B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs and Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith congratulates President Obama on his re-election.

As a Jewish humanitarian organization focusing on the safety and security of Israel, human rights, senior issues, and tolerance and diversity, B’nai B’rith closely followed the 2012 contest for issues important to Jews, domestically and globally.

Recent years have seen an increased level of contentiousness in Washington. In some cases, these enormous divides have interfered with the business of government. We hope the president and the new Congress can focus on the work of the country and put aside partisanship for the benefit of the nation.

We look forward to continuing to work with this administration, and with Congress, on issues that are critical to the United States and Israel.

As a nonprofit organization, B’nai B’rith did not endorse any candidate for president.

The symposium, “Permanence of Yiddish,” included an international team of scholars discussing the past, present and future of the Yiddish language.

In 2010, UNESCO published an atlas that outlined languages in danger of being lost. Yiddish was on the list. This language, intricately linked to the Jewish people, has seen a revival after being nearly lost in the wake of the Holocaust.

The symposium looked at efforts to promote, revive and spread the Yiddish language.

The full program is available upon request.
 
WHEN:    Nov. 12-Nov. 13

WHERE:  UNESCO, Paris

B’nai B’rith International’s Banking & Finance unit has chosen Mark R. DeFazio, founder, president and CEO of Metropolitan National Bank, and Harold Shulman, a partner at Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, to receive the prestigious Distinguished Achievement Award.

DeFazio and Shulman were honored at a dinner at the Grand Hyatt New York on Oct. 24 in New York City.

Distinguishing himself as an outstanding banker, community volunteer and reliable supporter of B’nai B’rith, DeFazio’s career has been marked by solid leadership in the New York middle market banking community.

“In his professional life and his personal life, Mark exemplifies the highest ideals,” Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “He’s been a terrific friend to B’nai B’rith and we are so pleased to honor him with this well-deserved award.”

DeFazio created Metropolitan National Bank 13 years ago and has overseen its growth from $8 million in assets to more than $600 million in assets.
 
Shulman’s long term professional achievements—55 years so far in the field of accounting in New York—and his leadership and devotion for many years in the global growth and development of B’nai B’rith made him an ideal candidate for this award.

In 1982, he founded his own firm, Shulman Cohen Furst & Co. Under his leadership as managing partner, the firm sustained growth and profitability and in 2006 it merged into Citrin Cooperman & Co., now the 28th largest CPA firm in the country. As tax partner, he provides tax, estate and financial planning services for businesses and individuals. He is also an attorney admitted to the New York State Bar.

For more than 40 years, Shulman has volunteered at the community, district and international levels of B’nai B’rith. He has served two terms as B’nai B’rith International’s treasurer, chaired the national Budget Committee, currently is Audit Chairman and serves on the Executive Committee and the board of the B’nai B’rith Foundation.

“I’d have a hard time finding anyone in our financial community who has done more for B’nai B’rith than Hal,” President Allan J. Jacobs said. “His dedication to B’nai B’rith and to his profession, along with his philanthropic endeavors, make Hal a role model for others. He’s a true gentleman and this award is a long time in coming.”  

Keynote speaker Jerome M. Hauer, commissioner, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, discussed cyber security pointing out the vital role the banking and finance industries play in recognizing and responding to cyber threats.

The tribute committee comprised of former honorees and other leaders in the banking and finance community in New York worked diligently to ensure a successful event.

Photos available upon request. Please contact Amy Green: AGreen@bnaibrith.org.