Ira Bartfield of Arlington, Va., was elected senior vice president of B’nai B’rith International, the world’s oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization, by the Board of Governors at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

In this leadership position, Bartfield takes an active role implementing B’nai B’rith’s policies and programs during a three-year term.

Bartfield has been a member of B’nai B’rith for more than three decades, serving in a number of leadership positions. Currently, Bartfield is the chair of the Center for Senior Services and serves on the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors. 

Early in his B’nai B’rith volunteer work, Bartfield won an award for best lodge president, and eventually served as the president of the Virginia State Association of B’nai B’rith and then as president of the Chesapeake Bay Region.

On Sept. 3 Bartfield retired after 41 years as a staff member at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. He worked in the education, visual services and publishing departments in various supervisory roles.

Joining Bartfield in B’nai B’rith’s leadership administration under re-elected President Allan J. Jacobs are senior vice presidents Leon Birbragher, Bogota, Colombia; Daniel Citone, Rome; Haim Katz, Jerusalem; Charles Kaufman, Austin, Texas; Rosalind Klein, Northridge, Calif.; Chairman of the Executive Committee Gary P. Saltzman, Centennial, Colo.; Treasurer Seth. J. Riklin, Sugar Land, Texas; and B’nai B’rith International Court of Appeals Chief Justice William K. Peirez, Great Neck, N.Y.

Leon Birbragher of Bogota, Colombia, was elected senior vice president of B’nai B’rith International, the world’s oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization, by the Board of Governors at its annual meeting.

In this leadership position, Birbragher takes an active role implementing B’nai B’rith’s policies and programs during a three-year-term.  

Birbragher has remained dedicated to B’nai B’rith International’s activities in Latin America for many years, first through his local lodge. He was elected twice to serve on the board of District 23, a 12-country region that includes Mexico, Columbia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru, among others. During his time on the board, Birbragher travelled to all of the district’s countries twice each year. He then ascended to the presidency of B’nai B’rith Latin America for two years, traveling all across the region.

As a B’nai B’rith representative, Birbragher chaired and organized an event in June 2010 in Bogota where B’nai B’rith honored then-President Alvaro Uribe with the Presidential Gold Medallion for Humanitarianism.

Outside of B’nai B’rith, Birbragher also works with other organizations to further the goals of the Jewish community. He was a member of Maccabi Colombia and a co-founder of the Colombian Maccabean Games. For 12 years (nine as president) he served as a member of the board of Centro Israelita de Bogota, the largest Jewish community in Colombia.

Birbragher received his bachelor’s degree in geo-economics from Boston University and his masters in the same field of study from the University of Chicago. A native Colombian and son of a Romanian father and Czechoslovakian mother, Birbragher is married to Celia Sredni de Birbragher. The couple has three daughters, all of whom are art professionals.

Joining Birbragher in B’nai B’rith’s leadership administration under re-elected President Allan J. Jacobs are senior vice presidents Ira Bartfield, Arlington, Va.; Daniel Citone, Rome; Haim Katz, Jerusalem; Charles Kaufman, Austin, Texas; Rosalind Klein, Northridge, Calif.; Chairman of the Executive Committee Gary P. Saltzman, Centennial, Colo.; Treasurer Seth. J. Riklin, Sugar Land, Texas; and B’nai B’rith International Court of Appeals Chief Justice William K. Peirez, Great Neck, N.Y.

Daniel Citone of Rome was elected senior vice president of B’nai B’rith International, the world’s oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization, by the Board of Governors at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C. He currently serves as one of B’nai B’rith Europe’s representatives to the B’nai B’rith Board of Governors and is the vice president of the B’nai B’rith Rome Lodge.

In this leadership position, Citone takes an active role implementing B’nai B’rith’s policies and programs during a three-year term.

Citone has been involved with B’nai B’rith since 1994, when he was a founding member of the young adult lodge in Rome. As vice president of the adult lodge, he was part of the senior B’nai B’rith leadership delegation that met privately with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in May 2011. He has also been involved with B’nai B’rith Europe’s Young Jewish Adult Forum.

Throughout his B’nai B’rith service, Citone has remained committed to supporting Israel, fighting anti-Semitism and involving young adults in the Jewish community. In addition to being a member of B’nai B’rith Europe’s Israel Commission, he served on the executive board of the Jewish Community of Rome from 2008 to 2011, working on behalf of international relationships and youth policy. Citone also served on the steering committee of the 2007 European Maccabi Games, held in Rome, where he was in charge of the information technology department.

