Prefeitura de São Paulo

Aracy de Carvalho Guimarães Rosa worked at the brazilian embassy in Germany right before the Second World War. Disobeying strict orders from the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil, which denied entrance to Jewish people, she granted immigration visas to Jewish people, saving thousands from nazi imprisoning and the Holocaust. In the 60s, back in Brazil, she also protected those persecuted by the military regime, always defending human dignity above any particular interest and often risking her own safety.

She was the only woman mentioned by the Jerusalem Holocaust Museum in the list of 18 diplomats and diplomatic officers who helped save the lives of Jewish people.

The honoree’s portrait is displayed in our entrance hall, next to those of other personalities who promoted sustainable development, pacific diversity and the recognition of differences in ways of living, beliefs and values, thus contributing greatly to the construction of culture of peace.