The first international B’nai B’rith event ever held in Latin America

Be A Part Of History And Make Plans To Attend

Click HERE to register. 

Every B’nai B’rith International Policy Conference is a great opportunity to learn about and speak out on the most important issues in the Jewish world: efforts to delegitimize Israel, global anti-Semitism, securing a better Jewish future, protecting our seniors around the world, the unique dangers of Iran in Latin America and much more. Because of the venue and the expected large and varied international attendance, this will be the most international agenda ever for a 
B’nai B’rith Policy Conference.

This December—while it’s cold in most of the United States, Canada and Europe—experience the warmth of Latin American spring in Montevideo, Uruguay, where the average daytime temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 Celsius).

Frequent travelers say that their most memorable travel experiences involve learning about the culture of the areas they visit. Rarely does that include an opportunity to have a meal in a local resident’s home. B’nai B’rith families in Montevideo are looking forward to hosting all Policy Conference participants in their homes for a Shabbat dinner on Friday, December 2. Add to that the opportunity to meet other B’nai B’rith members from around the world and you have the recipe for a memorable experience certain to spark new friendships.

People describe Montevideo as a city with a rich history, beautiful countryside and old-fashioned charm. Special arrangements have been made for trips to Colonia del Sacramento, Punta del Este or a Montevideo City Tour that will look at the city’s Jewish community. While you’re in Latin America, you can also take the opportunity to visit Buenos Aires—only a 25-minute flight or a three-hour voyage on a ferry or other memorable cities and natural attractions such as Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Patagonia or Machu Picchu.
 
Our Host City
Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and is located along the country’s southern coast. It features modern charms, the energy of a world center for business and communications and the quaint atmosphere of a city steeped in tradition.

There are a variety of neighborhoods, including Parque Rodó with its expansive gardens that bring vibrant color to this urban area. In the nearby suburbs, the beautiful neighborhoods of Carrasco and Pocitos are home to the wealthiest families in Montevideo. Pocitos also features a vast beach evocative of that of Rio de Janeiro.

The Old City preserves the Citadel Gate, which until 1829 protected the city from invasion. The historical shell of the original city buildings now encompasses picturesque colonial buildings including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Cabildo, the Solís Theater, the Torres García Museum and more.

Montevideo is also known as one of the safest cities in Latin America. A recent Wall Street Journal survey found Montevideo second only to Tokyo as the safest city in the world for street crime.

Click here to download the PDF of the 2011 Policy Conference brochure

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An exciting list of Policy Conference speakers We have confirmed a world-class array of policy experts to speak on the issues of most importance to the world Jewish community:
Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle Former Chilean President Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle, son of former Chilean President Eduardo Frei Montalva, was the second president of the restored democracy in Chile between 1994 and 2000. His government oversaw robust economic growth, enhancing international trade opportunities and efforts to increase the democratic representation of Chilean citizens. Frei also promoted health care and education reforms while in office. During his administration, Chile entered into MERCOSUR, a South American free-trade organization, as an associate. Frei, an engineer and a leader of the Christian Democratic Party, was president of the senate and today serves as a senator in Chile.
	Moshe Yaalon, Vice-Prime Minister of Israel, with a look at the international challenges facing the Jewish state.		Emilio Cardenas, former ambassador of Argentina to the United Nations, focusing on Latin American policies as they relate to the U.S. and Europe.
	Hannah Rosenthal, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, U.S. Department of State, to discuss anti-Semitism around the world with a special look at Latin America.		Julian Schvindlerman, internationally known political analyst and expert on Vatican policy toward the Jewish state and the “New Anti-Semitism."  A frequent contributor to the Miami Herald, Ha’aretz, and other international publications.
	Danny Brom, clinical psychologist and founding director of the Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma of Herzog Hospital in Jerusalem, discussing the universal challenges facing parents around the world in raising young people to cope with today’s pressures.		Jorge Grunberg, one of the leading experts in the world on economic growth and its impact on education in Latin America.  He has done extensive research and published numerous papers on the use of information technologies in education today.
Plus Many More Still To Be Announced! The Conference Roundtables will include the following important topics: US Foreign Policy: Israel and the Palestinians What is the real influence of Iran in Latin America? Leadership and Continuity: Major items on the BBI Agenda