Citone is noted for creating the “Comitato per Shalit,” a committee that organized petitions and demonstrations in Rome asking for the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit from Hamas captivity.

Citone has a law degree from La Sapienza University and currently works as a business manager at Gruppo Hassan in Rome.

Joining Citone in B’nai B’rith’s leadership administration under re-elected President Allan J. Jacobs are senior vice presidents Ira Bartfield, Arlington, Va.; Leon Birbragher, Bogota, Colombia; Haim Katz, Jerusalem; Charles Kaufman, Austin, Texas; Rosalind Klein, Northridge, Calif.; Chairman of the Executive Committee Gary P. Saltzman, Centennial, Colo.; Treasurer Seth. J. Riklin, Sugar Land, Texas; and B’nai B’rith International Court of Appeals Chief Justice William K. Peirez, Great Neck, N.Y.    

Haim Katz of Jerusalem was elected senior vice president of B’nai B’rith International, the world’s oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization, by the Board of Governors at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C. For more than a decade, Katz has served as chairman (and before that vice chairman) of the World Center, the hub of B’nai B’rith activities in Israel.

In this leadership position, Katz takes an active role implementing B’nai B’rith’s policies and programs during a three-year-term.

Katz has been involved with B’nai B’rith since he joined the Hebrew-speaking B’nai B’rith lodge in London at age 18.

In addition to his efforts with B’nai B’rith, he has been deeply involved in the Jewish community through his chairmanships with the Ethics Committee of Hadassah Medical Center and the International Commission for Jewish Legal Affairs. He also sits on the Board of Trustees of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance.

In his spare time, he regularly hosts a radio program about legal matters on Israel Radio-Kol Yisrael.

Katz, who made aliyah from the United Kingdom in 1982, is married with five children and runs his own law offices in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Dr. Haim Katz & Partners: Law Offices and Notaries.

Joining Katz in B’nai B’rith’s leadership administration under re-elected President Allan J. Jacobs are senior vice presidents Ira Bartfield, Arlington, Va.; Leon Birbragher, Bogota, Colombia; Daniel Citone, Rome; Charles Kaufman, Austin, Texas; Rosalind Klein, Northridge, Calif.; Chairman of the Executive Committee Gary Saltzman, Centennial, Colo.; Treasurer Seth. J. Riklin, Sugar Land, Texas; and B’nai B’rith International Court of Appeals Chief Justice William K. Peirez, Great Neck, N.Y.

Charles Kaufman of Austin, Texas, was recently elected senior vice president of B’nai B’rith International, the world’s oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization, by the group’s Board of Governors during its annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

Kaufman, a former president of a B’nai B’rith district composed of seven Southern states, will assume an active role in implementing B’nai B’rith International policies and programs during a three-year term.

A member of B’nai B’rith since 1980, Kaufman previously served on the B’nai B’rith Board of Governors, chairing a task force to honor B’nai B’rith’s Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) and in 1992 initiated and promoted a petition that generated more than 10,000 signatures calling for the freedom of Syrian Jews under the rule of Hafez Assad. B’nai B’rith subsequently worked through its office at the United Nations and with other groups to secure the emigration of thousands of Syrian Jews. Kaufman is also scheduled to participate in a B’nai B’rith humanitarian mission to Cuba in December.

“Chuck’s deep roots and knowledge of the organization, coupled with his expertise in modern communication, make him an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs said. “I look forward to working with Chuck to advance the mission of B’nai B’rith.”

In addition to B’nai B’rith, Kaufman has served the Jewish community in various organizations, from religious organizations to Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel and the Levi Hospital of Hot Springs, Ark.

Professionally, Kaufman was a journalist for 16 years before forming his own corporate publishing and media relations firm, Kaufman Communications, in 1989. He also is a faculty member in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University-San Marcos.

“Chuck’s leadership and record for innovative programming will be a great asset to B’nai B’rith,” Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “His experience, skills and vision in the world of digital and social media also will be a bonus to our efforts to reach a new generation of member volunteers.”

Kaufman received a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Kaufman and his wife, Vonne, have two children and one grandchild. The Dallas native represents a third generation of family members active B’nai B’rith.

