Bolsonaro, Tikkun Olam & Brazil-Israel Relations: A Coup Plotter’s Vision?
The complex legacy of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continues to unfold, marked by legal challenges, health concerns, and a surprising invocation of the Jewish concept of *Tikkun Olam* during a recent visit to Israel. Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil’s 38th president from January 2019 to December 2022, is currently serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. Despite his legal troubles and recent hospitalization, Bolsonaro has remained focused on strengthening ties with Israel, framing his efforts within the context of a broader geopolitical realignment and a desire to “repair the world.”
Bolsonaro’s Legal Battles and Health Status
Bolsonaro’s conviction for attempting to subvert Brazil’s democratic institutions has cast a long shadow over his political future. The former president is accused of conspiring to stage a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He denies any wrongdoing, claiming the trial is politically motivated. Adding to his challenges, Bolsonaro was recently hospitalized with pneumonia and complications following a previous stabbing incident during the 2018 presidential campaign. As of March 15, 2026, he remains in intensive care, though his kidney function has reportedly improved, according to reports from the Associated Press. His family and allies continue to seek house arrest, but so far, these requests have been denied.
A Diplomatic Pivot: Bolsonaro and Israel
Throughout his presidency, Bolsonaro prioritized strengthening Brazil’s relationship with Israel, a departure from the policies of some of his predecessors. This included a significant symbolic move in March 2019 when he inaugurated the new Brazilian embassy in Jerusalem, recognizing the city as Israel’s capital. He also attended the World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem in January 2020 and made a brief stopover in Israel during a trip to the United States that same year, making at least three significant visits to the country during his term. This alignment resonated with Bolsonaro’s conservative and evangelical base in Brazil, who often share strong pro-Israel sentiments.
The Meaning of *Tikkun Olam*
During a January 2026 visit to Israel, Bolsonaro declared his intention to align Brazil firmly with Israel, stating he wanted “Brazil back in Israel’s corner” as Latin America undergoes a reshaping driven by conservative and evangelical forces. He also expressed a desire to complete Iran’s “ruthless Islamic regime” and “free the world of this evil regime,” invoking the concept of *Tikkun Olam* – a Hebrew phrase meaning “repairing the world.”
The term *Tikkun Olam* has deep roots in Jewish thought. Originally meaning simply “to correct,” it has evolved over the past 2000 years to encompass a broader sense of healing and improving the world. As NewsBlaze explains, while absent from the Hebrew Bible, the concept gained prominence in rabbinical texts and Kabbalistic writings. In modern usage, *Tikkun Olam* often refers to efforts to alleviate human suffering, promote social justice, and address environmental concerns. It’s a call to action, urging individuals and communities to actively work towards a more just and equitable world.
Bolsonaro’s Vision for *Tikkun Olam*
Bolsonaro’s application of *Tikkun Olam* appears to be framed within a specific geopolitical context. He outlined a vision of strengthening political and diplomatic alignment, military cooperation, cultural exchange, environmental policies, and economic ties between Brazil, the USA, and Israel. He particularly emphasized increased military collaboration with Israel, citing Israel’s advanced defense technology and training capabilities. He also suggested promoting cultural ties based on shared values related to security and governance. His proposed environmental policy shift comes amid growing international scrutiny of Brazil’s environmental record, particularly concerning the Amazon rainforest.
Bolsonaro’s interpretation of *Tikkun Olam* extends to repairing the world through social justice, ethical actions, protecting the Amazon, and demonstrating international social responsibility. However, critics might question the consistency of this framing given his past policies and rhetoric, particularly regarding environmental protection and human rights.
The Geopolitical Backdrop: Gog and Magog
Bolsonaro’s rhetoric also touched upon the biblical prophecy of Gog and Magog, a conflict described in Ezekiel 38-39 involving a coalition of nations led by Gog from the land of Magog. This prophecy, often interpreted as a final battle between good and evil, is seen by some as foreshadowing a future conflict involving Iran and its allies. The prophecy is often linked to Israel and its enemies, symbolizing a struggle with divine intervention that ultimately leads to *Tikkun Olam*. Bolsonaro’s invocation of this prophecy suggests a framing of the current geopolitical landscape as a battle against a perceived evil force, embodied by Iran’s Islamic regime.
Focus on Iran and Regional Security
A central element of Bolsonaro’s *Tikkun Olam* vision is a strong stance against Iran. He specifically criticized Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear arsenal, its development of ballistic missiles, and its internal repression, describing the regime as “devilish.” This aligns with the views of Israel and the United States, who also view Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities as destabilizing. Bolsonaro’s call to end Iran’s influence reflects a broader concern about the spread of Islamic extremism and its potential impact on global security. The revocation of a visa for a Trump advisor who sought to visit Bolsonaro in prison, as reported by Al Jazeera, highlights the ongoing tensions between Brazil and the US, even as relations have warmed recently.
What Remains Unclear
While Bolsonaro’s intentions regarding *Tikkun Olam* are articulated, the practical implications of his vision remain somewhat unclear. The extent to which Brazil will actively pursue a stronger alignment with Israel and the US, particularly in the face of potential economic or diplomatic repercussions, is yet to be seen. The impact of Bolsonaro’s legal troubles and health concerns on his ability to influence Brazilian politics remains uncertain. The degree to which his successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, will continue to prioritize these relationships is also a key question.
Looking Ahead: Brazil’s Foreign Policy Trajectory
The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of Brazil’s foreign policy. Lula da Silva’s administration has signaled a desire to reassert Brazil’s role as a regional leader and to pursue a more independent foreign policy. This could lead to a recalibration of Brazil’s relationship with both Israel and the United States. The ongoing legal proceedings against Bolsonaro will also continue to shape the political landscape. The Brazilian Supreme Court’s final verdict on the coup plot charges will have significant implications for Bolsonaro’s future and for the stability of Brazil’s democratic institutions. The interplay between these factors will determine whether Bolsonaro’s vision of *Tikkun Olam* will have a lasting impact on Brazil’s foreign policy or remain a symbolic gesture from a controversial former leader.