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Our Conference Hotel The beautiful and spacious Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza is located in the heart of the financial and commercial district, the spectacular Plaza Independencia, the main city square and home to many cultural attractions and some of the city’s finest restaurants. The special B’nai B’rith Policy Conference rate is a surprisingly reasonable value: only U.S. $209 per night double occupancy or U.S. $189 single occupancy. The spacious rooms and suites feature cable TV, two telephones, data ports, voicemail, coffee makers, hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. Hotel amenities include a daily buffet breakfast, all taxes, access to an on-site casino and fitness center, a business center, an indoor pool and wireless Internet access. For complete hotel information or easy online registration visit www.radisson.com and select Montevideo, Uruguay, in the interactive reservation box.   To get the special B’nai B’rith rate, use the advanced search option and enter group code BNAIBR. The special rate is good for two days before and after the Policy Conference to give plenty of time to enjoy this wonderful city and region

The Conference
Plans are still being finalized for speakers and topics, but you can be assured that the conference will feature leading international experts discussing the issues of greatest concern to today’s Global Jewish Community.

Since participation in this meeting is likely to be one of the most geographically diverse ever, plans call for simultaneous translation in Spanish and English.

As always with a B’nai B’rith Policy Conference, you’ll have a chance to ask questions of our experts and share your thoughts on vital international issues.

Special Optional Day Trips B’nai B’rith Latin America has made arrangements for three optional day trips on Thursday, Friday or Saturday before the conference or on Tuesday, after the conference ends. All tours are private for our B’nai B’rith group.
Half-Day Tour of Montevideo with a Special Look at its Jewish Sites: The journey takes you back in time to the Old Town, where Jewish immigrants first settled at the end of the 19th century. You will pass many historic sights, including Constitution Square, Cathedral and Colonial Town Hall, Solís Theater and Jewish sites: Hebraica Macabi and Golda Meir Square. The tour includes a visit to the main Jewish Community Center and both the Sephardi and Ashkenazi synagogues. You will also visit the Pocitos area, giving you a glimpse of present-day Jewish life. A highlight of the trip will be the emotionally powerful Holocaust Memorial, the only one of its kind in South America. Inspired by Jerusalem´s Western Wall, the memorial is a 120 meter-long rock wall with a noticeable blemish: a deliberate and symbolic crack, representing the rupture in the existence of European Jewry, caused by the Holocaust. Drive by Independence Square, with its mausoleum and monument honoring national hero General José Gervasio Artigas. Continue along the city´s main commercial street, where you will see the Congress Building. This immense building is the pride of Uruguay, constructed with local marble of 52 colors and 12 types of wood. Move on to the Prado Neighborhood, one of the oldest parts of the city where you will see the famous sculpture La Diligencia, a monument to the last Charrúa Indians. Among other highlights of the tour: Batlle y Ordóñez Park, the Obelisk, the Covered Wagon “La Carreta” monument, the soccer stadium and the residential area of Carrasco.	The tour will conclude with a visit to Plaza Virgilio where you will see the monument dedicated to fallen soldiers of the Navy. The locale provides a great photo opportunity. The return drive to the hotel is along the coast. Cost: U.S. $25 per person. Note: because the Jewish sites will not be visited on Shabbat, the itinerary will vary depending on the day of the trip. Full Day Visit to Punta del Este: After driving up the beautiful coast of Montevideo, Canelones and Maldonado, the visit to Punta del Este will begin with a ride through the residential areas of Cantegril, San Rafael, Golf Park and La Barra, known for its unique hanging bridge. You will see Punta del Este’s natural wonder—its beaches. Stop at Punta Ballena for sweeping views up and down the coast before visiting Casapueblo, home of the internationally renowned artist, Carlos Páez Vilaró. The dazzling white complex, resembling Spanish-Moroccan architecture, is situated on a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean. Your return goes along the picturesque coastal road and will include time for window shopping at Gorlero Avenue before returning to Montevideo. Full Day Cost:  U.S. $55 per person. Full Day Tour to Colonia del Sacramento:  A UNESCO Heritage site, this quaint village is steeped in history. Founded in 1680 as a Portuguese settlement, it was the focus of struggle between the Spanish and the Portuguese over control of the area.  The picturesque colorful houses and cobblestone winding streets (sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended) are reminiscent of old Lisbon and a delight to explore. Before the return to Montevideo, the tour will conclude with lunch at the El Meson de la Plaza, considered to be one of the city’s best restaurants. Cost: U.S. $65 per person.
These exclusive B ‘nai B’rith side trips are all offered by Viajes Continental Travel Agency.  Contact Guillermo.ricci@continental.com.uy for reservations and additional information.