Joining Kaufman in B’nai B’rith’s leadership administration under re-elected President Allan J. Jacobs are senior vice presidents Ira Bartfield, Arlington, Va.; Leon Birbragher, Bogota, Colombia; Daniel Citone, Rome; Haim Katz, Jerusalem; Rosalind Klein, Northridge, Calif.; Chairman of the Executive Committee Gary Saltzman, Centennial, Colo.; Treasurer Seth. J. Riklin, Sugar Land, Texas; and B’nai B’rith International Court of Appeals Chief Justice William K. Peirez, Great Neck, N.Y.

Rosalind Klein, of Northridge, Calif., was elected to a third term as senior vice president of B’nai B’rith International, the world’s oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization, by the group’s Board of Governors during its annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

Klein, the first female international senior vice president of the organization, will continue playing an active role in implementing B’nai B’rith International policies and programs during a three-year term.

During her most recent term, Klein served on multiple committees, including the budget and executive committees, as well as the Label A. Katz Young Leadership Award committee. She was also responsible for moderating a roundtable discussion in Montevideo, Uruguay, titled “Challenges to the Jewish Community” during B’nai B’rith’s 2011 policy conference.

In 2011 Klein helped organize a successful Los Angeles-area award dinner by inviting guests, contacting political leaders to serve on the tribute committee and obtaining a proclamation entitled, “Certificate of Congratulations” from Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for honoree Alan J. Fuerstman, Montage Hotels & Resorts founder and chief executive officer.

Recently, Klein chaired and moderated a highly successful program on the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Klein brought this program to the West Coast, created a set of accompanying educational materials and presented the program at various community colleges and synagogues throughout the Los Angeles area. Klein also chaired the B’nai B’rith leadership training weekend in Tucson, Ariz., in September 2010. The program is a vital give-and-take opportunity for leaders at B’nai B’rith housing units worldwide to share best practices.

Klein has been married for 48 years to Howard S. Klein. They have two children and two grandchildren. Until

2004, Klein managed the Law Offices of Howard S. Klein.      

Joining Klein in B’nai B’rith’s leadership administration under re-elected President Allan J. Jacobs are senior vice presidents Ira Bartfield, Arlington, Va.; Leon Birbragher, Bogota, Colombia; Daniel Citone, Rome; Haim Katz, Jerusalem; Charles Kaufman, Austin, Texas; Chairman of the Executive Committee Gary P. Saltzman, Centennial, Colo.; Treasurer Seth. J. Riklin, Sugar Land, Texas; and B’nai B’rith International Court of Appeals Chief Justice William K. Peirez, Great Neck, N.Y.

Seth J. Riklin, of Sugar Land, Texas, was re-elected treasurer of B’nai B’rith International, the world’s oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization, by the Board of Governors at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

Formerly a practicing attorney and accountant, he is president of Hill Country Wind Power, L.P., a wind energy developer in Texas with 100,000 acres leased, or being leased, for its projects currently under development.

A longtime member of the Board of Governors and the Executive Committee, Riklin is co-chair of the B’nai B’rith International Senior Housing Committee. He is currently the vice president (and former president) of the B’nai B’rith Goldberg Towers, a 300-unit federally subsidized apartment building for seniors, located in Houston.

Riklin’s efforts are inspired by his father, the late Sam J. Riklin, who served as president of the San Antonio, Texas, B’nai B’rith lodge. 

Outside of B’nai B’rith, Riklin is deeply involved in his community. He is a past member of Sugar Land Rotary Club and Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, where he was on the Government Relations Committee.

In 1997 Riklin graduated from the Sugar Land Citizens Police Academy and in 2000 he graduated from the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce leadership class. Riklin is an avid pilot and is both a captain and aviator in the U.S. Civil Air Patrol.  He earned the Aircraft and Pilots Association Airport Support Network National Volunteer Award in October 2007 for his work at the Sugar Land Airport.

Riklin received his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and bachelor’s degree in accounting from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.  

He is married to Carol Wolin-Riklin and has five children

Joining Riklin in B’nai B’rith’s leadership administration under re-elected President Allan J. Jacobs are senior vice presidents Ira Bartfield, Arlington, Va.; Leon Birbragher, Bogota, Colombia; Daniel Citone, Rome; Haim Katz, Jerusalem; Charles Kaufman, Austin, Texas; Rosalind Klein, Northridge, Calif.; Chairman of the Executive Committee Gary P. Saltzman, Centennial, Colo.; and B’nai B’rith International Court of Appeals Chief Justice William K. Peirez, Great Neck, N.Y.

