Jayme Blay to Receive Anchieta Medal for Brazil-Israel Relations and Community Leadership

On April 14, 2026, the São Paulo City Council will honor engineer and community leader Jayme Blay with the Anchieta Medal and the Diploma of Gratitude of the City of São Paulo. The ceremony will be held at Palácio Anchieta.

The tribute, proposed by Councilwoman Cris Monteiro and supported by Councilman João Jorge, acting president of the City Council, recognizes Blay’s decades-long commitment to strengthening institutions, fostering community engagement, and building bridges between Brazil and Israel. The Times of Israel reported on the upcoming event.

A Lifetime of Service

At 85 years old, Jayme Blay has established a distinguished career marked by active participation in both community and institutional life. A civil engineer, he graduated from the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo (Poli-USP). His early involvement in Jewish community affairs began with leadership roles in Brazilian Jewish student organizations.

In 1962, Blay participated in the World Congress of Jewish Students, where he had the opportunity to meet David Ben-Gurion, the founder of the State of Israel.

Leadership Roles in Key Institutions

Throughout his career, Blay has held prominent leadership positions in several significant organizations:

• Congregação Israelita Paulista (CIP): He served three consecutive terms as president from 1986 to 1995.
• Federação Israelita do Estado de São Paulo (Fisesp): He presided over Fisesp from 2003 to 2007.
• Brazil–Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRIL Chamber): He led the BRIL Chamber for six consecutive terms, from 2008 to 2020, and continues to serve as honorary president and advisor, actively promoting commercial ties between Brazil and Israel.

International and Academic Affiliations

Blay’s involvement extends to international and academic organizations, including the World Council of Synagogues, the Board of Governors of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the Brazilian Technion Society, where he currently serves as an advisor. He is also engaged in various cultural, educational, and philanthropic endeavors.

Gilberto Kassab, the Mayor of City Hall of São Paulo, and Gilberto Perre, Executive, were listed in a United Nations List of Delegations alongside Jayme Blay, identified as a Project Coordinator.