Executive Vice President Speaks at Israel Amplified Conference

B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin told college students at the Israel Amplified conference in Phoenix their vigilance in fighting anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias is more vital than ever.

Addressing sorority and fraternity students from around the country, Mariaschin cautioned that the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel has gained a foothold on college campuses and a strong front is needed to counter it. Mariaschin warned that the demonization and delegitimization of Israel undermines the Jewish State’s standing in world forums such as the United Nations. He also noted Israel serves as a beacon of democracy in the Middle East, with incredible achievements—its advances in technology and medicine for instance—that have benefited the world.  That’s the message that needs to reach the masses, he said.

Mariaschin reminded the Israel Amplified audience that they are on the front lines in educating their peers about the democracy of Israel. But he made it clear they are not alone in this battle. B’nai B’rith, Mariaschin said, is committed to providing guidance and positive programming to counter ignorance about the Jewish State and Judaism.

The goal of Israel Amplified is “ensuring Israel’s future by engaging Greek leaders on campus today.”

Israel Amplified is being held in conjunction with the 99th anniversary Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) convention. On Aug. 9, B’nai B’rith will be honored by the fraternity for its support.

B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith International condemns the brutal terrorist attack on a Sikh house of worship near Milwaukee, Wis. on Aug. 5. At least six people are dead and three others injured.

Law enforcement officials are calling the attack domestic terrorism, after the gunman, who was shot and killed by police, was discovered to have troubling tattoos.

We stand in solidarity with the Sikh community as our thoughts and prayers go to the victims and their families.

B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

August 4 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg. As Sweden’s envoy in Budapest, Hungary, during World War II, Wallenberg issued passports and sheltered Jews in Swedish-controlled buildings, effectively saving tens of thousands from extermination by the Nazis.

In January 1945, Wallenberg was detained by Soviet officials and was never seen again. Various reports say he was killed in custody soon after or that the Soviet Union continued to hold him in prison for decades. His disappearance remains a mystery.

Wallenberg should be remembered for embodying humanitarian ideals of the highest level. At great risk to his own safety, Wallenberg demonstrated a remarkable courage in his selfless actions. His moral fiber was of the highest caliber.

B’nai B’rith strongly supported legislation, passed last month, awarding Wallenberg the Congressional Gold Medal— the highest civilian award bestowed by Congress.

We were pleased to see President Obama sign into law the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration Act, ensuring Wallenberg receives an honor that he richly deserved.

B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

In a letter to President Obama, B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs and Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin wrote to President Obama urging him to sign the Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Human Rights Act into law. Click here to read the letter.

B’nai B’rith International commends the U.S. Congress for passing this measure, which signals a continuing commitment to stopping Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

We support these tough new sanctions that target energy, shipping and insurance as a positive step in pressuring Tehran to cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The bipartisan measure is a clear indicator of the depth of the threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran.

The new sanctions are intended to hamper Iran’s nuclear weapons program by crippling the country’s vital petroleum and natural gas sectors.

This congressional action follows a February White House executive order that expanded sanctions against Iran, requiring U.S. financial institutions to seize Iranian assets already invested in the United States. The measure is intended to impact Iran’s lucrative oil industry.

Each new round of sanctions eliminates loopholes that Iran exploited to continue to do business on global markets.

It is imperative that Iran, the largest state-sponsor of global terrorism, cease its nuclear weapons program. This bipartisan measure once again presents a united front in the effort to isolate Tehran.

B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith International commends the U.S. Congress for passing the Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Human Rights Act, which signals a continuing commitment to stopping Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

B’nai B’rith supports these tough new sanctions that target energy, shipping and insurance as a positive step in pressuring Tehran to cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The bipartisan measure is a clear indicator of the depth of the threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran.

The new sanctions are intended to hamper Iran’s nuclear weapons program by crippling the country’s vital petroleum and natural gas sectors.

This congressional action follows a February White House executive order that expanded sanctions against Iran, requiring U.S. financial institutions to seize Iranian assets already invested in the United States. The measure is intended to impact Iran’s lucrative oil industry.

Each new round of sanctions eliminates loopholes that Iran exploited to continue to do business on global markets.

It is imperative that Iran, the largest state-sponsor of global terrorism, cease its nuclear weapons program. This bipartisan measure once again presents a united front in the effort to isolate Tehran.

B’nai B’rith urges the president to sign the measure into law.