William K. Peirez of Great Neck, N.Y., was re-elected as chief justice of the B’nai B’rith Court of Appeals by the Board of Governors at its annual meeting.

Peirez, who joined B’nai B’rith International 49 years ago, had served as acting chief justice since April 2008 and was elected to his first term in December 2009. Prior to that he was a judge under the two most recent presidents. The B’nai B’rith Court of Appeals oversees internal disputes.

Peirez also serves as president of the B’nai B’rith MetroNorth region, and has been a longtime member of the Board of Governors and the Executive Committee.

During his nearly five decades of service, Peirez has held a wide range of positions at B’nai B’rith, including chairing the Evaluation and Monitoring Committee and the B’nai B’rith Camps Committee. He’s been B’nai B’rith’s liaison to a committee of regional and community leaders, and has served as an international vice president.

In 1980, Peirez won the prestigious Label A. Katz Outstanding Young Leader Award, which is given to individuals under 45 who have demonstrated outstanding service to the totality of B'nai B'rith and have worked to achieve the goals of the B'nai B'rith Young Leadership program. Peirez served on a committee to help choose the 2009 Label A. Katz winners.

Outside of his B’nai B’rith duties, Peirez is a retired attorney who specialized in real estate, landlord and tenant law, contracts, corporate law, partnership law, buying and selling of businesses and wills. He graduated from Boston University and Brooklyn Law School.

Peirez also served as a member of the New York Society for the Deaf and the Good Samaritan Foundation board of directors. Peirez has been active in Temple Beth El in Great Neck and was president of the Allenwood Little League and chairman of the Great Neck School Board Prejudice Reduction Committee. Peirez has been married since 1966 and has three children and five grandchildren.

Joining Peirez in B’nai B’rith’s leadership administration under re-elected President Allan J. Jacobs are senior vice presidents Ira Bartfield, Arlington, Va.; Leon Birbragher, Bogota, Colombia; Daniel Citone, Rome; Haim Katz, Jerusalem; Charles Kaufman, Austin, Texas; Rosalind Klein, Northridge, Calif.; Treasurer Seth. J. Riklin, Sugar Land, Texas; and Chairman of the Executive Committee Gary P. Saltzman, Centennial, Colo.

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

B’nai B’rith International praises Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Canadian government for the decisive move on Sept. 7 to cut diplomatic ties with Tehran. Canada announced it will close its embassy in Iran and Iranian diplomats in Canada have been told to leave.  

In a statement, Canada’s Foreign Minister John Baird wrote: "Canada views the government of Iran as the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today." The statement also noted: "…Canada can no longer maintain a diplomatic presence in Iran."

Tehran continues to defy international efforts to halt its nuclear weapons program. Iran poses an existential threat to Israel as leaders in Tehran demonize Israel at every turn and outwardly threaten Israel, questioning its right to exist. As the largest state-sponsor of terrorism, and one of the most prolific human rights abusers in the world, diplomatic isolation is vital to ensuring containment of Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions.

B’nai B’rith supports tougher sanctions aimed at stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Jerry Magel of Los Angeles is the driving force behind the B’nai B’rith Bagel Brigade, operating in West San Fernando Valley providing free food to people in need—with special attention on ensuring children from low-income families do not go to school hungry.

For his tireless efforts, Magel was named the 2012 winner of the B’nai B’rith International Moe and Berdie Kudler Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, an annual award recognizing B’nai B’rith’s most outstanding volunteer. The award acknowledges enduring and distinguished service on behalf of the organization.

“Jerry’s efforts with the Bagel Brigade embody the very best of tikkun olam—repairing the world,” B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs said. “The time, effort and creativity shown by Jerry and the volunteers he works with are extraordinary and demonstrate the big effect a few people can have on the lives of others.”

Magel took over the Bagel Brigade after the death of its founder, Herman Berman, in 2010.

For nearly 20 years, B’nai B’rith Bagel Brigade volunteers have gathered daily before sunrise to pack up donated food from local supermarkets and bagel shops to bring to those in need.

“The positive impact from Jerry’s efforts is tangible and vital—feeding the hungry,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “Jerry and the Bagel Brigade don’t just provide a meal to a hungry child—in many cases they provide a portal to learning—because a hungry child can’t concentrate in school.”

B’nai B’rith International was founded in 1843 on the guiding principal of helping those in need.