The Tireless Arab Social Work In Brazil

Social work has been a hallmark of the Arab community that settled in Brazil with immigration in the mid-1870s. For a long time, the group, formed by the immigrants themselves, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, has been dedicated to philanthropy, leaving a remarkable legacy to the country in the areas of health and social assistance. Through tireless effort, many women played a key role in founding important hospitals, such as Hcor and the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital , as well as homes aimed at supporting different vulnerable groups, such as the A Mão Branca Association for the elderly, and the Syrian Pro-Childhood Home and Cedro do Líbano Association , dedicated to welcoming and developing children.

The Syrian Beneficent Association was founded in 1918 through the efforts of tireless and highly dedicated Syrian immigrant women, whose mission was and still is to provide free medical assistance to the community and contribute to the development of healthcare in the country. At first, they aided orphans of World War I. Over the years, the association shifted its focus to tuberculosis patients, establishing a unit in Campos do Jordão in 1947. When the disease was no longer a major threat, the Association redirected its efforts toward creating a hospital specializing in thoracic surgery and cardiovascular diseases, leading to the founding of Hcor in 1976. This stands as the greatest legacy of the Syrian Beneficent Association, which continues to uphold its century-old mission of caring for people and strengthening healthcare.

On the other hand, the Beneficent Society of Ladies is the organization responsible for the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital, one of the most important medical centers in Latin America. Founded in 1921 by a group of women from the Syrian and Lebanese communities, the society's mission is to serve the community and make it fairer for all. The hospital offers education and research programs, including academic master's and doctoral degrees in health sciences, as well as national and international partnerships for studies in various fields.

The Beneficent Association“A Mão Branca” for Elderly Support was founded in 1912 by a group of women from the Syrian and Lebanese communities in São Paulo. These women began holding weekly meetings with the goal of assisting elderly individuals by distributing supplies and providing hospital care. Today, the institution is a reference in the field of geriatrics and gerontology, offering housing and treatment to elderly people of all genders, regardless of class, religion, or race.

The Lar Sírio Pró-Infância is a century-old institution dedicated to the care and development of children and adolescents in situations of social vulnerability. Founded in 1923 by a group of young Syrian immigrants from Homs, the institution began its activities as the“Orphanato Syrio,” initially sheltering five children. Lar Sírio Pró-Infância spans an area of 25,000 square meters, consisting of 18 buildings dedicated to socio-educational activities. It currently serves more than 1,000 children and adolescents daily, offering programs that include academic support, professional training, and cultural and sports activities.

The Cedro do Líbano Association for Child Protection was founded by a group of Lebanese women who gathered weekly to knit and make blankets for those in need. With this purpose in mind, on September 5, 1947, the Cedro do Líbano Association for Child Protection was established as a philanthropic, non-profit organization. Since its creation, the association has been dedicated to social initiatives, particularly focused on education and assistance for children in vulnerable situations.

I am very proud to be a woman and to contribute, even in a modest way, to the tireless efforts of so many people who, for generations, have dedicated themselves to philanthropy in healthcare, shelter, and support for the elderly and children. It is an honor to be part of the board of the Syrian Beneficent Association and the works committee of Hcor, institutions that have been transforming lives for decades through solidarity and a commitment to society's well-being.

*Claudia Yazigi Haddad is a Civil Engineer, director of Construtora Yazigi, director of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, and chair of its women's committee, Wahi. She is also a board member of the Syrian Beneficent Association/Hcor.

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