February 14, 2022

13:02

Bruno Pacheco – Cenarium Magazine

MANAUS – At 87 years old, Saul Benchimol, visionary businessman, teacher, lawyer and member of the Academia Amazonense de Letras, where he occupied the chair number 11, died this Sunday, 13. Son of immigrants, the co-founder of Bemol and Fogás companies, Saul was born in Manaus in 1934, where he revolutionized the sales market and established himself as one of the greatest entrepreneurs in the country. The cause of his death has not been disclosed, but the educator was facing an illness that caused him to use a breathing apparatus.

In a statement, Bemol Group expressed its sorrow for the businessman’s death. “His loss is a cause of great sorrow for Bemol, which has always been inspired by his wisdom, charisma, and knowledge. His absence is missed by family, friends and acquaintances”, wrote the company, in a post on social networks.

The businessman was the seventh of eight children of Jewish immigrant Isaac Benchimol. His family came from Morocco to the Amazon in the 19th century to escape the persecution of the inquisition in Europe, promoted by the Catholic Church.

At the University of Amazonas (UA), now the Federal University of Amazonas (Ufam), he was a professor for 36 years. In 2021, Saul Benchimol was honored with the Ruy Araújo Medal by the Amazonas Legislative Assembly (Aleam). During his lifetime, the educator had 109 publications, with highlight to his last release: “The Saga of a Jew in Amazon”. Passionate about the Amazon, he was an important voice for the preservation of the environment and the development of the region.

Brightness

The businessman’s death had repercussions among the political and entrepreneurial class in Amazonas. In a note of regret, the Amazonas government lamented the professor’s death and remembered his important participation in the State’s history, with his brightness and dedication to Education and Culture, besides strongly contributing to the economic development and job and income generation in the region.

“The Government of Amazonas regrets, with deep regret, the death of the Amazonian professor and entrepreneur Saul Benchimol. Born in Manaus, in 1934, Saul Benchimol had an important participation in the history of Amazonas, with his brightness and dedication to Education and Culture.
Together with his brothers Samuel and Israel, he founded the Bemol and Fogás Groups, strongly contributing to the economic development and generation of employment and income in the State of Amazonas.
Son of Jewish immigrants, Saul Benchimol had a law degree from the University of Amazonas (UA), where he was a professor for 36 years. He also had a master’s degree from the University of New Mexico and a post-graduate degree in International Economics from Yale University.
Intellectual and author of hundreds of books, he was one of the founders and first president of the Clube da Madrugada, an important Brazilian literary and artistic association, and was a member of the Academia Amazonense de Letras since 2001.
In this moment of mourning, the Government of Amazonas stands in solidarity with the Benchimol family and friends of the esteemed professor Saul.”

In social networks, state lawmaker Serafim Corrêa (PSB) also lamented the death of the businessman. In a publication, the parliamentarian said that Saul Benchimol was his teacher in the 60s and that he created bonds of friendship, solidarity and courage with him that will never be forgotten.

“Very saddened by this loss. He was my teacher in the 60’s, we became friends and he was my advisor for all my life. I had a gesture of friendship, solidarity, and courage from him while still in college that will never be forgotten. And since then, in many other moments, he stood by my side, even when he disagreed with my attitudes, but came to my rescue suggesting ways out. Now, not only I lose. His family, his friends, who were many, the academy, the business world, and the Amazon as a whole lose. I miss my friend, master, and counselor Saul Benchimol”, he declared.

The executive director of the PanAmazonian Association, Belisário Arce, stated that the loss of the businessman is irreparable, not only for the bereaved family, but for the Israeli community, as well as for the Amazonian society as a whole. In a post on social networks, Arce expressed deep feelings and solidarity with Saul Benchimol’s family.

“His contributions as a businessman and great humanist are inestimable, leaving indelible marks in the lives of family members and countless friends, former students, and collaborators. The burial will be tomorrow, February 14, at the Israeli cemetery. His easy and charismatic smile, which captivated everyone, his teachings, and the example of fullness of life he achieved remain in our hearts and minds”, wrote Arce, in a note of regret.