Joao Torquato
Sao Paolo, Brazil
João is a Brazilian educator, communication analyst, musician, and activist from São Paulo. He holds a degree in Arts and has long been involved in Black movement and anti-racist activism in Brazil. Most recently, he worked at Instituto Brasil-Israel, developing educational and cultural content about Israeli society, the Middle East, diversity, and human rights, while hosting podcasts and writing about social activism, identity, and contemporary Jewish life.
His first encounter with Yahel came in 2024, when he volunteered in Lod during a Taglit-Birthright Israel program. The city's diversity and complexity left a deep impression - reinforcing something he has long believed through his activism and educational work in Brazil: that meaningful social change happens through direct human connection and community engagement.
Joining the Yahel Social Change Fellowship feels like a natural continuation of that journey. João hopes to contribute to local educational initiatives, learn from the communities he works alongside, and experience a more nuanced and human side of Israeli society.
For him, this fellowship is not only an opportunity to support others, but a chance to grow personally and deepen his understanding of the realities, challenges, and diversity that shape Israel today.