurated her new committee at Praça Vilaboim in Higienópolis, São Paulo, alongside Gerson Pires. In a gesture that reflects her essence, she affixed a mezuzah to the door. Tradition, faith, and courage came together in this act, highlighted by the sound of the shofar — one of the most moving moments of the ceremony.
What makes Cris unique is that her bond with the Jewish community does not stem from religion, but from humanity. She is not Jewish, yet she found in Jewish values — freedom, democracy, memory, and the right to exist without fear — principles she considers non-negotiable. Her connection began with friendship and affinity, and evolved into political and social commitment.
Her career is marked by achievements and dedication. Before entering politics, Cris spent nearly three decades in the financial sector, holding leadership positions such as CFO at Goldman Sachs, Compliance Director at Bank of America, and Audit Director at JP Morgan. Along the way, she built ties of respect and friendship with Jewish colleagues, which sparked in her a deep admiration for the culture and resilience of a people who have never ceased to affirm their identity and faith.
As a councilwoman, Cris turned words into action. She created the Brazil-Israel Parliamentary Front, established the Municipal Day Against Antisemitism, allocated resources to Jewish community projects, and visited Israel to witness its reality firsthand. Together with Gerson Pires, she confronted antisemitism both inside and outside the City Council, always with courage and determination.
Her work demonstrated that standing with the Jewish community means refusing to remain silent in the face of hatred. Cris spoke out against antisemitic graffiti, against events promoting intolerance, and against public figures spreading prejudice. After the October 7, 2023 attacks, she honored the victims and defended the memory of those who suffered.
More than R$ 6.2 million were directed to Jewish organizations, and her presence in Israel — at the invitation of institutions such as Fisesp, the University of Haifa, and Beit Halochem — further strengthened this bond.
Today, Cris Monteiro reaffirms her commitment to freedom, democracy, and human dignity. Her story is a living tribute to the Jewish people and to all who believe that silence must never be complicit with intolerance.
Above all, she is a voice that resonates in defense of life, memory, and freedom. A true friend, a tireless ally, a woman who transformed affinity into action and continues steadfast in the fight against antisemitism and for justice.
Célia Parnes, President of Fisesp (Federation of São Paulo):
For FISESP, Cris Monteiro embodies something we deeply value in public life: commitment that translates into action. Cris co-authored the law establishing the Day Against Antisemitism and Fascism in São Paulo, contributed to the creation of legislation in memory of the victims of the October 7 terrorist attack, and introduced important initiatives against Holocaust denial, antisemitism, and the glorification of extremism.
She also showed sensitivity by publicly recognizing individuals who dedicated their lives to the Jewish community and Brazilian society, proposing tributes to names such as André Lajst, Denise Antão, Luís Kignel, Jack Terpins, and Jayme Blay, among others. The creation of the Brazil–Israel Parliamentary Front further reinforces this trajectory.
Gerson Pires has been a steadfast partner and interlocutor in this work. For us at FISESP, it is highly significant to count on leaders who understand our community, acknowledge its contribution to São Paulo, and transform this closeness into concrete initiatives.
