RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- The flag of Israel was laser projected over the building of Brazil's National Congress in solidarity with the victims of the weekend's terrorist attacks in the Jewish state.
The projection covered one of the two domes of the landmark building in Brasilia on Sunday, which gave the idea of a big kippah.
"It's a sign of solidarity and also in honor of all those killed, injured, and missing as a result of this cruel attack," wrote Senator Davi Alcolumbre, a Jewish congressman who previously served as president of the Senate.
Several Jewish groups welcome the Brazilian government's initiative.
"It's a demonstration of support for the Jewish State, which is at war after an attack by the terrorist group Hamas," read a post by the Brazilian Israelite Confederation, the country's umbrella Jewish organization.
Every year, the congress building's 300-foot tall towers receive a laser projection with the words "Holocaust Never Again" in Portuguese to mark the Holocaust Remembrance Day.
"We appreciate all the support we are receiving at this difficult time," read a gratitude message posted by the Israeli embassy on social media.
Standing in solidarity with Israeli victims
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a far-left pol who recently stated that the United Nations "created" the State of Israel and "failed to create" a Palestinian State, expressed solidarity with Israeli victims but didn't mention Hamas.
“I was shocked by the terrorist attacks carried out today against civilians in Israel, which caused numerous victims. In expressing my condolences to the families of the victims, I reaffirm my rejection of terrorism in any of its forms," wrote Lula, whose previous government officially recognized a Palestinian state in 2010.
In Rio de Janeiro, the building of the Municipal Chamber's façade was covered by a white and blue laser projection.
"Watching on TV the terrorist and barbaric attacks against Israel, I come to express my solidarity once again with all Israelis and the Jewish people," Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes posted, next to a picture of him with Israel's late prime minister Shimon Peres.
In Sao Paulo, where a pro-Israel rally will be happening this Tuesday evening, the façades of several government buildings were also lit up in blue and white, including the City Hall.