(Washington, D.C., August 7, 2008)— A distinguished and diverse group of government representatives, former diplomats, academics, members of the judiciary, journalists, and Jewish community activists gathered at Argentina's premier forum policy forum, the Argentine Council for International Relations (CAIR) with B'nai B'rith local and international leaders to focus on an issue of intense concern in Latin America: the growth of new forms of anti-Semitism in all walks of life. "This was really a breakthrough session in Argentina," said Moishe Smith, president of B'nai B'rith International (BBI). "This is a country where the AMIA bombing rocked the Jewish community to its foundation 14 years ago. This was a groundbreaking discussion on anti-Semitism for this country and for this region."
"Throughout its history, Argentina, like much of Latin America, has been plagued with anti-Semitism, sometimes at the highest levels of its society," stated Daniel S. Mariaschin, executive vice president of BBI. "The fact that high government leaders, judges, and former diplomats recognize the existing crisis and joined with Jewish activists to analyze and develop plans to combat anti-Semitism shows significant progress in public attitudes and tolerance within Latin America."
More than 200 people packed the conference. Opening remarks were provided by Alberto Rodriguez Giavarini, former foreign minister of Argentina; Vitorio Tacchetti, under secretary of the foreign ministry of Argentina; and BBI President Moishe Smith.
The Forum featured three panels: Anti-Semitism around the World Today, Anti-Semitism in Argentina; and How to Combat Anti-Semitism. Speakers included Professor Robert Wistrich
from Hebrew University; Monica Pinto, dean of the School of Law of the University of Buenos Aires; Dr. Sergio Abreu, a senator and former foreign minister of Uruguay; Jose Escribano, op-ed writer for La Nacion; and Daniel Rafecas, a well known judge. Closing remarks were provided by Jorge Taiana, foreign minister of Argentina.
BBI Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin and Latin American Affairs Director Eduardo Kohn are available for interviews to discuss this landmark session, the problem of anti-Semitism in Latin America, and approaches to the growing problem. For more information, please contact Deborah Auerbach-Deutsch at 202-857-6677 or via email at djad@bnaibrith.org.
Celebrating B'nai B'rith International's 165 years and Israel's 60 years in 2008.
B'nai B'rith International, the Global Voice of the Jewish Community, is the oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights, and advocacy organization. Since 1843, BBI has worked for Jewish unity, security, continuity, and tolerance. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.
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