Today, April 3, 2025, the Funchal City Council (CMF) prompted a tribute to Aristides de Sosa Mendes, with a bust in the savior.
At the ceremony, it shed light on the 71st anniversary of the signs of his death, and the courage and humanity of the “Bordeaux Consul”, which challenged the orders of the Salazar regime to save thousands of lives during World War II.
The rescue point of view was chosen for its proximity to the Jewish cemetery of Funshal and the city’s connection to welcoming the Jewish refugees during the war. The bust, carved by Jacinto Rodriguez, is part of an area rehabilitated by the Funchal Authority, a note said.
The initiative, presented by the municipal group PS, which was unanimously agreed to the municipal assembly, aims on April 22, 2022, to perpetuate the memory of Aristides de Sousa Mendes and get to know his heroic work, which by granting thousands of visas to refugees who fled in the other ministry, allowing them to escape, escape to Portgal, and securing the two countries.
Aristide’s disobedience led to his dismissal and condemnation of the ostracism, and he lived his last years in the conditions of extreme poverty. He died on April 3, 1954, without appreciation for his courage.
Just decades later, it was recognized, as Israel honored the European Parliament and the Portuguese state, which granted it the national honors in 2021. In 2020, Pope Francis established on June 17 the day of awareness, focusing on the importance of respecting freedom of conscience all over the world.
With this honor, Funchal joins the various cities of the world that perpetuate the name Aristides de Sousa Mendes in antiquities, streets and institutions.
The ceremony was attended by the president and vice -president of the CMF team, Cristina Pedra and Bruno Pereira, respectively, from the remaining vehicle team, President of the Municipal Association, Jose Luis Nunes, Minister of Regional Tourism, Thirty, and Skat, Sosa Mendes.
